Fairycore Outfit Ideas: 13+ Including Dark and Masculine Looks

We don’t want to live in this world anymore. We want to live in fairyland where celebrating our dreaminess is a required activity, frolicking through fields of daisies is applauded, and fairycore outfits are fully accepted. Here at Honey and Gingham, we understand EXACTLY how you feel. So we’ve put together 13+ of our favorite fairycore outfit ideas including dark fairycore dresses and accessories, the grunge look elements, and more.

First, Fairycore vs. Cottagecore…is there a difference?

Fairycore style is a branch off the popular modern fashion trend called cottagecore. Technically, it, along with cottagecore, began as an online aesthetic that went viral. The lifestyle, aesthetic, and even fashion choices defining the cottagecore label have been around for decades without definition or labels. Then in 2018, cottagecore acquired its kitschy name. And in 2020, when the pandemic forced us to isolate, somehow it also inspired many of us (unbeknownst to most of us at the time) to adapt and naturally incorporate the cottagecore way of living into our own. Baking bread, spending time in nature, dressing cute but also for comfort, working with herbs, and many other cottagecore activities became popular worldwide.

How is Fairycore different from Cottagecore?

I wouldn’t say fairycore is actually different from cottagecore. It truly sprang from and further defines the lifestyle and fashion. Fairycore just takes it a step further by adding more elements of nature, folklore, and fairy tales into the mix. It takes the dreaminess and fantasy to the next level. Something I love about the fairycore style (and cottagecore) is that you can truly make it your own. You don’t have to repeat what everyone else is doing. If you like more of a gothic look, you can go dark fairycore. If you’re more casual or into the grunge scene, go grunge fairycore. Your imagination is truly your limitation.

The Elements of a Fairycore Wardrobe

You don’t need all of these pieces in your wardrobe to call your style fairycore, but these are some true staples or the elements that can get you started:

• A corset with laces
• Flowy skirts and maxi dresses
• Fabrics like lightweight cottons, gingham, lace, tulle, chiffon, and even silks and satins
• Vintage dresses from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1970s (sometimes you’ll find the 80s and 90s repeated these vintage eras’ styles and these items work well for fairycore too)
• Puffed sleeves
• Peter pan collars
• Button-up Victorian blouses
• Off-the-shoulder, sexy corseted dresses
• Floral fabrics with more understated or miniature floral patterns
• Victorian lace-up boots
• Gingham espadrilles and wedges
• Straw hats
• Floral crowns (DIY these for a cheap and easy craft!)
• And a pair of FAIRY WINGS (Etsy has some great affordable options
• Grunge options: t-shirts with fairies (especially Amy Brown or Brian Froud art), long cardigans and 90s jeans
• Grunge fairycore: long sleeve shirts with thumb-holes, especially with fairy graphics

Now for the FUN…13+ Fairycore Outfit Ideas

1. Pastel Green and White Cotton Dress With Crown

When you’re shopping for fairycore outfits, consider lightweight cotton dresses in pastel colors and shades of white (like the outfit above). Then add simple accessories like a leather band bracelet and floral or vine crown. You can find lightweight cotton dresses like this one at Lilian’s Cottage on etsy and the crown you can either make yourself (watch the video below) or literally buy them anywhere online.

2. Fairycore Outfit Idea – Dreamy Chiffon Dress and Straw Hat

I could see a beautiful elven woman wearing this sheer, chiffon dress with Victorian lace details. Obviously this isn’t an everyday type of fairycore outfit but one that works perfectly for photoshoots, cottagecore events, even your own engagement, wedding or baby shower. I found this Ingrid Chiffon Victorian Nightgown on Gloomth. It’s not as sheer but the details match and it is incredibly whimsical. Add a pair of faery antlers and take this fairycore look to the forest or ocean. Add a pair of feather heels and candlesticks and haunt the local castle. And amazon carries dozens of straw hat styles for women to complete the look.

3. Pink Floral Chiffon With Shimmer Wings and Split-dyed Hair

Fairycore outfit idea #3 is inspired by this whimsical lady of the sidhe pictured above. EXCEPT instead of going with a maxi or ballroom length gown like above, we’ll go a little more casual with our look. Instead of a chiffon maxi, try this Floral Halter Ruffle Mini Dress with espadrilles or wedges. A super cute look for Spring or Summer. And if you really want to add those fairy wings, check this pair out on Etsy. Ask your hairstylist about the split-dye hair look, if you’re ready to join Harley Quinn’s elven realm.