Boho alternative styles
fairycore and cottagecore
As I delve more and more into the bohemian style and look for similar style clothes, I discovered new style names that have recently appeared.
The fairycore, cottage core, goblincore, witchcore styles appeared, which try to define what direction the person representing the bohemian dress represents in their life or clothing.
I searched for clothes on Pinterest, Vinted, and more and more users are using these styles with hashtags, making it easier to find the right style of clothing.
In my articles, I would like to present the different styles.
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The fairycore style is a magical, nature-centered aesthetic that draws from the world of fairy tales and forest magic. It is very popular among alternative fashion and lifestyle trends, especially among those who prefer a close-to-nature, romantic atmosphere.
The main characteristic of fairycore style
Colors
- Pastel shades: pink, lavender, pale green, cream, light blue
- Natural tones: moss color, brown, beige, off-white
- Pearlescent elements are also common
Clothing and materials
- Breathable, airy materials: tulle, lace, chiffon, organza
- Dressing in layers (like a little forest fairy’s dress)
- Floral patterns, embroideries, hand-made effect details
- Dresses with puffy sleeves, vintage silhouettes, floor-length skirts
Accessories
- Flower crowns, hair ornaments (e.g. with leaf, mushroom, butterfly motifs)
- Antique or enchanted jewelry (keys, vials, crystals)
- Fairy wings can also appear as a cosplay/costume
Makeup and hairstyle
- Natural, bright make-up — often with a pearlescent highlighter
- Tiny sparkles, rhinestones around the eyes
- Wavy, braided or naturally let down hair — often decorated with flowers
Lifestyle and mood
- Living close to nature, walks in the forest, picking mushrooms, collecting flowers
- Writing a diary, making a herbarium, drinking tea, collecting old books
- Aesthetically, it is often associated with cottagecore and goblincore trends, but more fabulous and fairy-tale than them
Pictorial world
- Forests, misty landscapes, spring meadows
- Mushrooms, moss, potions, lanterns
- Faint, dreamy lights and filters on photos
The main characteristics of the cottagecore style
The cottagecore style is a romantic, nostalgic aesthetic that celebrates the beauty and closeness to nature of simple rural life. The name also reflects this: “cottage” = country cottage, “core” = essence of a style or aesthetic.
Colors
- Warm, natural shades: cream, earth brown, olive green, rust, pale yellow
- There are also pastels: powder pink, lavender, light blue
Clothing and material
- Vintage-style, Victorian-inspired dresses
- Long, loose-fitting skirts and dresses with puffy sleeves
- Natural materials: cotton, linen, muslin, wool
- Small floral patterns, checkered and embroidered details
Accessories
- Straw hats, woven baskets, knitted scarves
- Embroidered or handmade accessories
- Classic leather shoes, ballerinas, boots
Lifestyle and mood
- Rural, slow life: baking and cooking, gardening, making jam
- Reading in nature, journaling, sewing, needlework
- Sustainability, respect and romanticization of nature
Visual world
- Sunny meadows, wild flower fields, old farmhouses
- Drinking tea from a porcelain cup, books, wicker baskets
In the next article, I will present the characteristics of goblincore and witchcore.
