The “castlecore” aesthetic has emerged as a captivating trend, transporting enthusiasts to a realm of medieval romance and gothic grandeur. This style draws inspiration from the architectural splendor of ancient castles, the opulence of royal courts, and the mystique of medieval life. It’s a fusion of history and fantasy, allowing individuals to connect their modern lives with elements reminiscent of the Middle Ages (or, you know… your favorite fantasy novel).
Why Castlecore?
The roots of castlecore can be traced back to a collective yearning for escapism and a deeper connection to history. As contemporary life becomes increasingly digital and fast-paced, many find solace in the romanticized past, seeking to emulate the elegance and chivalry associated with medieval times.
There is something inherently gorgeous about the idea of applying this lifestyle to modern life: be the queen of your castle (even if it’s a tiny city apartment!), wear opulent and detailed clothing, and connect with nature. Media and literature have castlecore inspiration galore (that also come with main character energy you’ll want to emulate – we see you Yennefer, Claire, and Feyre, just to name a few). Check out the following to dive in:
FILM x CASTLECORE
- “Game of Thrones” and “House of Dragon”: These acclaimed series brings to life the grandeur of medieval-inspired castles, intricate costumes, and complex courtly dynamics, embodying the essence of castlecore. (Plus – dragons.)
- “The Witcher”: Set in a fantastical medieval world, the show’s detailed set designs and period-inspired attire offer a visual feast for castlecore enthusiasts. (We love us some Triss, Yennefer and Henry Cavill.)
- “Nosferatu” (2024): Directed by Robert Eggers, this adaptation features meticulously crafted, historically accurate costumes that enhance the film’s gothic atmosphere, aligning seamlessly with the castlecore aesthetic. (The romance in this one is as toxic as you can get – but we’re here for the clothes.)
- “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy: Peter Jackson’s epic films showcase majestic castles, medieval landscapes, and elaborate costumes. Arwen will forever be our muse.
- “Downtown Abbey”: While more Edwardian than medieval, the grand estates, aristocratic drama, and lavish costumes fit the castlecore fantasy.
- “The Tudors”: A dramatized take on King Henry VIII’s reign, full of courtly politics, romance, and opulent Tudor fashion.
- “Reign”: A stylized, modernized take on Mary, Queen of Scots, featuring stunning costumes and royal intrigue. Did we mention stunning costumes?
- “Versailles”: Focuses on Louis XIV’s rule and the breathtaking decadence of the Palace of Versailles.
- “Outlander”: The show blends historical romance, time travel, and rugged Scottish landscapes with grand castles, courtly intrigue, and rich period costumes—all essential elements of the aesthetic.
LITERATURE X CASTLECORE
For the readers out there, the list is extensive… but here is a start (and broken down by “castlecore genre” because yes, it varies!). Why not further your aesthetic by finding leather-bound copies to read?:
Classical & Literary
- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë – A gothic love story set in a grand yet eerie estate, perfect for the moody, brooding side of castlecore.
- Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë – Windswept moors, crumbling estates, and haunting romance make this a classic castlecore read.
- Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier – A gothic mystery featuring a grand mansion, eerie secrets, and a haunting atmosphere.
- Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott – A medieval knight, jousting tournaments, and high-stakes honor make this an early castlecore masterpiece.
- The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole – The original gothic novel, complete with haunted castles, secret passages, and dark family secrets.
Fantasy & Medieval-Inspired
- The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon – A feminist take on medieval court intrigue, featuring a dragon-riding queen and a kingdom at risk.
- The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss – A beautifully written fantasy with medieval academies, secret societies, and magical castles.
- Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik – A fairytale-inspired novel with a frozen palace, a darkly alluring Staryk king, and lush prose.
- The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden – A wintery, fairy-tale-infused novel set in a magical medieval Russia.
- Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones – A whimsical yet romantic take on castlecore, with an eccentric wizard and a floating magical castle.
Courtly Intrigue & Romantic
- The Selection by Kiera Cass – A mix of medieval castlecore and The Bachelor, featuring gowns, palace life, and royal romance.
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas – A Beauty and the Beast-inspired tale with fae courts, enchanted palaces, and dangerous romance.
- The Inheritance Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin – Divine rulers, powerful gods, and intricate palace politics in a richly built world.
- The Queen’s Rising by Rebecca Ross – A historical-fantasy hybrid featuring secret legacies, royal ambition, and a protagonist with a castlecore soul.
- The Traitor’s Kiss by Erin Beaty – A mix of espionage, political intrigue, and romance set against a medieval-inspired court.
