Are you a Lana Del Rey fan who lives for ultra-romantic fashion pieces and clings to trends that involve ribbons, lace, and Bridgerton-esque motifs? Then the coquette aesthetic is most definitely for you. But what is a coquette exactly? I read The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene cover to cover a few years ago, so I have an educated idea.
In the book, Greene breaks down multiple archetypes, describing them as characters we can play in life and love, and he includes historical examples along the way. He compares the coquette to the relationship between Napoleon Bonaparte and Joséphine de Beauharnais—her theatrics, vanity, and narcissism drew him in. Even though the coquette is known for being extremely adept at any aspect of traditional femininity, a big part of the archetype in the book I read is independence, so don't forget that as you don your pearls and lace.
As for understanding what being a "coquette" means when it comes to fashion choices, I spoke to five Gen Z creators about this aesthetic. It seems that they all agree that, in the world of social media, the coquette aesthetic refers to a style that emphasizes a playful and flirtatious attitude that's often characterized by dainty and delicate elements such as ruffles, bows, and pastel colors. Devin Apollon said it best: "Girlycore with a mix of sultry Old English elegance." Below, find the 18 pieces that they suggest you shop to get in on the aesthetic.
How would you define the coquette aesthetic?
I would define coquette as an aesthetic that embraces hyperfemininity through soft and romantic silhouettes and details. There's a huge emphasis on ribbon, bows, lace, pastels, and pearls.
What are your favorite things about this trend?
I've been drawn to this aesthetic long before it became known as "coquette." Lace, baby pink, bows, and pearls have always been staples in my wardrobe. What I particularly love about the coquette aesthetic is how it allows people to embrace hyperfemininity without fear of being judged as "too girly" or "frivolous." It's empowering to see individuals who might have once shied away from such styles confidently explore and express their femininity in a way that feels both playful and empowering.
Shop Camri Hewie's top 5 picks below:
1. Pink Satin Ballet Slingbacks
"Sandy Liang has a plentiful amount of pieces that tap into the coquette aesthetic. These slingbacks are so precious, and they're perfect for the upcoming spring/summer season. I wear them all the time."
2. Dainty Hair Accessory
"This Camellia Scrunchie from Emi Jay is the perfect finishing touch for when you want to pull your hair back. I think it's very sweet and romantic, and you can also wear it on your wrist as a bracelet."
3. Pink Corset
"This is one of my favorite corsets from Selkie, and I love that you can wear it on its own or you can layer it on top of your favorite girly dress or top. The garter bows are absolutely adorable."
4. Ribbon Earrings
"These earrings from Simone Rocha are an actual dream! I've been eyeing them for quite some time, as they would be the perfect addition to any coquette-esque look."
5. Heart-Shaped Bag
"You can't go wrong with a heart-shaped bag, and this one from Vivienne Westwood is perfect. It has satin lining on the inside, and it also has a detachable shoulder strap for some variety. Very feminine and chic!"
How would you define the coquette aesthetic?
The coquette aesthetic is all about hyperfeminine charm. While it's super girly, it also has some Victorian and even Gothic influences. It really blew up on TikTok, but before "coquette" became a mainstream trend in 2020, the 2016 Tumblr-era version was more vintage Americana—think Lana Del Rey, Vivienne Westwood, and Lolita by [Vladimir] Nabokov—rather than today's overload of bows and lace. The 2020 version has definitely evolved and taken on a life of its own. Now, coquette style is all about bows, soft pinks and pastels, lace, florals, fresh flowers, and that dreamy, soft glow.
What are your favorite things about this trend?
I love the pastels, and every now and then, I'll throw a bow in my hair. I also like mixing masculine pieces with feminine touches. Mary Janes are a closet essential for me—I wear mine at least once a week. They're the perfect mix of classic and timeless. If MJs aren't your vibe, ballet flats work too. Bows are the first thing that come to mind when I think of 2020 coquette. Whether it's in your hair, on your shoe strap, or even on socks, bows are a must. Anything Vivienne Westwood also fits right in. Her chunky pearl choker with the iconic VW pendant? Absolute perfection. And I can't forget lace trim. Whether it's on a tank top, the hem of a skirt, or just a little accent, it adds such a subtle, flirty touch. It might not be the first thing you notice, but it definitely makes an impact.
Shop Nil Sani's top 6 picks below:
1. Mary Janes
"Classic, dainty, and effortless. The perfect touch of vintage charm."
2. Ballet Flats
"The comfiest ballet flats ever. Chic, timeless, and so easy to wear."
3. Pearl Necklace
"A little opulence, a little edge—pearls with that perfect coquette feel."
4. Lacy Details
"Delicate and flirty. Perfect for a summer day and beach cover-up."
5. Ruffled Bag
"Buttery yellow and perfectly slouchy."
6. Alluring Details
"Soft, lacy, and romantic—because even the little bow details matter."
How would you define the coquette aesthetic?
Through my eyes, the coquette aesthetic encapsulates femininity, romance, and the beauty in how small details like ribbons tied into bows, lace, frills, delicate patterns, and silhouettes can be such a sweet, simple pleasure to have around.
What are your favorite things about this trend?
For people like me, it's an ode to connecting with our younger selves. As a child, I loved pink, ballerinas, princesses, and "coquette" everything. Now that I'm in my 20s, when I reflect on my childhood, I remember a time when I suddenly rejected all of that because I wanted to be taken more seriously. Fast-forward to now, my biggest inspiration is my younger self, and it's important to me to do more things out of love than I do out of fear. I adore how she was able to truly live the coquette lifestyle of making the most out of the beautiful things around her that people grow to overlook. I can feel how it's brought me back to my center to honor the things I love in this world rather than hide them away for the sake of being taken more seriously. Femininity should never be seen as a lack of intelligence or unworthy of respect, and I'm glad I found my way back to what I naturally loved. Younger me had it right.
My favorite thing about this trend is how it's derived from something much deeper but easily expressed through beautiful accessories and heartwarming habits. The romanticization of our lives is such a beautiful way to remind ourselves of the good around us and the good within us. Beautiful things don't ask for attention, but even in the smallest details, we can find pleasure and thoughtful sentiments. A cup of tea keeps us company, a slip dress to bed feels regal, journaling by candlelight creates comfort, and it's all a nod to finding pleasure in the little things in life.
Shop Raimi Reyes's top 5 picks below:
1. Roll of Ribbon
"One roll of ribbon can take you so far. For me, all of this started with leftover ribbon from a handmade gift I put together for a friend. I realized I had so much leftover that I didn't know what to do with it until the idea hit me. 'Tie a bow onto literally everything,' my brain said, so I listened. I tied bows onto my journaling pen, headphones, desk drawer handle, purse, flower vases, etc. It gives such a dainty feel to whatever you put it on, and it feels good to be so unapologetically girly."
2. Thrift-Store Gem
"The thrift store is a magical place. Grandmas around the world donate the perfect coquette items all the time, and I'm convinced that their taste plays a part as a muse of this trend. You can find one-of-a-kind slip dresses, gold-gilded picture frames, mirrors, ruffly pillows, dainty catchalls, and rare brooches that'll give your collection the personal touch we all yearn for."
3. Corset
"Nothing makes me feel more graceful than wearing a corset. I love the way the structured nature and lace-up details exude such 'modern-day princess on the go' energy. Being able to dress a corset up or down by styling it with a pair of jeans, a miniskirt, or even layered over a button-down makes it one of my most versatile and effortlessly elegant pieces in my wardrobe."
4. Heart-Shaped Locket
"My go-to necklace will always be a heart-shaped locket. It's such a romantic thing to have not only a delicate heart around your neck but sentimental photos inside as well! The most important thing to remember if a trend catches your eye is the personalization of it. There's a special energy that comes with adding your own personal touch to a look by using your experiences to shape your style."
5. Tights
"My collection of lace and solid tights has upgraded my wardrobe to the next level over the past year. Layered under a dress or miniskirt, the texture and color you choose can add so much femininity and substance to an outfit. They have become my go-to accessory for when a look is just missing that little something!"
How would you define the coquette aesthetic?
The coquette aesthetic is the ultimate definition of girlycore with a mix of sultry Old English elegance. This aesthetic has emerged so much because we see that everyone is putting their own twist on it. In a way, it mixes in with balletcore and lace blouses, silks, and a soft touch.
What are your favorite things about this trend?
A few of my favorite things about this aesthetic are the endless bows, gold jewelry, and vintage touch to every outfit. This aesthetic is one of my favorites because, with how each person perceives it, it is truly timeless and so feminine.
Shop Devin Apollon's top 5 picks below:
1. Bow
"Sandy Liang has mastered bows. I have tapped into bows so much recently because, even with my more laid-back style, it adds the perfect girly touch and uniqueness to any outfit. I love this hair accessory because it is so unique and easy to throw on with basically anything."
2. Pearl Necklace
"There is something about the iconic Vivienne Westwood necklace that will never go out of style. It is so coquette and badass at the same time. Pearls can go either very girly or more punk in a sense. Any piece that has this much versatility is a win for me."
3. Corset
"Any vintage designer corset is just a work of art. It doesn't necessarily have to be designer because the silhouette of a corset itself just is so beautiful and adds to any look. I love corsets layered lately on top of a white button-up."
4. Lace
"Lace is the key element to a cool-girl 'fit. A lace maxi skirt with Adidas sneakers is even a chef's kiss. It is the perfect balance to any outfit, and I think [styling it] very [casually] is so special."
5. Ballet Flats
"Ballet flats are my go-to right now. Ballet flats with jeans or even a cool set going into spring… There is just something about it. A classic pink, off-white, black, or patent red is a must while exploring the coquette aesthetic."
How would you define the coquette aesthetic?
I would say the aesthetic includes pointelle lace, satin, and light pastel colors (like baby blue and pink) that make you think of florals or spring. The aesthetic brings out one's most divine feminine energy, whether it's through a dainty barrette or romantic soft curls. I like to think of the "Dior lip oil" girlies that just smell nice and have their priorities together and focus on themselves.
What are your favorite things about this trend?
Combining soft makeup with delicate fabrics gives off such an ethereal yet effortless look. I love how romantic the coquette aesthetic is with a pink-and-white-focused palette. It's an excuse to buy luxurious pieces for yourself to feel girly and graceful. The best part is that you can find pretty nightgowns and slip dresses at your local vintage/thrift store without giving up too much of your budget. Drinking tea and eating a buttercream-frosted cake are all a part of the "aesthetic" and can be incorporated into your lifestyle without having to forcefully fall into the trend.
Shop Isa Sung's top 5 picks below:
1. Scrunchie
"A scrunchie with eyelet lace, gingham, or even a plain one in pastel pink is the perfect excuse to add a feminine touch. I think the coquette aesthetic doesn't always need to be about having a face-card photo because an elevated hairstyle can really make an outfit. Good Squish and Home of Hai are perfect for the upcoming spring season."
2. Flats to Wear With Sheer Tights
"A comfy pair of flats can instantly dress up a pair of baggy jeans or complete a girly head-to-toe look. My favorite shoe colors [are] black because it matches everything and won't look dirty, silver to make an outfit look a bit edgier on the streetwear side, and anything that's pastel and satin just to make a miniskirt look a little more extra. The most important thing is to find something that suits your personal style."
3. Ribbon
"I've seen it on just about everything—shoulder bags, hairdos, shoes, ankles, AirPods, duffel bags, etc. A roll of ribbon can go a long way and make a sustainable tote look purposefully decorated. It's reusable, adjustable, and so pleasing to look at."
4. Candle
"Your mind equals your space. A good book and a warm candle can start the joy of having a nightly self-care ritual. Embracing these wind-down moments can help one tap into their goals for the next day: How do I want to be that girl and put myself into that mindset? My Diptyque and Maison Louis Marie candles brighten up my room and have different layers of smells the longer they burn."
5. Cozy Set
"Cou Cou Intimates has cozy yet light undergarments to throw on before bed. I love wearing a pointelle lace top with a comfy cardigan/bolero or pairing it with a miniskirt—a total must-have that would never go out of style."
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