The pandemic has given us plenty of time to pause and re-think our relationships with the world around us. And for many, it has been a call to hark back to simpler times. This mindset has also trickled into our clothing choices, generated an aesthetic that is now referred to as cottagecore. “Cottagecore is more than just a fashion trend; it is a movement that embraces a way of life that is simple, sustainable and harmonious with nature,” says stylist Disha Selarka, pointing to the growing popularity of sourdough baking, DIY crafting, sewing and gardening over the last year. From a fashion perspective, cottagecore is inspired by nature-based motifs, craft projects, sustainability, and light, summery colours, she explains.

Summery colours define this aesthetic, says Disha Selarka