The coquette aesthetic or coquette dressing has captivated the fashion world and continues to get serious traction on TikTok. French for flirtatious, in fashion terms it is defined by its whimsical charm and flirty, playful take on femininity thanks to its unapologetic love for all things pretty, pink, lacy, frilly and floral. From dainty coquette dresses to frilly blouses, sexy sheer, delicate lace and plenty of girly bows, the fashion trend exudes both confidence and a flirty yet coy demeanor, inviting us to embrace our sensuality.
TikTok and fashion brands have gone gaga over coquette. No wonder everyone has fallen head over heels for this sweet new take on the sex kitten. Just this week Kim Kardashian's shapewear brand SKIMS dipped its toe into the aesthetic with the brand's latest spring intimates collection campaign starring pop princess Sabrina Carpenter (girlfriend of Saltburn actor Barry Keoghan). In the coquette-inspired imagery, Carpenter wears cute confections, like pastel lace babydoll tops, bralettes and briefs.
As far as fashion trends go, the coquette aesthetic has been going strong and shows no signs of slowing down. In case you missed it, the trend sprang to life in early December 2023 when TikTok fashion influencers started adding dainty pink bows to anything and everything as Lana del Rey (who embodies coquette) played in the background. From DIY tutorials on creating the perfect hair bow to showcasing thrift-store finds that capture the essence of vintage femininity, TikTok become a treasure trove of inspiration for style-conscious women seeking to unleash their inner coquette.
@wavykarenk how to build a coquette outfit: pastel colors + floral patterns + bows + lace + flats + and flowers 🎀💐✨ #coquette #coquetteaesthetic #outfitideas #outfitinspo #styleinspo #coquettecore
♬ original sound - wavykaren
Luxury fashion heavyweights like Prada also jumped on the TikTok trend. For its Fall 2024 collection, Prada opened its runway show with a black shift midi dress adorned with silk bows and also leaned into feminine 50s-inspired silhouettes, pastel cardis and midi skirts. "It's about owning your femininity and being unapologetic about embracing a sweeter side of fashion. The coquette trend is also an example of how social media, especially TikTok, is wielding its influence over the way we dress. The coquette aesthetic has also spilled over into dresses, coquette lingerie and now coquette swimwear," says Fashion Times Fashion Market Director Sarah Meikle.
Always one to own her femininity and make a case for the latest trends, supermodel Kendall Jenner made quite the entrance at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in a stunning coquette-meets-naked black sheer gown embellished with floral lace detailing from Maison Margiela's Spring 2024 Haute Couture collection.
As we welcome the arrival of spring, the coquette style has emerged as a go-to look for those wanting to make a ladylike statement. Think floaty floral dresses, minidresses, ruffled and flower embellished tops and detailing, exaggerated puff sleeves and, of course, anything lace. Accessories also play a crucial role in channeling the aesthetic. So embrace with wild abandon oversize hair bows, pearl-encrusted hairpins, dainty charm bracelets adorned with heart-shaped lockets and cute keychains on your handbag.
Or simply picture yourself sipping tea at a cute café or listening to Lana Del Rey as you create a flower bouquet.
