The cottagecore aesthetic may have started to dominate the fashion scene in 2020, but it surely hasn't lost any of its momentum. Last summer, I thought the trend had faded away, but thankfully, the warmer weather brought the resurgence of the look. There are a variety of outfits that fall into the cottagecore category, but the one defining piece of the aesthetic happens to be a dress. Think dainty florals, puff sleeves, and lightweight fabrics—these all make up the perfect cottagecore dress.
Summer is almost here, so if you're looking for the perfect time to incorporate the aesthetic into your style, now is the time. While the style reigns in popularity, the market is a tad saturated with ethereal dresses you'd want to frolic in, but I narrowed it down to the best 26 I've seen at all sorts of price points. Keep scrolling to shop for the warmer days ahead.
H&M
Waffled Jersey Dress
The back details simply make the dress.
Reformation
Lacey Dress
If there's a brand that understands cottagecore, it's Reformation.
Staud
Bow Dress
No need to shy away from a pop of pink.
Zara
Draped Poplin Dress
This dress is selling fast.
Urban Outfitters
Nicolette Linen Lace-Up Midi Dress
Summer is coming.
H&M
Puff-Sleeved Beach Dress
Beach day, anyone?
Reformation
Tagliatelle Linen Dress
Linen is a warm-weather must.
Simple Retro
Magnolia Printed Floral Yellow Midi Dress
If you're looking for vintage-inspired dresses at an affordable price point, Simple Retro will check all your boxes.
For Love & Lemons
Yolanda Floral Mini Dress
That neckline is divine.
Mango
Puffed Sleeves Cotton Dress
Clean and crisp.
Reformation
Bucatini Linen Dress
Dreamy.
Glamorous
Sunflower Check Mini Dress
The perfect shade of faded yellow.
Allina Liu
Camilla Dress
Work of art.
Mango
Ruched Detail Dress
I'm not sure what I love more—the shade of blue or the ruched bodice.
Aje
Impression Dress
This would make a great low-key wedding dress.
Faithfull the Brand
Viola Mini Dress
While I love an LBD, I'm all about little floral dresses this season.
Zara
Tiered Linen Blend Dress
No doubt, you'll wear this for years to come.
Ciao Lucia
Clara Dress
Who What Wear editors love Ciao Lucia, and you can see why.
Zara
Floral Print Dress
Zara definitely knows how to make a great floral dress.
Faithfull the Brand
Francesca Midi Dress
Doesn't this dress make you want to book a countryside vacation?
Topshop
Ruched Cotton Poplin Dress
If you like the ruching from above, this is a great mini option with the same vibe.
Urban Outfitters
Celeste Strapless Maxi Dress
Cowboy boots pair well with this dress.
Reformation
Kenzi Dress
If you're one for a moodier color palette.
Ganni
Poplin Collar Dress
I can't resist a dramatic collar.
H&M
Linen-Blend Dress
I've been looking to H&M to upgrade my wardrobe, and the brand hasn't let me down.
Rixo
Cannes Dress
I almost always have a Rixo dress on my wish list.
Eloquii
Tie Back Mini Dress
I love a good square neckline.
Loveshackfancy
Bennington Dress
Adorable.
Madewell
Lucie Smocked Linen Blend Minidress
Don't worry—not every cottagecore dress has to be white.
After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, Yusra Siddiqui found her way to the team after graduating with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, Nylon, and Allure. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest social media trends, and diving deep into all things Gen Z-related.