Farm girl summer: Why Gen Z is choosing slow living over city hustle

The rural-inspired imagery that made cottagecore famous has now evolved into what is known on social media as ‘Farm Girl Summer.’ This lifestyle trend is more than just a passing fad on the internet; it reflects a growing desire to slow down in life, get away from the hustle of metro cities and rediscover the charm of the great outdoors. The rural, back-to-nature lifestyle is energizing and rejuvenating for Gen Z.

Romanticizing rural living

In the middle of Farm Girl Summertime is a place to appreciate the little things in life. At the forefront of the aesthetic are projects like baking, gardening, thrifting and warm-home crafts. It's about living in ways that feel intentional and hands-on, not just about decorating a room to look rustic. Little but meaningful pleasures include things like picking fruit, knitting, pottery, going to the farmer's market in the morning, and just spending time outside.

The look and feel of ‘Farm Girl Summer’

It's hard to resist the aesthetic. Think about wicker baskets, straw hats, breezy cotton sundresses and rustic farmhouse furniture that radiates coziness. Some see it as a deliberate step toward sustainability and green living rather than just a style preference.

“After years of hustle culture, people are now valuing peace, greenery and wholesome living. Farm Girl Summer perfectly reflects this cultural shift,” says lifestyle researcher Ananya Sharma, in a statement to The Impressive Times.

Celebrities bringing the aesthetic to real life

Social media influencers have certainly helped spread the trend, but popular actors are contributing as well. Khushi Kapoor and Ananya Panday, to name a few, have embraced the look with effortless countryside-chic styles. Their adoption of Farm Girl Summer makes the lifestyle look desirable but within reach, prompting fans to experiment with miniature versions within their own homes, be it balcony gardens or weekend farm trips.

Why now? The digital detox factor

The popularity of Farm Girl Summer stems from digital exhaustion and an overall cultural movement toward sustainability. To generation Z, whose fingers are perpetually fueled by the din of social media, the seductive nature of quiet, nature-guided living is irresistible. It provides a kind of digital detox, allowing less time spent staring into screens and more direct involvement in activities of the physical world.

More than a trend

‘Farm Girl Summer’ is not simply about backyard chickens and jam in the kitchen. Deep down, it represents a cultural aspiration, a return to slower, more simple living in an era of relentless hurry.
So, the question is: would you like to spend your days in the busy city, surrounded by buildings and deadlines, or slow down with the tempo of a cottage-style life?