As someone who’s not into cottagecore, understanding the concept of it was a bit of a struggle. According to Wikipedia, it’s a fashion aesthetic typically enjoyed by teenagers and young adults.
According to everything else I quickly skimmed, it’s an uber-romanticized vision of rural, agricultural life.
People who are into cottagecore wear outfits that are super fresh, super feminine… and wouldn’t last two seconds on an actual farm.
So, pretty but impractical. Got it.
That being said, let’s check some truly Maxis-matched CC items that would fit right into a cottagecore build in TS4.
This cottagecore set by Miiko contains two variations of a summery straw hat and a gorgeous ruffled dress.
Both are pretty, fresh, and feminine beyond a shadow of a doubt.
The Bianca dress is a frilly, off-breeze number that comes in 21 soft pastel swatches.
The hat accessory has two versions: one ties around your Sim’s neck and hangs off their back. The second one (that you can download here) goes on top of their head.
Is this not one of the most perfect “prairie girl” hairstyles you ever did see?
I say this as a compliment in every sense of the word; this hair is the definition of prim, pretty, and proper.
And, as if it couldn’t fit the “romanticized country vibes” theme any further, it comes with two accessories: a flower headband and a plain, practical bow.
Flower crowns are, indeed, a staple of cottagecore fashion. What could be more charmingly country than a headful of fresh blossoms?
Answer: very little.
Candysims’ Connie’s Flower Crowns come in two versions — one that perches on the crown of the head and another that rests on the forehead. If you have trouble with the download links on the site (they’re a bit fiddly), you can download version 1 here and version 2 here.
This pack feels like another cottagecore starter pack.
Loose white tunic top? Check.
Long, blonde, slightly messy braid? Check.
Full, simple maxi skirt? Double-check.
I know the creator said this was inspired by Slavic fashion and design, but if you squint just a little, you can easily imagine these outfits on a sweet country lass.
Loosely braiding flowers into your hair is impractical, yes. But is it aesthetic?
Also yes. Totally Instagram-worthy.
Pair Feral Poodles’ Primrose Hair with a lacey white sundress or a loose Bohemian outfit, and your Sim is more than ready to take artistic, sun-kissed photos amidst cornstalks.
12. Manito Skirt Retextured & Recolored by auroraplumbum
Auroraplumbum takes a bold, artistic skirt and turns it into a quiet, unassuming country ensemble. The wide, flared edge and rough cotton-like texture all exude that distinct country charm.
Anessasims’ Blue Anemone Collection is apparently inspired by an actual clothing brand with the same name.
A quick look at their page tells you that the creator pretty much captured the actual brand’s 60s and 70s capsule wardrobe style; solid colors, simple patterns, white and earthy tones.
It’s a little more minimalist-vintage than it is cottagecore, but the modest cuts and natural colors are definitely in-line with the romanticized rural aesthetic.
Just like simcelebrity00, oakiyo builds off of the existing new CAS stuff in The Sims 4: Cottage Living to bring us seven new-ish meshes:
Two hairs, three tops, a ruched dress, and cute candy shorts.
These items are a little less romanticized and a lot more practical in terms of dressing for the homestead, but they’re still pretty aesthetically inclined.
Bees aren’t necessarily equated to the modest country life, but the simplicity of the jewelry in this set plus the use of natural shapes and elements made me think, “cottagecore.”
I’ve filled this list with summer dresses. Where are the exclusive Male-frame-only items?
Sadly, there aren’t a lot.
But I did stumble across this neat Cottagecore Grandpa Sweater by TulipSniper. It doesn’t look like a highly romanticized interpretation of agricultural life, but it definitely nails the warm, cozy, quiet-town comforts vibe.
Don’t be misled; these are all clothing items — not decorative wildflowers.
And, staying true to the feminine country theme, the dresses, tops, bottoms, and shoes in this pack are all flow-y, frilly, puffed, cottony, and/or gingham-patterned.
Sweet, summery, and fresh as a daisy, this dress is pretty much the definition of romantic country.
Thin straps to let the shoulders breathe, full, ankle-length skirt to keep things modest, and faux-corset lacing at the front, because we might as well go full “old-fashioned homestead fashion,” here.
If it wasn’t clear by now, a majority of cottagecore outfits often involve full, ankle-length skirts. It’s the ultra-feminine silhouette that sells it.
Again, not sure how practical this is for feeding chickens, tending to cows, and reaping crops, but hey. We’re just after the pretty pictures.
If your Sim’s quaint country cottage doesn’t have the space for a full garden, install this mini greenhouse in the backyard to save space and maximize curb appeal.
Is curb appeal even a thing for rural lots? No clue.
All I know is, this cute little plant house is a thing of beauty.
32. Rustic Chicken Coop (Functional) by AggressiveKitty
If your Sim is fond of the outdoorsy homestead life, then they probably love animals. What better way to get an instant serotonin boost than by hanging up hand-painted pictures of adorable woodland creatures?
I’d do it in a heartbeat if I had the wall space for it.
Genuinely wish I could just copy the creator’s description and paste it here, because it perfectly sums up what you get in this pack in just a few lines.
Long story short; it’s a full, flourishing ecosystem in bright, colorful containers.
Bees are optional and sold separately.
39. Orjanic Stuff Pack – Part 1 & 2 by House of Harlix
Bear in mind; this stuff pack by House of Harlix’s Orjanic stuff pack contains 78 new Build and Buy pieces.
And it’s free.
They’re not just decorative meshes either, no.
Part 1 of the set includes functional doors, windows, arches, wallpaper—literally a full suite of country-living-inspired build items, guaranteed to help you achieve that worn-wood, sturdy-stone aesthetic that most farmhouses have.
Once you’ve built the floor plan, use Part 2 (which you can download here) to furnish it. 51 pieces of functional shelves, tables, chairs, settees, and counters in soft wooden textures and earthy hues.
Both that sentence and the actual items? Adorable.
Just look at the preview photos; those would look absolutely perfect in a small greenhouse or quaint forest cottage. They literally add a pop of color that would work with any interior color scheme.
41. Cottage Garden Stuff by The Plumbob Tea Society
If your Sim’s tiny homestead cottage needs a makeover – especially in the kitchen area – this small stuff pack can give them some new design options that are quaint and charmingly rustic.
