Forestcore – The Ultimate Nature Aesthetic

New aesthetics are constantly evolving and appearing around us, and it’s easy to get lost in the thousands to choose from, especially if you don’t know where to start. 

You may have heard of the term ‘cottagecore’ before, a style coined for its nostalgic, comforting vibes, and displayed by many throughout their lifestyle, fashion, and hobbies. 

Beneath the umbrella term of cottagecore, there are many more specific aesthetics out there, such as forestcore. 

If you want to find out about the ultimate nature aesthetic, here’s everything you should know about forestcore. 

What Is Forestcore? 

Much like cottagecore, forestcore has a whimsical, free-spirited value that feeds from the feeling of being in a forest or surrounded by nature. 

I’ve briefly mentioned that forestcore is, essentially, a subsection beneath the general cottagecore aesthetic, but that still doesn’t tell us exactly what we’re looking at. 

Upon hearing the name, you’re probably already flooded with nature-related ideas, and your head is filled with dark, sun-dappled forests on a crisp autumn morning. 

If that is what you’re imagining, you’re not too far off. 

Essentially, anything that traces back to forests or a similar setting is a pretty good symbol of forestcore, and this can be throughout anything – be it clothes, activities, or interior design. 

Of course, being a nature-inspired aesthetic, it doesn’t only relate to cottagecore, but also overlaps with mosscore, goblincore and more.

Generally, the aesthetic tends to root from more gloomy, darker, and moodier surroundings and can vary slightly from person to person. 

For many, it’s liberating to free yourself from the restraints and ties of modern society and to simply escape into the natural world around you. 

Deer in a green forest.

For obvious reasons, forestcore also strongly resembles elements of naturecore, a broader theme.

Forestcore vs. Cottagecore 

While I’ve mentioned some of the similarities between both forestcore and cottagecore, they’re obviously not identical, otherwise, they wouldn’t have two separate names. 

So, what’s the difference between them? 

The truth is, while the two are very similar in style, as well as inspiration, they can also appear very different, visually. 

If you didn’t already know, cottagecore is an aesthetic inspired specifically by the romantic, Latin European way of life, particularly in the countryside, with an idealised outlook on the likes of agriculture and more. 

On the other hand, some of the inspiration behind the Forestcore aesthetic has more Celtic, Siberian, and Nordic roots. 

While the two aesthetics share their resemblance through nature and escaping reality, there are actually lots of differences between them. 

For example, forestcore is more suited to ideas such as a wooden cabin tucked away in the woods, or a rainy scene outside a window looking onto a rich, woody, dark green landscape. 

On the other hand, cottagecore is lighter and more romantic, with dainty pieces and adorable outfits quietly fighting to be the cutest. 

Cottagecore is also more stereotypically feminine, whereas forestcore has a more neutral stance, and a much darker, earthier colour palette.

Forestcore Motifs 

Now that we’ve had a peek at what the forestcore aesthetic entails, and how it differs from its cousin, cottagecore, it’s time to take a deeper look at the visuals and motifs you tend to find. 

We’ve already briefly touched on some of the visual elements which could contribute to something being forestcore, but below is a more detailed list of motifs. 

Of course, it’s not exhaustive, and choosing your own motifs is also important, as they should strike a feeling inside of you, and give you joy – you’re the one who’s living the forestcore aesthetic. 

  • Cosy cabins 
  • The forest (of course) 
  • Trees 
  • Moss, rocks and similar 
  • Dark green 
  • Brown
  • Mushrooms
  • Flowers 
  • Plants in general 
  • Rivers and lakes 
  • Deer 
  • Birds 
  • Mist and foggy scenes 
  • Dappled lighting and shadows 
  • Low, moody lighting 

Forestcore Clothing 

As well as the visual elements which can help to make a scene appear more forestcore, or give you that sense of freedom and spirituality, there’s also different styles of clothing that suit the style. 

If you’re living within the forestcore aesthetic, there’s no specific rulebook on what you can, can’t or should wear, but it can be helpful to gather ideas. 

  • Corduroy, especially in dark colours, can set a cosy forestcore mood 
  • Slim to skinny or straight leg jeans, made from dark denim
  • Denim overalls 
  • Light jackets, such as raincoats, suitable for an autumn day 
  • Hiking boots, including Timberland-style boots and similar
  • Sweaters, to reinforce that snug, forest-focused style
  • Long sleeve shirts 
  • Heavy coats, as well as lightweight ones
  • Leather boots, and other non-rubber boots, preferably ones which are worn down and brown in colour

As a general rule, forestcore outfits tend to be casual and weather-proof, consisting of lots of dark colours, such as greens, navy, browns and black. 

Because of the key value of being in touch with nature, forestcore clothing does not include any furs or anything that is fur-like is made from synthetic materials. 

Forestcore Accessories 

Clothing isn’t the only part of your outfit worth focusing on, and your accessories can’t be forgotten. 

As with the clothing, forestcore has a very casual, understated style, so large, bold and statement jewellery, as well as overly glamorous pieces, don’t exactly fit the style. 

Instead, opt for either plain gold or silver jewellery, with styles such as chains, small plain necklaces, simple rings, and small earrings.

They can be decorated with mushrooms, fall leaves, butterflies, or similar forest themed elements.

As for the rest of your accessories, bucket hats, caps and beanies are all welcome and can be paired with a leather backpack.

Forest at dust with sun peaking through the trees.

Forestcore Room 

Of course, there’s no way we can forget about the interior design aspect of this aesthetic, especially as it’s a core element when it comes to recreating the feelings and emotions associated with spending time in a forest. 

Before we even begin to list some of the motifs or accessories you could reach for to decorate your room with, it’s worth getting one fact straight. 

When creating your forestcore-themed, room, you’re doing everything you can to recreate the moody lighting and earth tones that surround you in a real forest. 

The aesthetic is also about your connection with nature, so that’s something to keep in mind; perhaps you’d like some plants or nature-inspired artwork on display. 

Firstly, you want to make your bed as cosy as you possibly can. 

Your bed is your space for sleeping and winding down, so it’s only fitting that it should be the most relaxing, comforting environment to help you fall asleep. 

Hanging fairy lights around your room, especially by your bed, adds a somewhat magical touch to the room, and it can create dainty, low lighting that’s just what you’re looking for. 

As for the rest of your room, consider having an accent wall, in an earth colour such as bottle green, as this brings in some darker accents without making the space feel too enclosed.

Wallpaper options are nearly endless and you will definitely be able to find one with leaves or trees on them.

Remember to also get hold of some pictures and decorations that suit to mood.

You can hang framed flowers or mirrors as well as several artworks and sculptures.

Forestcore Activities 

Finally, the activities are something you can’t forget if you’re truly going to live out the forestcore lifestyle, and they’re the single most important thing if you want to enjoy the aesthetic. 

While it’s fun and soothing to dress with the style, or decorate your room, there’s nothing quite like spending time on activities you enjoy.

Some forestcore activities include: 

  • Mushroom picking, classic nature-related activities that take place in the woods. 
  • Hiking 
  • Swimming in fresh water, such as a pond, lake, or river in the woodland 
  • Controlling your waste and taking care of the environment 
  • Chopping firewood and lighting a campfire 
  • Exploring the forest around you
  • Taking a friend or a pet for a walk in your nearest forest 
  • Spending evenings warming up by the fire in a cosy log cabin 
  • Foraging for food 
  • Gardening for different vegetable and fruits 
  • Tree climbing
  • Reading under a tree
  • Listening to forest sounds at night

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