Cottagecore Chic: Cotswold Outfit Ideas for the Countryside

LAST UPDATED: JANUARY 11, 2025 | EST. READING TIME: 5 MIN

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IN THIS GUIDE ✺

• Spring Climate in the Cotswolds

• Cotswold Outfit Ideas

  • Puffy Sleeves

  • Flower Detailing

  • Pink Pastels

  • Denim Overalls

  • Natural Fabrics

  • Femme Bandanas

• How I Styled Cotswolds Outfits

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Nestled in the heart of England, the picturesque Cotswolds perfectly capture countryside charm with rolling hills, quaint villages, and historic cottages.

The essence of Cotswolds fashion lies in the unparalleled opportunity to embrace a cottagecore aesthetic here, with the ideal ensemble complimenting the pastoral landscape and timeless charm of this provincial scenery.

From whimsical puffy sleeves to floral details echoing the lush landscape, each outfit recommendation in this comprehensive Cotswolds style guide is carefully curated to align with the local surroundings.

Whether you plan a weekend getaway or extended stay, let this be your go-to guide for packing the ideal Cotswolds wardrobe. Embrace the rustic beauty of this enchanting region in idyllic style.

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Spring Climate in Cotswolds

March in the Cotswolds brings the early signs of spring, with a mix of cool, crisp air and occasional sunshine breaking through the mild weather. While winter’s chill lingers, the countryside begins to wake up with budding flowers and greenery emerging. Prepare for both sunny spells and rain showers as you explore these charming villages and rolling hills.

Daytime temperatures range from 45°F to 54°F (7-12°C), while nighttime temperatures dip to a brisk 35°F to 41°F (2-5°C). While the days become longer and the sun makes more frequent appearances, the weather is still quite chilly, with cool air present in the early mornings and late evenings.

Rain is more frequent in March than late spring with 12-15 rainy days. Light but persistent showers make packing a waterproof jacket or umbrella best practice. The countryside's lush greenery and blooming flowers owe their vibrancy to this consistent rainfall, so while it may be inconvenient, these sporadic showers contribute to the region's stunning spring beauty.

Snow is less common but not entirely unheard of, especially in higher elevations. Wind is another environmental factor in more exposed areas like open fields and hilltops. Check the forecast before your trip to prepare for any last-minute changes, ensuring you have appropriate clothing packed to spend the majority of your travel experience outside.

Despite the potential for inclement weather, mild March offers glimpses of the coming spring with pleasant sunny days. This month offers 11-12 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:30 AM and sunset close to 6:00 PM. While days are shorter, the early spring light is perfect for appreciating the region’s quaint stone cottages, meandering lanes, and open fields. With the muddy ground still soft from winter rains, sturdy footwear is essential for countryside walks.

Dress in cozy layers and maybe even wear a winter scarf into this gradually warming season to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as the Cotswolds transitions from winter to spring.

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Cotswold Outfit Ideas?

Puffy Sleeves

Puffy sleeves add romantic whimsy which echoes the historical pastoral fashion of the region. These voluminous sleeves found on airy blouses, dresses, and even lightweight sweaters nod to the elegant styles of the past while remaining contemporary in their modern application. The beauty of puffy sleeves lies in their ability to create a sense of drama and femininity that contrasts beautifully with the simple, tailored lines of the rest of your outfit.

Perfect for wandering through charming villages or a countryside picnic, ensure your Cotswolds spring wardrobe evokes a sense of charm like the nostalgic damsels in distress of provincial fiction.

Flower Detailing

Delicate floral and botanical details blend seamlessly with the lush meadows of the Cotswolds. Whether in embroidered patterns, printed fabrics, or appliqué designs, these details add a touch of nature-inspired beauty to your wardrobe while embracing the region's vibrant flora in your fashion choices.

Intricate stitching and delicate patterns are reminiscent of the blooming gardens you'll encounter, adding a subtle enchanting touch to your spring outfits. Create a harmonious connection with the natural beauty of the countryside that feels right at home among the flowering fields and historic villages of the Cotswolds in spring.

Pink Pastels

Soft, muted tones like creams, greens, soft pinks, and browns are perfect for complimenting the natural world of the Cotswolds. These versatile colors should be viewed as an earthy neutral palette, making them an excellent choice for your travel wardrobe. Pink pastels in particular add a touch of warm femininity, cultivating a gently inviting aesthetic.

A pastel pink sweater worn as a warm layer can be a great starting point for building your Cotswolds spring wardrobe. The soft color complements the organic tones of the countryside, allowing you to avoid overpowering the calming theme of March.

Denim Overalls

Classic denim overalls practically reflect the region's charm, serving as the perfect versatile layer to add visual interest to your spring wardrobe. Overalls convey a timeless, rural-inspired aesthetic that reflects hardworking countryside life, while still feeling stylishly modern when crafted from contemporary fabrics like corduroy.

Seek out styles that allow for easy movement. A relaxed fit with adjustable straps ensures a customizable fit, while pockets provide convenient storage for small essentials. Pair your playful overalls with a lightweight blouse for a casually effortless look that transitions seamlessly during days spent exploring winding paths and picturesque fields.

Natural Fabrics

When building your Cotswolds travel wardrobe, consider breathable natural materials that are ideal for various weather conditions. Cotton and linen are recommended lightweight choices for rustic daytime outfits, while wool and silk are ideal for adding warm layers during cooler evenings.

Easily mixed and matched with other natural textures, these fabrics create an adaptable wardrobe which reflects the earthy tones of the countryside. Whether comprising a cotton blouse, linen dress, or wool cardigan, natural fabrics evoke the simple beauty of Ballerina Farm-inspired style, giving your outfit a grounded feel.

Femme Bandanas

Femme bandanas featuring whimsical nature motifs are a charming accessory that make you look like you've stepped out of a storybook. These versatile pieces can be tied around your neck, worn as a headband, or used as a belt, with numerous practical applications highlighting the value in adding a bandana to your travel wardrobe.

For a classic milkmaid look, tie a bandana behind your neck and pair it with a simple blouse or dress. Alternatively, wear a bandana as a headband to keep your hair in place while exploring the countryside. A stylish accessory for your bags or hats, personalize your tote handle or wrap it around your hat to add a colorful pop.

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How I Styled Cotswolds Outfits

Embarking on a Cotswolds day trip from London, I toured four quaint villages during a chilly March day. At each stop, I descended in my pink cottagecore attire embracing my inner Belle from Beauty and the Beast. In actuality, I wore a wool trench coat over my dress most of the day, but the moment this iconic photo was snapped I took it off to reveal:

• The perfect pink pastel gingham cottagecore dress ($95) with puffy sleeves and ruffled pockets from Astrior. I originally joked that a Ballerina Farm-inspired dress would be absolutely perfect for the Cotswolds aesthetic, then I laid eyes on this exact item at the Smorgasburg weekly market—proving luck was on my side since this is primarily a street food exhibition! I can’t envision a more perfect gown for this activity, and I felt like a pastoral princess frolicking along Arlington Row.

• Not wanting to draw attention to my footwear, I wore neutral white and tan Club C 85 Shoes ($85) from Reebok, which were generally covered by the length of my skirt when I wasn’t holding it up.

• Not pictured is the tan faux wool trench coat from Zara ($65) I used to stay warm between photo shoots. It’s a few seasons old at this point, but you should be able to find something similar like this one ($59.99, paid link)!

✺ ABOUT ME ✺

Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?

While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.

I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.

It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m going to make it to all 195 countries before my time is up—and I’m taking you along for the ride!

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