Well from what I know light academia is more about enjoying little things in life and finding beauty in unexpected places as well as elements of dark academia. Imagine cottage core with round glasses and dress pants
Cottage core is an aesthetic that is based of off living in a cottage in the middle of nature with a big garden full of butterflies and ladybugs, befriending all the forestcreatures and dancing in The moonlight. The aesthetic tends tot be more feminen (but that doesn't mean men can't enjoy this aestethic too) Light academia is an aesthetic that is based of off living in a mansion, Being a booknerd and enjoying the small and wonderfull things in life. To me both aesthetics are very optimistic and kind of simular in coloursceme. They are alsof based off of vintage and old things.They are both very pretty. (If i made any writting mistakes, i'll apologise for that. English isn't my first language.)
Hi there! When I think of cottage core I think of lots of colours, flowers, living in the woods by yourself surrounded by animals in a cottage, magic, and simple life. Light macadamia uses more beiges, light browns, white, and gold/yellow colours. They often are in libraries or fancy architecture and prefer history and literature/creative arts! Hope this helps!