The coquette trend, a hyper-feminine aesthetic blending vintage charm and playful seduction, continues to dominate fashion and social media.

The coquette aesthetic is more than just a fashion statement—it is a comprehensive style encompassing clothing, accessories, and beauty. Let’s delve deeper into what defines this charming trend. The coquette wardrobe is a delightful mix of feminine pieces that evoke a sense of innocence and allure, characterized by soft pastel hues, lace, bows, ruffles, and floral patterns. It draws inspiration from historical styles like the Edwardian and Rococo eras while embracing modern sensibilities. From runways to street style, the coquette look celebrates a complex femininity that is simultaneously vulnerable and strong, inviting fashion lovers to embrace vulnerability as empowerment.

The coquette trend on TikTok gained traction through a combination of key influencers, viral hashtags, and cultural associations. Creators like Ellen-Pippa Beckett (@coqxette) played a significant role in popularizing the aesthetic. Beckett, along with others such as Iindychloe, showcased coquette-inspired outfits and content, helping to diversify and expand the trend’s reach.

The hashtag #coquetteaesthetic has garnered over 18 billion views on TikTok, reflecting its widespread appeal. Videos often feature bows, pastel colors, and hyper-feminine elements set to music by artists like Lana Del Rey.

Del Rey’s music and imagery became closely tied to the trend due to her romanticized and feminine aesthetic. This connection was amplified by edits and content referencing her work, dating back to Tumblr’s early 2010s “coquette” aesthetic.

Key items in coquette fashion include:

• Slip dresses in satin or silk, often adorned with lace trim
• Babydoll dresses featuring puff sleeves and empire waistlines
• High-waisted, pleated mini skirts that offer a playful silhouette
• Lace-trimmed blouses and cardigans for a touch of vintage elegance
• Pearl jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, and hair accessories
• Mary Jane shoes or ballet flats with ribbon ties, perfect for a dainty footwear option
• Delicate handbags adorned with bows or floral embellishments
• Corset-inspired tops and dresses that nod to historical fashion
• Silk scarves and ribbons used as versatile accessories

The coquette aesthetic has found a natural home on social media platforms, where its visual appeal translates beautifully into shareable content:

• Dreamy, soft-focus filters create a romantic, vintage-inspired look in photos and videos.
• Captions often feature poetic or romantic quotes, referencing classic literature or song lyrics to enhance the aesthetic’s emotional appeal.
• Content creators showcase “get ready with me” videos featuring coquette-inspired outfits and makeup looks, offering followers inspiration and tutorials.
• Flat-lay images of coquette accessories like pearl necklaces, hair bows, and vintage-inspired perfume bottles populate fashion and lifestyle feeds.
• Lifestyle content featuring picnics, tea parties, and visits to gardens or historical sites aligns with the aesthetic’s romantic sensibilities.
• Influences like Sabrina Carpenter, Lana Del Rey, and Jennie have become unofficial ambassadors of the style, embodying the aesthetic in their personal fashion choices.

The trend is rooted in historical femininity but was redefined on platforms like TikTok, embracing hyper-femininity and nostalgia while sparking discussions about inclusivity.

Aesthetic or outdated?

There are mixed opinions on the coquette fashion trend. Many fashion enthusiasts embrace the style as a form of personal expression. As senior Danais Gomez-Garcia describes, it feels “really cute” and seems to “fit their character,” reflecting individuality that transcends mere clothing choices.

However, critics like senior Edwin Fuentes find the trend “kind of cringy” and “hyperfeministic,” while acknowledging its humorous appeal. The diversity of opinions reflects how this aesthetic movement has sparked meaningful conversations about self-expression and gender presentation among students. This highlights the polarizing nature of a style that both celebrates and parodies traditional femininity.

Meanwhile, senior Ramiah McElroy offers a balanced perspective, appreciating the modern, academic-inspired version of coquette fashion but disliking the overly frilly iteration that conflicts with her energetic personality.

“I love it and hate it,” McElroy said, capturing the nuanced reactions to this multifaceted trend.

What began as a TikTok-fueled trend has blossomed into a nuanced movement that defies traditional gender boundaries. While pinpointing the exact starting point is difficult, key factors contributed to its viral success. It draws inspiration from historical styles like the Edwardian and Rococo eras while embracing modern sensibilities, such as Japanese Lolita fashion and elements of Balletcore, Barbiecore, and other “core” aesthetics.

The cultural debate

Critics claim the trend perpetuates outdated gender roles by equating femininity with innocence and vulnerability, potentially undermining women’s progress in equality. Some see it as a fleeting fad, tied to nostalgia rather than lasting cultural relevance.

However, advocates believe the coquette trend will endure due to its nostalgic charm and adaptability, blending vintage femininity with modern aesthetics. Its subcultures, like cottagecore and balletcore, have gained significant traction on social media platforms, particularly among Gen Z and younger millennials.

The coquette trend has evolved to encompass a wide range of interpretations, from subtle nods to the aesthetic to full embracement of its most iconic elements. It continues to captivate fashion enthusiasts by offering a fresh perspective on femininity and self-expression. As with any trend, personal interpretation is key, allowing individuals to incorporate elements of the coquette style into their wardrobe in ways that feel authentic and empowering.

Whether it’s through the simple addition of a pearl hair clip or a complete wardrobe overhaul, the coquette aesthetic invites everyone to explore a softer, more romantic side of fashion. As it continues to gain popularity, this charming trend is likely to influence not just clothing and accessories but also interior design, art, and even digital spaces—creating a comprehensive world of delicate beauty and nostalgic charm.