08 Dec Cottagecore vs Boho: What’s the Difference Between the Styles?
Cottagecore and boho may share dreamy visuals, natural textures, and a love for slow, simple living — but they come from very different worlds. As both aesthetics continue to trend across Pinterest, TikTok, and fashion blogs, it’s easy to see why people often confuse them. They overlap, but they aren’t the same. One is rooted in nostalgia and pastoral romance, while the other pulls from global inspiration, free-flowing creativity, and an eclectic sense of style.
If you’re drawn to soft dresses, earthy colors, vintage details, and cozy homes filled with personality, you might feel spiritually aligned with both aesthetics at once. But understanding the difference helps you curate your wardrobe, decorate your home, and express your personal style with more clarity and intention.
This guide breaks down cottagecore and boho in a way that makes it beautifully easy to spot what sets them apart — and how they can even blend together in your own life.
What Is Cottagecore?
Cottagecore is an aesthetic built around nostalgia, nature, and the romanticised idea of simple rural living. It’s soft, pastoral, dreamy, and intentionally slow. Cottagecore imagines a world where life feels gentle: baking bread, tending gardens, wearing light fabrics, and surrounding yourself with vintage charm.
The style leans into muted tones, florals, lace, natural fibres, and silhouettes that look lifted from another era. Think puff-sleeve dresses, linen aprons, antique-inspired corsets, and delicate cardigans. In the home, cottagecore brings in handmade details, old books, soft colours, floral prints, dried flowers, and a slightly whimsical sense of nostalgia.
It’s less about being literal and more about creating a feeling — a comforting retreat that feels warm, romantic, and connected to nature.
What Is Boho Style?
Boho, short for bohemian, is an aesthetic inspired by global cultures, creativity, and artistic expression. Unlike cottagecore’s softness and quiet romanticism, boho leans into richness, texture, colour, and an eclectic sense of individuality. The style has roots in the 1960s and 70s counterculture movement, where fashion celebrated freedom, travel, and authenticity.
In the home, boho styling feels collected and soulful. Rooms are layered with woven baskets, warm wood, brass accents, vintage textiles, trailing plants, rattan, and an overall sense of curated comfort. It’s expressive, textured, and often a little untamed — in the best possible way.
Cottagecore vs Boho: The Key Differences
Although cottagecore and boho sometimes meet in the middle — especially when it comes to natural textures, relaxed silhouettes, and earthy palettes — they reflect two different moods and inspirations.
Cottagecore feels nostalgic and pastoral. It’s rooted in the countryside and inspired by vintage romance, soft colours, and gentle femininity. It evokes the idea of quiet mornings, wildflowers, homemade pastries, and timeless simplicity.
Boho, on the other hand, feels worldly and artistic. It celebrates the free-spirited mix-and-match approach of global styling, layered décor, bold accessories, and expressive design. It’s more eclectic, more textured, and often more colourful.
Both share a sense of comfort and connection to nature. But cottagecore expresses it through softness, while boho expresses it through creativity and self-expression.
Do Cottagecore and Boho Overlap?
Absolutely — and the overlap is part of what makes blending these aesthetics so effortless. Flowy dresses, woven baskets, natural fabrics, dried flowers, and earthy colours fit seamlessly into both worlds. Many people naturally merge the two without realising it, creating a look often referred to as “boho-cottage,” where pastoral charm meets artistic expression.
Their compatibility makes them ideal for anyone who loves a warm, natural, feminine aesthetic but doesn’t want to limit themselves to just one style label.
Which Aesthetic Fits Your Style?
If you’re drawn to soft colours, vintage dresses, cozy rooms, and the idea of slowing down, cottagecore may feel like home. It’s the perfect aesthetic for dreamers, romantics, and anyone who loves old-world charm.
If you’re inspired by travel, textured layers, earthy tones, and expressive creativity, you may lean more toward boho. It’s ideal for those who love mixing patterns, collecting unique pieces, and embracing a carefree, artistic lifestyle.
You don’t have to choose one or the other — the beauty of both aesthetics is that they blend beautifully and give you endless freedom to express your personal taste.
Final Thoughts
Cottagecore and boho are two of the most loved aesthetics for a reason. They make everyday life feel warm, intentional, and beautifully styled. Whether you find yourself charmed by the nostalgic, countryside feel of cottagecore or captivated by the rich textures and wanderlust energy of boho, both offer endless ways to express who you are.
As these aesthetics continue to evolve, they’ll keep inspiring fashion, home décor, and lifestyle trends across the internet. And if you love natural beauty, gentle colour palettes, and meaningful living, exploring both styles may be the perfect creative journey.