Escaping Through Fashion – Let’s Talk About Fantasy-Inspired Aesthetics

May 2, 2024

Have you ever wished you lived in a faraway castle or had a magical gift? When the pressures of everyday life feel overwhelming (or simply because we have vivid imaginations!), we often find ourselves longing to escape into another reality.

Since forever, fashion has played a key role in that feeling of escapism. It allows us to project ourselves, express our identity, and dream.

Speaking of dreams—have you heard of cottagecore? Fairycore? Princesscore? These are all current fashion trends inspired by fantasy, distant eras, and fairy tales. When we talk about escaping…

This fascination with different styles has always intrigued me. Why do we feel the need to travel through our clothes? Why are these aesthetics so popular right now?

Cottagecore - Source : The Good Trade

Cottagecore - Source : Pinterest

I believe it’s undeniable that we’re living in anxious times. Life moves quickly, demands are piling up, and global challenges, wars, and natural disasters often leave us yearning for a better future.

Fantasy-inspired styles offer a safe haven where we can temporarily escape the things that cause us stress. They help us reconnect with the childlike wonder we once had—the ability to marvel at beauty and believe in the extraordinary. They’re a reminder that, even amidst current events and the negativity dominating the media, hope is still alive. Beauty and positivity persist all around us, often unnoticed.

Fairycore - Source : DeviantArt

Witchcore - Source : DeviantArt

Princesscore - Source : Pinterest

Angelcore - Source Pinterest

The current fashion landscape also plays a role in the rise of these trends. With social media turning ideas viral in hours, everyone has access to new concepts, forming communities around shared inspirations.

Today, individuality is celebrated like never before. Conversations around inclusivity and diversity are thriving. We’re craving something different, and that opens the door to creativity. All styles can now reach people from around the world. In the past, choosing a unique or unconventional look might have meant risking exclusion from our social circle. But now, with the internet and social media, it’s easier than ever to find a community where we feel seen and understood—where we truly belong.

Many creators and artists (myself included!) will tell you—fashion isn’t just about clothes.

If cottagecore speaks to you this morning, it might be because you're craving simplicity and a connection to nature. A long forest walk, birdsong, and a peaceful picnic might be your idea of a perfect day—so you dress for the occasion, even if you can't actually live it out today.

Similarly, buying a dress that reminds you of your favorite childhood princess can bring back that magical feeling and allow you to relive a piece of that fairy tale.

Escaping through fashion, following trends, and playing with your wardrobe isn’t just a pastime. It’s a deeply human act that lets us express ourselves, reconnect with our imagination, and bring joy and magic back into our sometimes difficult lives.