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Are you interested in trying out a more vintage type of look? If so, then you should consider trying out the dark cottagecore aesthetic.
The dark cottagecore aesthetic blends the earthy vibes of cottagecore with the gothic vintage vibes of dark academia for a witchy look that’s still real-life-wearable.
This is the perfect aesthetic for those of us who like to have a wardrobe with a darker color palette. Also, if you love vintage clothing, you need to give dark cottagecore a try.
To help you find the perfect dark cottagecore looks to add to your wardrobe, read on to learn exactly what you should be shopping for, as well as specific outfit ideas with styling tips.
Key Elements of Dark Cottagecore Fashion
Dark Color Palette
One of the most important things you should look for when shopping for dark cottagecore aesthetic outfits is the color palette.
Specifically, this means sticking to a dark color palette (obviously) featuring shades of dark brown, deep green, navy, burgundy, and black.
Detailed Patterns & Fabrics
You can also add some fun pieces to your look by searching for items that have patterns and/or fabrics that fit this aesthetic.
For example, plaid is very dark cottagecore. You could opt for a plaid dress or skirt to help you achieve the aesthetic.
You can also add some floral prints to your looks for those cottagecore vibes, but make sure to look for floral prints in darker shades to match the palette of this aesthetic.
I also recommend adding lace to your looks for a little more of that vintage, romantic cottagecore feel.
Silhouettes
Pay attention to your silhouettes when you’re dressing dark cottagecore.
In general, you want your outfits to cinch you in at the waist, which will give you the vintage-romantic vibe this aesthetic is known for.
Stock up on cute belts, skirts that hit you at the waist, and fit-and-flare dresses like the one above. I love the flowy bottom and fitted top of this dress, plus the dark floral print is so dark cottagecore!
Dark Cottagecore Outfit Ideas
Floral Maxi Skirt
To achieve the dark cottagecore aesthetic, start by investing in a flowy maxi or midi skirt that hits you at your natural waist. This maxi skirt comes in a rich burgundy shade, which makes it perfectly dark cottagecore.
To complete this outfit, you can pair the skirt with a cute pair of boots and a simple turtleneck, as shown above.
Off-the-Shoulder Corset Dress
Corset outfits are so much fun, and if you stick to a deep color palette, they’re very dark cottagecore.
For example, this off-the-shoulder corset dress is a perfect all-in-one outfit. It not only comes with a cute floral corset, but it will also give you a dark cottagecore look with the black, flowy fabric of the dress.
And what you will love about this dress is that you can totally wear it out at night with some heels or rock it for an everyday look with some cute boots.
Lace Bell Sleeve Dress
If you want to add a fancy dark cottagecore dress to your closet, this lace bell-sleeve dress is a perfect choice.
Lace is perfect for the dark cottagecore aesthetic especially when it’s in black. The bell sleeve design of this dress will also help you achieve the witchy vibes you are going for!
Add chunky black boots, and you can wear this for a night out or for a dressed-up look during the day.
Overalls
If you’re looking for an easy everyday outfit that fits the dark cottagecore aesthetic, then you should check out overalls like these.
Overalls have a cozy cottagecore feel to them, and if you get them in a dark color like black, you’ve transitioned over to dark cottagecore. Style them up with lace-up boots, a tee, and some gothic-inspired jewelry.
Plaid Dress
As mentioned earlier, plaid is a great choice for this aesthetic. And there are so many types of plaid outfits you can incorporate into your wardrobe.
For example a plaid dress like this one is a great option to have on hand. This plaid dress not only comes in a super cute black and brown plaid print (meaning it goes with both black and brown), but it also has adorable puff sleeves that will add even more of the cottagecore feel to this look!
Just pair it with some loafers or boots for a super cute dark cottagecore outfit you can wear every day.
Plaid Maxi Skirt
I also love plaid skirt outfits like this one for the dark cottagecore aesthetic. How fitting that the model is twirling around in the woods!
Not only will the dark plaid print of this skirt add to the dark cottagecore feel of your look, but the flowy design of the skirt means you can pair it with any tight top for a balanced outfit.
Puff Sleeve Dress
If you are looking for a simple dress you can wear daily that gives off the dark cottagecore vibe, you should check out this simple but cute puff-sleeve dress.
Puff sleeves are very cottagecore, and the cut of this dress emphasizes the waist for that all-important vintage feel. And obviously, this pretty dress comes in black, which is a must for dark cottagecore.
Tiered Maxi Skirt
If you are looking for a simple skirt to add to your wardrobe, this tiered maxi skirt is a great option that feels very dark cottagecore.
The tiered design of this skirt has a rustic, vintage feel, and obviously, this skirt comes in black for the dark vibes.
To complete this look, pair the skirt with a cute pair of boots, and you could even wear it with a puff sleeve or ruffle top for an extra vintage feel.
Pinafore Dress
Square neck pinafore dresses like this one are also a great choice when shopping for the dark cottagecore aesthetic!
Cottagecore girlies love to wear dresses like this one and add puff sleeve tops underneath. It’s such a cute combo for fall, especially if you keep to a dark color palette.
You can also buy these squareneck dresses with the shirt already built in for an easy, everyday dark cottagecore look!
Puff Sleeve Corset Dress
This puff sleeve corset dress is another perfect dark cottagecore piece for fall.
The puff sleeves and the corset design of this dress will definitely give you the cottagecore look that you are going for, while the dark green hue is a perfect dark color for autumn and winter.
To finish this look, pair this cute dress with some ballet flats and your favorite vintage-inspired jewelry.
Dark Cottagecore Styling Tips
Styling Your Outfits for the Season
What you will love about the dark cottagecore aesthetic is it is perfect for the fall.
If you need even more outfit inspiration to create your dark cottagecore fall fits, the video above has tons of inspiration using pieces you likely already have in your closet.
Adding Your Own Unique Vibe
And, you can totally also blend this aesthetic with others to create your own look.
For example, if you like the dark academia aesthetic, you can definitely find pieces that will help you create unique looks that blend both of these aesthetics.
Check out this video to see some ideas of how you can blend the dark cottagecore aesthetic with the dark academia aesthetic.
Which dark cottagecore outfits will you be trying?
What is your favorite element of the dark cottagecore aesthetic? How will you be styling your dark cottagecore outfits?