Cottagecore Trend: Rejecting Modernity and Embracing Tradition

Over the past few years, we have seen a revival in many fashion trends such as Y2K, grunge, and alternative, with influencers posting their curated outfits on platforms like TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram. No matter what the decade, you can always assume that something popular now will eventually make its comeback somewhere down the line. One such trend that has made its resurgence is the cottagecore look.

Romanticizing a peaceful life surrounded by nature in the English countryside, the cottagecore aesthetic has been a way for many people to escape their hectic city/corporate lifestyle. I can appreciate that it places an emphasis on appreciating the little, simpler things in life, which makes the routine of studying and working from home a little less monotonous. With that being said, here are some examples of cottagecore trends in eyewear that will stand the test of time.

Minimalistic Metals

If cottagecore styles are something you want to dip your toes into, a minimal yet stylish frame is a great starting point. Following the same spirit of returning to our humble roots, a thin metal wire frame will give you a timeless look. It is incredibly versatile, and will also match any floral fabrics and patterned knit sweaters you may have in your closet. While solid gold or silver is always a safe option, I like that this frame also has a subtle tortoiseshell accent while still looking light and dainty.

/p/womens-stainless-steel-cat-eye-eyeglass-frames/32275?skuId=3227515″>Woman wearing glasses with a gold frame, smiling.

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Soft, Neutral, and Earthy Tones

A huge part of cottagecore trends is embracing nature, and one way to do that is to incorporate botanical and earthy colors into your glasses. Why not stray from the paved path and explore different frame colors? You can keep things closer to neutral or add a pop of color–I picked out a sage green frame that reminds me of a stroll through a dense forest. I love that the color is muted and that the frame is translucent, which keeps the frame wearable on a casual day despite being a less conventional color.

/p/womens-acetate-square-eyeglass-frames/6629?skuId=662924″>Green translucent eyeglasses with an oval-shaped frame.
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Patterned and Floral

If you’re feeling more adventurous, there are plenty of cottagecore style frames that offer statement designs inspired by different scenes in nature, like walking through a flower field, or alongside a flowing river. My pick was inspired by picturing a bright, sunny day in my backyard garden. The soft watercolor design incorporates some of my favorite colors in nature.

/p/womens-stainless-steel-square-eyeglass-frames/32286?skuId=3228629″>Person wearing eyeglasses with pastel-colored frames and clear lenses.
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Oversized/Large Frames

Cottagecore fashion can be easily identified through the long, draping dresses and skirts people often wear, making them look comfortable yet stylish. While glasses can’t exactly be as flowy or soft as these fabrics, I chose a cream colored oversized frame that I felt gives off the same effortlessly fashionable silhouette. This trend looks especially good as sunglasses.

/p/womens-tr-cat-eye-eyeglass-frames/20244?skuId=2024433″>Woman wearing oversized round sunglasses with a tortoiseshell pattern frame and gradient brown lenses.
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Tanya Nguyen earned her undergraduate degree in biochemistry at UCLA. During her gap years, she worked in a private practice optometry office, where she was inspired to pursue a career in eye care. She is currently studying at the University of California Berkeley School of Optometry.