What Is the Cabincore Trend? (Aside from a Stylish Excuse to Wear Flannel All the Time)

editor@purewow.com (PureWow)

October 29, 2020 at 8:00 a.m.·5 min read

Flannel shackets, lug-sole hiking boots, loose, straight-leg jeans, quilted jackets—these are undeniably some of the top trends of the season. But if you take a step back there’s actually an overarching aesthetic here. Specifically, one that transports the wearer outside a log cabin in the woods, nestled between a few evergreen trees, perhaps with a lake just out of frame. This is called cabincore and we’re certain that it’s going to be the new cottagecore.

While summer’s cottagecore moment saw us longing for life in the English countryside—baking pies that cool in the window of a storybook cottage as we pick flowers from the wild meadow out back—autumn has brought on a more woodsy but no less picturesque daydream. Flannel and plaid are always popular around this time of year, but with the rise of cabincore they’re being joined by a longer list of styles that could double as a packing list for a hiking trip to Oregon or Vermont.

Maybe it’s because we’re all itching for a vacation. Or simply an interesting side effect of the rise in outdoor activities (we’ve got no place else to go, after all). Whatever the reason, there’s still a difference between fashion-forward cabincore and an actual hiking getup. Look for luxe details, like gold hardware on boots or corduroy in unexpected shades of pink, to keep your look more on the stylish end and less like you literally wandered off a mountain path. Here, 16 pieces to get you started. And if you wanted to invite us to join you in your gorgeous A-frame rental on Lake Superior as a thank you, we’d be only too happy to accept.

1. Madewell Walton Shirt-Jacket in Plaid

The cornerstone of any cabincore wardrobe is an appropriately rugged yet stylish shacket. This black and white plaid number will look as good with forest green chinos as it will worn over a black silk slip dress.

Buy it ($228)

^{Available in sizes XXS to 3X}

2. Levi’s 501 Ripped High-Waist Crop Straight-Leg Jeans

Pair these cropped jeans with higher ankle boots (and perhaps some chunky socks). That way your ankles won’t be exposed to that cold, mountain chill.

Buy it ($98)

^{Available in sizes 25 to 34}

3. Sorel Lennox Hiker Boots

We love the pale beige hue of these chic boots (which are also waterproof) for a sleek, minimalist look. If your style is a bit bolder, swap the cream-colored laces for a more colorful or printed pair.

$195 at Amazon

4. Everlane The ReNew Fleece Raglan Sweatshirt

Dress up this fuzzy sweatshirt by layering it over a plaid button-up or lace-collared shirt. (Oh, and did we mention, it’s made almost entire from recycled polyester?)

Buy it ($48)

^{Available in sizes XXS to XL}

5. Anthropologie Carolina Trimmed Rancher

This wide-brim hat has the same silhouette as a true hiking hat, but the leather trim keeps it looking Instagram-ready.

Buy it ($58)

6. L’Agence V-Neck Stripe Long-Sleeve Midi Sweater Dress

Wear this long cardigan as a surprisingly sexy dress for date night or leave it open over a T-shirt and loose jeans for a more casual weekend vibe.

Buy it ($350)

^{Available in sizes XXS to XXL}

7. Everlane The Italian Merino Rib Turtleneck

There’s just something about ribbed knits that feels extra cozy. This wool turtleneck is warm enough to be worn solo on crisp autumn days but is thin enough to be layered under heavier sweaters come winter.

Buy it ($90)

^{Available in sizes XXS to XL}

8. Greylin Charley Cozy Shirt Jacket

If you’re just not feeling the look of a plaid shacket, why not try a solid-hued version instead? They’re often easier to mix and match with other pieces from your wardrobe and are still right on trend.

Buy it ($138)

^{Available in sizes XS to 3X}

9. Porridge Brynne Sherpa Pullover

Speaking of plaid, the supersize green stripes on this cozy pullover are a less obvious take on the classic print, which is precisely why we love them.

Buy it ($88)

^{Available in sizes XS to XL}

10. Agolde ‘90s Mid-Rise Loose-Fit Jeans

If you’re worried about looking shapeless in loose jeans and an oversize flannel, try either French tucking your top, knotting it at the waist or leaving your button-up open and layering a slim-fit tee or tank underneath.

Buy it ($178)

^{Available in sizes 26 to 32}

11. Anthropologie Corduroy Baseball Cap

Swap your stained sports cap for one with more of a sartorial edge. Bonus: corduroy is more durable than the cotton canvas most hats are made from.

Buy it ($38)

12. Thread & Supply Quilted Field Coat

Those two front pockets have plenty of room to hold extra gloves, doggie bags and your phone/wallet/keys without actually looking bulky or like cargo pockets. Plus, the recycled fabric of this Thread & Supply jacket is 100-percent machine washable.

Buy it ($78)

^{Available in sizes XS to L}

13. Outerknown Blanket Shirt

Made from a heavyweight organic cotton twill, this blanket shirt is every bit as comfy as the name suggests. There’s also a men’s cut style if you prefer a looser fit, or if your partner won’t stop dropping hints about how much he loves your shirt.

Buy it ($148)

^{Available in sizes XS/S and M/L}

14. Schutz Xayane Bootie

We came for the exaggerated lug sole but stayed for the sleek black finish on even the tips of the laces. For anyone whose wardrobe looks like a black hole (albeit a very chic black hole), these are the hiking-inspired boots for you.

Buy it ($158)

15. Hue Assorted 3-Pack Marled Boot Socks

We love the look of ankle boots without socks much of the time, but cabincore is all about embracing the cozy extras. Let these speckled socks poke out from the top of your shoes to add a rugged touch to your outfit.

Buy it ($21)

16. Outerknown Lou Cord Puffer

The en vogue chore coat silhouette, fall-ready corduroy and cozy warmth of an eco-friendly down-alternative filling makes this puffer a true triple threat.

Buy it ($198)