Who can wear cottagecore?

Anyone! Cottagecore is a universal trend that can apply to all body types, budgets , and events.

What shoes do you wear with a cottagecore dress?

It all depends on the style of the event you're attending. You can wear a nicer sandal for a more casual event , or pair with wedges to keep the cottagecore trend going.

Can I wear cottagecore to a black tie wedding?

Of course! You can dress up this trend by focusing on fabric and length to make it feel more formal.

20 Best Cottagecore Wedding Guest Dresses of 2023

bride and wedding guest — Photo by Rachel Pearlman Photography

The buzzy cottagecore trend is one we absolutely love for weddings given its idealized take on clothing worn in rural settings, like a country home or during a rustic retreat that skews super romantic. “From the nubby knits and homespun charm detailing to peter pan collars and embroidery, the cottagecore trend makes for the perfect romantic aesthetic for any wedding guest dress," shares Caroline Maguire, fashion director at Shopbop.

Simply put, think lace and frills, puff sleeves, full skirts, high necklines, and super pretty floral prints. However, it is important to note that while cottagecore is inherently feminine, it can easily skew casual when relaxed fabrics and silhouettes are at play. So for a dressier result, Maguire says details will help to elevate any wedding guest look. Among her favorites are voluminous shapes like a balloon or mutton sleeve, pin-tuck shoulders, ruffled and tiered skirts, and demure necklines.

With all this in mind, for those attending a wedding this year and looking for a fresh take on wedding guest attire, we've got you covered. Keep scrolling to discover the best cottagecore-inspired dresses, including lots of florals, fresh colors, and feminine flourishes.

Our Top Picks

Best Square Neckline:

Free People Ain’t She A Beaut Midi Dress at Revolve

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Best Florals:

The Vampire's Wife The Villanelle Dress at Selfridges.com

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For a Summer Wedding:

Tove Ceres Cotton Midi Dress at Tove-studio.com

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For a Winter Wedding:

Autumn Adeigbo Jade Dress at Shopbop.com

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Most Simple:

Mie Havana Dress at Shopbop.com

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For a Spring Wedding:

Zimmermann High Tide Belted Embellished Midi Dress at Net-a-Porter

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Most Playful:

LOVESHACKFANCY Dandy Maxi Dress at Loveshackfancy.com

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Best Knit Option:

Reformation Banks Knit Dress at Reformation

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Most Vibrant:

Farm Rio Red Secret Garden Organic Cotton Midi Dress at Farmrio.com

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Best Mini:

For Love & Lemons Merrill Puff Sleeve Mini Dress at Forloveandlemons.com

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Courtesy of Free People

View On Revolve

Size: XS-L | Materials: Cotton | Length: Ankle

This square-neck dress is a stunner when it comes to wedding guest attire, featuring signature cottagecore details like voluminous puff sleeves, a fitted waist, and a full skirt. Keep the elegant detailing as the focal point, and pair yours with natural-colored accessories for an effortless finish.

Courtesy of Selfridges

View On Selfridges.com

Size: UK 6-18 | Materials: Cotton | Length: Tea

It doesn’t get more quintessentially cottagecore than this floral dress, featuring puffed shoulders, blouson sleeves, a ruffled hem, and a high round neckline. Style yours with a barely-there sandal to offset the demure design.

Courtesy of Tove

View On Tove-studio.com

Size: FR 34-42 | Materials: Cotton | Length: Midi

This beautifully gathered dress sets a feminine tone while striking a chord in a bright yellow. The delicate bow ties and full skirt steer it further in a romantic direction—a look we love for a wedding in the summer.

Square neckline and short puff sleeves with elastic cuffs

Courtesy of Shopbop

View On Shopbop.com

Size: 0-14 | Materials: Jacquard | Length: Ankle

This metallic jacquard print maxi dress puts a bold and vintage-inspired spin on the cottagecore aesthetic. Take your look up a notch and pair your ensemble with a solid strappy sandal in forest green or black.

V neck and puff sleeves with elastic cuffs

Courtesy of Shopbop

View On Shopbop.com

Size: XS-3X | Materials: Linen | Length: Floor

For warm-weather nuptials, this linen maxi dress is the perfect way to master the cottagecore look. We love how the minimal silhouette masterfully balances the bold sleeves and buttoned-up front.

belted embellished floral-print linen midi dress

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Size: 00-4 | Materials: Linen | Length: Midi

This purple and pink dress is demure yet striking, featuring a fitted bust, belted waist, and relaxed skirt. We love it for a springtime wedding when there’s a hint of chill in the air.

Courtesy of LOVESHACKFANCY

View On Loveshackfancy.com

Size: 00-14 | Materials: Linen | Length: Midi

This midi dress combines a frothy palette of pink with feminine florals and puff sleeves. Offset the playfulness with a simple white, pink, or silver sandal to not detract from the whimsical design.

Courtesy of Reformation

View On Reformation

Size: XS-XL | Materials: Knit | Length: Tea

Long sleeves and a sweetheart neckline bring balance to this minimal knit dress that's at once modern and sweet. Style yours with a delicate sandal and straw mini bag for outdoor “I do’s.”

Courtesy of Farm Rio

View On Farmrio.com

Size: XS-XL | Materials: Cotton | Length: Ankle

When it comes to cottagecore, there’s no sleeve too puffy or skirt too full. Enter: Farm Rio’s printed maxi, featuring ample proportions and an enchanting patterned motif.

Courtesy of For Love & Lemons

View On Forloveandlemons.com

Size: XXS-2X | Materials: Recycled polyester | Length: Mini

If extra is your vibe, this bright floral number is your ultimate cottagecore wedding guest dress. The bold puff-sleeve sleeves are, indeed, the focal point, made even better when combined with the sweetheart neckline and mini hemline.

Courtesy of Farfetch

View On Farfetch.com

Size: XS-L | Materials: Taffeta | Length: Midi

Corseted waists often define the cottagecore trend, but this dress proves you can opt for a looser fit and still master the look. The taffeta fabric and voluminous sleeves are fanciful as ever, especially when paired with a pretty pair of delicate sandals or heels.

Courtesy of Doen

View On Shopdoen.com

Size: XS-XL | Materials: Silk satin | Length: Midi

This gorgeous slip dress still hits the cottagecore aesthetic, with more of a modern vibe. The silky fabric and ruffled trim feel elegant and luxe, with a vintage feel, to boot.

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

View On Neiman Marcus

Size: XS-XL | Materials: Organic cotton | Length: Ankle

If the puff sleeves and side cutouts weren’t captivating enough, you’d earn the title of best-dressed guest in this number thanks to the gorgeous abstract print alone. Delicate white sandals and a colorful bag are the perfect finishes in the spring or summer.

Courtesy of Sleeper

View On The-sleeper.com

Size: XS-XL | Materials: Linen | Length: Midi

With long puffed sleeves, this midi-length linen dress is a romantic option for a casual summer wedding or daytime nuptials in the spring. It comes in various colors and prints, too, including darling gingham checks and delicate blooms.

View On Revolve

Size: XS-XXL | Materials: Polyester | Length: Mini

Here for a mini? We love it. This all-black number is wedding-guest approved in our book, featuring three-quarter-length puff sleeves and a voluminous skirt.

Courtesy of Christy Dawn

View On Christydawn.com

Size: XS-XL | Materials: Regenerative cotton | Length: Midi

This vintage-inspired dress is our pick for a wedding at a rustic venue. Riff off the gathered skirt detailing and style your look with black sandals and delicate jewelry.

Courtesy of Ulla Johnson

View On Ullajohnson.com

Size: XS-XL | Materials: Regenerative cotton | Length: Midi

Cottagecore, but make it beachy in this ruffled dress featuring a vintage tapestry fabric design. To offset the voluminous silhouette, we love a simple sandal and a modern mini bag.

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

View On Neiman Marcus

Size: 0-10 | Materials: Chiffon | Length: Floor

This green dress is so darling for a relaxed wedding in a garden, a vineyard, or a beautiful backyard. We love it styled with strappy sandals and pearl jewelry for an ultra-feminine look.

Reformation

View On Reformation View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Size: 0-12 | Materials: Viscose | Length: Midi

This baby blue dress is as sweet as can be for daytime nuptials held in the summer. The sweetheart neckline, flutter shoulders, and column skirt are fully cottagecore, with a formal touch à la the middle split.

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On Lyst.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Size: 0-12 | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Length: Midi

This tiered dress is perfect for a formal wedding, boasting feminine touches like a high neckline and three-quarter sleeves. For a glamorous finish, opt for metallic accessories, like heels, a bag, and drop earrings.

What to Consider When Shopping for a Cottagecore Wedding Guest Dress

As with all wedding guest attire, you always want to be mindful of the dress code, season, and location of the event. Since cottagecore can oftentimes skew a bit more casual, it's best to stick with this aesthetic if attending a relaxed celebration. However, if you'd like to embrace this style for a formal affair, be sure to incorporate accessories in order to dress up your look a bit more. Don't be afraid to play around with texture and patterns as well, since cottagecore is an aesthetic that lends itself to unique prints and unexpected looks.

FAQ

Who can wear cottagecore?

Anyone! Cottagecore is a universal trend that can apply to all body types, budgets, and events.
What shoes do you wear with a cottagecore dress?

It all depends on the style of the event you're attending. You can wear a nicer sandal for a more casual event, or pair with wedges to keep the cottagecore trend going.
Can I wear cottagecore to a black tie wedding?

Of course! You can dress up this trend by focusing on fabric and length to make it feel more formal.