What Is Coquette Fashion, How to Style and Pull It Off?

Lily-Rose Depp at Chanel’s Spring 2021 Fashion Show

Shay Mitchell wearing Shushu/Tong dress

The Origins of Coquette Style in Fashion

Okay, so coquette style? Yeah, it’s super popular right now, especially online, but it’s actually got a pretty long history. Think way back to the 1700s, like, super fancy Rococo times. That’s where you see all the frilly stuff, the playful vibes, and just tons of decorations. People like Marie Antoinette (responsible for the cottagecore-mania) were basically rocking that look, all those soft colors and sweet details. Fast forward to today, and social media is totally bringing it back, but with a twist. TikTok gurus are mixing in some old-school romance and a kind of young, innocent vibe. So think of the coquette as this cool blend of old-fashioned elegance, retro 50s and 60s included, and a totally new, revamped internet-made thing.

The term “coquette” itself holds the key to understanding the style’s name. Originating from the French word “coquet,” meaning a flirtatious woman, the label directly reflects the aesthetic’s core principles. Merriam-Webster Dictionary poetically describes the word coquette as: “a woman who endeavors without sincere affection to gain attention.” It’s not about overt sexuality, but rather a gentle, alluring innocence.

What is Coquette Style?

Coquette style, at its core, is an aesthetic that romanticizes girlhood and feminine sweetness, often with a playful, slightly nostalgic edge to it. This view through the ”pink glasses” can touch every little aspect of the style, including home decor, fashion, makeup and hair, and even the way of living. It’s about embracing delicate details and a certain whimsical charm, drawing inspiration from historical periods like the Rococo era, as well as vintage romanticism. Imagine a blend of soft pastels, lace, bows, and pearls, all carefully curated to evoke a sense of innocent allure. It’s not simply about looking pretty; it’s about crafting a persona that feels both ethereal and approachable, a blend of vulnerability and subtle flirtation.   

What are the Main Characteristics of the Coquette Aesthetics?

The main characteristics of the coquette aesthetic revolve around emphasizing delicate femininity.

• Soft colors, particularly pinks, creams, and light blues, are foundational.

• Floral patterns, lace trims, and ribbons are essential embellishments, often adorning everything from clothing to accessories.

• Pearls, heart-shaped jewelry, and vintage-inspired hair accessories further contribute to the overall romantic feel.

• Garments are typically fitted or feature flowing silhouettes, emphasizing a youthful figure.

• The use of natural makeup, focusing on rosy cheeks and a subtle lip, completes the look, reinforcing the sense of innocent beauty.

Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla Presley

How to Style and Wear Coquette Fashion Fashion?

Diving into coquette fashion is all about embracing sweetness with a touch of playful allure. Think delicate fabrics like lace and satin, paired with silhouettes that accentuate a youthful charm. Mini skirts, ruffled blouses, and babydoll dresses are key pieces. Don’t shy away from pastel hues like blush pink, soft lavender, and baby blue. Accessories are crucial: pearl necklaces layered delicately, dainty bows adorning necklines or wrists, and Mary Jane shoes or ballet flats. A touch of vintage inspiration, like a floral print or a cameo brooch, can elevate the look. The crucial element is balance; pair a more revealing piece, like a lace top, with a high-waisted skirt for a sophisticated yet flirty feel.

Coquette Makeup:

Lips are often painted in soft pinks or reds, with a glossy finish adding a plump, kissable look. Freckles, whether natural or faux, enhance the youthful charm, and a subtle highlight on the high points of the face completes the look, creating a luminous, almost angelic aura.

Lily-Rose Depp for Harpers Bazaar

Coquette Hair:

Coquette hair is all about soft, romantic styles that frame the face and enhance the overall sweetness. Think loose curls, gentle waves, and intricate updos that feel both elegant and effortless. Hair accessories play a significant role: delicate ribbons, pearl hair clips, and floral headbands add a whimsical touch. A classic coquette hairstyle is the “milkmaid braid,” or soft, voluminous curls secured with a velvet bow.

Baby hairs are often styled to frame the face, adding to the youthful and playful aesthetic. For a more casual look, a high ponytail with a ribbon tied around the base or a half-up, half-down style with soft curls can create a charming and effortless vibe.

Lana del Rey, Elle Fanning, and Sabrina Carpenter

Celebrities that Love to Coquette

From Elle Fanning’s ethereal red carpet moments, often adorned with delicate bows and pastel hues, to Lana Del Rey’s signature blend of vintage glamour and wistful femininity, the coquette aesthetic has found prominent champions among modern celebrities. These figures, whether consciously or not, embody the style’s core tenets: a celebration of soft textures, a playful embrace of romantic motifs, and an air of both innocence and knowing allure.

Even rising stars like Jenna Ortega, while often seen in edgier looks, have incorporated subtle coquette elements, like lace detailing or pearl embellishments, demonstrating the style’s versatile adaptability.

Does Coquette Fashion Infantilize Women?

You’re right to be cautious about drawing conclusions based on appearances. While judging people based on their style is wrong, it’s also true that coquette fashion, like the controversial Lolita style, can be misused for manipulation.