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27 May

How to Dress in Sustainable Cottagecore Style

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Learn to do cottagecore more sustainably with our roundup of responsible brands creating clothes that fit the soft and dreamy aesthetic popularised on platforms like TikTok.

The romanticism of conscious cottagecore

In times of crisis, when the unknown permeates society, we all learn to cope and exist in different ways. During the thick of the pandemic, fashion and culture shifted, grounding us in new and unexpected ways. From learning how to bake bread to curling up with stacks of classic books or even just watching Dickinson, it seems as though cottagecore and its rural, “earthing” aesthetic provided a necessary escape from the chaos and unfamiliarity all around us. It drew together all of the best parts of going off and living in a cabin in the woods—one where the fruit is always fresh, the air is always clean, and the pandemic ceases to exist.

Aside from its refreshing romanticism, cottagecore also took hold during a moment of pause when we questioned our relationship to geopolitics, capitalism, and the environment, critiquing the wasteful, trend-oriented consumer culture we all grew desensitised to before the pandemic. While some may argue that this moment has come and gone, others, including the Good On You team, feel that this is just the first step in “slowing down,” bringing us back to our roots as a human species and essentialising our needs. The DIY elements of cottagecore are also a plus, with people engaging with aspects of a sustainable lifestyle, including gardening, mending, and home cooking.

In line with this ethos, we’ve compiled a list of ‘Good’ and ‘Great’ brands that will help you dress effortlessly in sustainable cottagecore style. Below you can find minimal and organic cottagecore styles by Altar (US), timeless modern heirlooms including peplum tops and puffy-sleeved dresses by Kalaurie (AU), and if you’re looking for something second hand, One Vintage (UK) has you covered with everything from prairie sets to ethereal crepe blouses. With that, find your favourite nook and enjoy!

Christy Dawn

Rated: Great
Sustainable cottagecore style dress by Christy Dawn

The Basil Dress Petites – Ships internationally from the US

This bell-sleeved beauty is perfect for any summer or spring day. In collaboration with the farmers and artisans of Oshadi Collective, this dress is part of the brand’s “Farm to Closet” initiative. Every aspect of this process is in a direct reciprocal relationship with the human beings who steward the land, the plants that feed from the soil, and Mother Earth herself. The Basil Dress is beautifully constructed from upcycled deadstock and organic cotton, which allows the brand to support the collective as they grow their regenerative farm. Eventually, the brand’s goal is to produce all of their fabrics through ancient wisdom and regenerative practices!

Find pieces in standard sizes XS-XL, or shop the Extended and Petite collections.

See the rating.

Shop Christy Dawn.

Maggie Marilyn

Rated: Good
Maggie Marilyn Cottagecore Style Checkered Red Skirt

Coco’s Cantina Skirt in Red & White – Ships internationally from New Zealand

Made from 100% deadstock linen, the Coco’s skirt is an A-line shaped mini in the brand’s favourite red and white check. Pair with the 01 Singlet or with the matching counterpart Coco’s shirt. This is one you’ll want to throw on and wear all through spring and summer!

Sizes available are XS-L.

See the rating.

Shop Maggie Marilyn @ Farfetch.

Shop Maggie Marilyn Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Shop Maggie Marilyn.

Kalaurie

Rated: Good
Woman in ruched sustainable cottagecore style top by Kalaurie

LOVERS TOP in White – Ships internationally from Australia

More Sustainable cottagecore at its finest. Crafted in beautiful white cotton broderie anglaise, this stunning top is a loose fitting cropped blouse featuring romantic puffy sleeves, front adjustable gathered tie detail, and a bound neckline. Wear solo or pair with the matching Lady Like Skirt for the perfect ensemble.

The pieces are available in 2XS-2XL.

Want the full look? Keep your head happy and secure with one of Kalaurie’s Garden Hats for all your adventures in and out of the countryside.

See the rating.

Shop Kalaurie.

One Vintage

Rated: Good
Woman in One Vintage sustainable corset top

Farial, 2 piece cotton and lace prairie set – Ships internationally from the UK

One Vintage is a unique boutique that re-designs garments into one-off, unique wardrobe staples. The Farial is a unique, pale yellow, 2-piece cotton set featuring a thin strapped, lace up top and a corset-like point front hem. The matching high waisted skirt has a double frill detail, yellow lace, and fastens on the back with buttons.

This particular set comes in a UK size 8.

See the rating.

Shop One Vintage.

Mother of Pearl

Rated: Good
Woman in Effie dress by Mother of Pearl

The Effie Dress in White – Ships internationally from the UK

Mother of Pearl is a more sustainable and ethical luxury womenswear and accessories designer brand from the UK that celebrates individuality and authenticity. Classic and comfortable, the tiered construction of the Effie dress is ideal for breezy summer days. Cut from a cotton and tencel mix, it has a relaxed fit with the skirt falling just above the knee. The dress features long puff sleeves finished with the brand’s gold kidney popper. Dress it up with a chunky heel or down with sandals for any occasion!

Find most products in UK sizes 6 to 16.

See the rating.

Shop Mother of Pearl.

Shop Mother of Pearl @ Rêve en Vert.

Shop Mother of Pearl Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Beulah

Rated: Good
Beulah Indira Dress in sustainable cottagecore style

Indira Twilight Blue – Ships internationally from the UK

Fighting slavery through fashion, Beulah London creates timeless, feminine clothes, providing employment opportunities for vulnerable women. In line with this ethos, the Indira Dress is crafted from textured stripe cotton in a twilight blue floral print. Falling to an ankle length, it features full-length balloon sleeves with velvet bib as well as tie cuff detailing and an elegant V-neckline. Style simply with barely-there sandals or espadrilles to let the striking print take the focus.

Garments found in UK sizes 6-16.

See the rating.

Shop Beulah.

Mara Hoffman

Rated: Good
Pink pleated sustainable cottagecore style skirt

Tulay Skirt in Blush – Ships internationally from the US

With a focus on mindful and conscious practices, Mara Hoffman uses better materials including GOTS certified cotton, recycled nylon, recycled polyester, and even has a range of Oeko-Tex STeP certified products. This high-waist, A-line skirt is cut from a lightweight blend of soft linen and Tencel Lyocell, featuring an unlined and fitted waist with pleats to create a voluminous shape.

Mara Hoffman items come in sizes XS to 3XL, and the brand also has a gorgeous extended sizes collection, so you can be sure to find a new wardrobe addition no matter the bod you rock!

See the rating.

Shop Mara Hoffman @ Farfetch.

Shop Mara Hoffman Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Shop Mara Hoffman.

Altar

Rated: Good
Oatmeal cottagecore style dress by Altar

Latoya Dress in Oatmeal – Ships internationally from the US

Looking for your next perfect picnic dress? Look no further! This gorgeous 100% linen A-line dress has a square yoked neckline and beautiful bishop sleeves with a closure at the bottom. The sleeves land just below the elbow, effortlessly. At the base of the yoke, the dress has ties that can be knotted in a number of different ways to create different contouring silhouettes. Oh, and of course, it’s equipped with big, roomy pockets for all your daily needs.

This proudly American brand serves size gradations from size S to 6XL.

See the rating.

Shop Altar.

Spell

Rated: Good
Woman in honey coloured Spell sustainable cottagecore blouse

Jesse Jane Cropped Blouse in Honey – Ships internationally from Australia

Spell is an Australian modern-bohemian fashion brand inspired by far-off places, vintage treasures, and childhood memories. The Jesse Jane Cropped Blouse is a nod to cottagecore’s romantic side, featuring a softened silhouette. Expertly crafted, it offers a stunning shirred bodice with smocking detail, blended beautifully with gathered frill at the waist, poetic puff sleeves, and an elasticated v-neckline.

All garments are available in sizes XXS to 2XL, proudly designed and sampled in Byron Bay. So sweet!

See the rating.

Shop Spell.

OhSevenDays

Rated: Good
Sustainable cottagecore peplum blouse by OhSevenDays

Winona Top in Blush – Ships internationally from Turkey

The Winona Top is your next favourite sustainable cottagecore style top. Pair with trousers, jeans, or shorts for any warm weather occasion. This lovely is gorgeously crafted from surplus Oeko-Tex certified linen and features a peplum waist with an optional hook and eye chest closure.

OhSevenDays’ garments are available in sizes XS-XL or custom sizing. Love!

See the rating.

Shop OhSevenDays.

Shop OhSevenDays @ SlowCo.

TAMGA Designs

Rated: Good
Woman in floral cottagecore style dress by Tamga Designs

Annika Maxi Dress – Ships internationally from Canada

TAMGA Designs is out to prove how colourful and exciting sustainable fashion can be, serving up gorgeous, flowy designs that will guide you into warmer weather with poise and grace. The Annika Maxi Dress is straight out of a fairy tale. With long ruffle-trim sleeves and a detachable belt, this maxi is the ultimate easy-to-wear statement piece. Grab some Shakespeare and spend the afternoon at the park wrapped in lilac wildflowers.

You can find the full range of this Canadian brand in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Tamga Designs.

Beaumont Organic

Rated: Good
Billowy blue sustainable cottagecore style dress by Beaumont Organic

Lesley Organic Cotton Dress in Pale Blue – Ships internationally from the UK

Beaumont Organic is a UK-based slow fashion brand that blends simple style with ethical production practices. Founded by Hannah Beaumont-Laurencia, the brand also has its own charitable foundation which supports people in Fiji. Simple and effortless, the Lesley is a sustainable cottagecore staple made ethically in Portugal from 100% organic cotton. It features a lovely square neck and soft gathered detailing at the hem with convenient pockets at the sides and flared sleeves.

Find the range in sizes XS-L. Beautiful!

See the rating.

Shop Beaumont Organic.

Faithfull the Brand (Pre-Owned)

Rated: It's A Start
Woman in blue midi dress by Faithfull the Brand

Mid-Length Dress in Blue – Ships internationally from the US

Faithfull the Brand is an Indonesia-based collection of effortless pieces designed to be versatile and easy, made with the modern traveller in mind. The brand rates ‘Good’ on the labour and animal welfare fronts, but still needs to use better materials and reduce textile waste. By buying Faithfull the Brand second hand you’re helping keep clothes out of landfills, while looking prim and proper in your gently used sustainable cottagecore style beauty!

Faithfull pieces come in sizes XS-3XL.

See the rating.

Shop Faithfull the Brand Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Reformation

Rated: Good
Woman in Reformation's Maegan dress

Maegan Linen Dress – Ships internationally from the US

Wear sauntering on the beach or through the fields, the Maegan Linen Dress is classically cottagecore. The Maegan hugs your figure in the bodice and has a full skirt to give you some breathing room. It also features a neoclassical style print with a smocked back bodice to provide a little stretch, giving you a structured, yet comfortable look.

Find all Reformation pieces in US sizes 0-12.

See the rating.

Shop Reformation @ LVRSustainable.

Shop Reformation Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Shop Reformation @ Farfetch.

Shop Reformation.

GRAMMAR

Rated: Good
Woman in sustainable cottagecore tunic by GRAMMAR

The Dangling Modifier Tunic – Ships internationally from the US

This brand started off selling just white shirts, but has recently expanded into a full range with clever tailoring, creative cuts, and details that mean there’s a shape and style to suit everyone. All GRAMMAR’s clothes are made from ethically sourced 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and produced in small batches in New York city. The Dangling Modifier Tunic is no exception, featuring natural shell buttons and 100% organic cotton.

The range is available in US sizes 0-16.

See the rating.

Shop GRAMMAR @ Rêve en Vert.

Shop GRAMMAR @ Made Trade.

Shop GRAMMAR.

Cloe Cassandro

Rated: Good
Woman in black sustainable cottagecore style blouse by Cloe Cassandro

Agatha Top in Black – Ships internationally from the UK

The darker side of cottagecore? I think yes. The Agatha Top retains that classic pretty cottagecore style while adding a darker twist. The blouse is made from the brand’s luxurious and soft 100% cotton waffle. While it’s perfect for warmer weather, purchase for longevity and add it to your own capsule wardrobe!

Cloe Cassandro’s products can be found in UK sizes XS-L.

See the rating.

Shop Cloe Cassandro.

autark

Rated: Good
Woman in checkered sustainable cottagecore dress by autark

Balloon Sleeve Cotton Dress in Check – Ships internationally from Australia

The epitome of prairie style. autark is an Australian clothing label that features a modern take on slow fashion. This balloon sleeve dress is an easy-wear and versatile piece cut from a deadstock woven cotton with check print. Additionally, it features a gathered asymmetric waist detail inspired by the beauty of nature and is finished with side seam pockets.

autark garments are available in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop autark.

Luna + Sun

Rated: Good
Woman in terracotta sustainable cottagecore dress by Luna + Sun

The Bodhi Dress in Terracotta – Ships internationally from Australia

Luna + Sun is an Australian, cruelty-free fashion line creating gorgeous feminine designs. Its factory is certified by Ethical Clothing Australia, and its products are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified. The Bodhi Dress is the perfect sustainable cottagecore style summer dress, featuring a beautiful mid-length with gathered tiered layers and an elasticated puff sleeve. Pair with your favourite heels or wear casually with sandals.

Find the clothes in AU sizes 6-18.

See the rating.

Shop Luna + Sun.

Underprotection

Rated: Good
Kaftan style dress by underprotection

Sara Kaftan in Beige – Ships internationally from Denmark

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Underprotection is a Danish brand based in Copenhagen with the purpose of creating underwear styles that make you feel fabulous, loungewear you want to wear all week and swimwear that makes you dream about vacation and summer. In line with this ethos, the Sara Kaftan solves any crisis about what to wear during hot summer days. Flowy and light, it features ruffled sleeves and is made from 100% sustainable materials including banana leaf fibers. Neat!

Also, you can find the full range in sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Underprotection.

Bougainvillea London

Rated: Great

Pure Silk Sunshine Yellow Masala – Ships internationally from the UK

Hand stitched in London, the Pure Silk Masala is an easy-to-wear pure silk spring dress, with a ruffled high neck, balloon sleeves, large frilly yoke, and midi hemline. A true romantic classic, it can be dressed up with heels or with sneakers and a wide belt for a more casual look. Bougainvillea London is a slow fashion house that creates one of a kind garments from vintage Indian silk. It manufactures locally with a small in-house team, reducing its carbon footprint and minimising textile waste in the process.

Find garment in sizes 12-14.

See the rating.

Shop Bougainvillea London.

peony

Rated: Good

Sunday Tie Side Blouse – Ships internationally from Australia

Inspired by the brand’s love of vintage gingham, peony’s Sunday print features rows of creamy white and rich chocolate. This Sunday Side Tie Blouse is the perfect fusion of effortless and wearable. peony is a luxury swimwear brand that creates consciously from recycled and sustainable fabrics. The Australian brand’s factories are certified by Social Accountability International – SA8000, and it traces most of its supply chain.

Find clothes in sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop peony.

Gunda Hafner

Rated: Good
cream puff sleeve cotton crop top by Gunda Hafner

Cream Cropped Short Sleeve Top – Ships within Europe from the UK

An adorable summer staple. This cream cropped short sleeve top is proudly made from 100% cotton. Complete the outfit with high waisted pants for a formal look, or low rise trousers for a casual look. Gunda Hafner is a high quality, more ethical womenswear brand from the UK that focuses on using natural fibres in order to minimise the consequences of synthetics and single use plastics.

Find pieces in sizes S-L.

See the rating.

Shop Gunda Hafner.

Aestethic London

Rated: Great

Organic Alice Top – Ships internationally from the UK

Delicate and ethereal, the Alice top is crafted ethically in London from a luxuriously soft GOTS certified, untreated organic cotton. Adorned with romantic puff sleeves, it features a self-tie neck and a lovely buttoned opening at the back. Aestethic London offers meaningful luxury crafted more ethically in London from raw materials. The brand uses a high proportion of lower-impact fabrics like GOTS certified organic cotton, and its entire product range is vegan-friendly!

Find garments in UK sizes 6-16.

See the rating.

Shop Aestethic London.

Finito! We hope this guide provided some helpful hints on how to nail more sustainable cottagecore dreaminess without needing to sacrifice your ethics.

Feeling inspired and grounded? Check out our article on minimalist fashion and its role in creating a more sustainable lifestyle.

Editor's note

Feature image via Kalaurie, all other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet, and animals. We love to recommend some of the best sustainable brands, rated "Good" or "Great". We also encourage shopping pre-owned as another great way to reduce the impact of our fashion choices. Use our directory to search thousands of rated brands.

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