The Craze with Coquette: How to Achieve a Coquette-Inspired Look for Spring

I’m sure by now you’ve seen the coquette trend everywhere on social media. The iconic bow trend – where girls tie ribbons to various inanimate objects –has gone viral on TikTok and is an example of how the coquette aesthetic has become more mainstream since its initial popularity in 2020. 

Last summer, it was the so-called summer of girlhood. With the release of  Barbie and the beginning of Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour, women and girls began reclaiming all things girly and feminine, including bows, the color pink, and pearls. The importance of female friendships and championing the successes of women were at the forefront of this wave of celebrating female empowerment together. Shortly after the summer of 2023, the rise of the coquette aesthetic began spreading on social media. 

The word coquette means, “a woman who flirts,” and the trend embodies aspects of the Japanese street style called Lolita. The Lolita fashion style takes inspiration from Victorian and Rococo-era fashion and is inspired by Vladamir Nabokov’s 1955 novel, Lolita. However, the Lolita fashion style emphasizes modesty and child-like innocence, while the coquette fashion style can be a bit more mature and sophisticated. 

Pieces like hair bows, baby tees, floral dresses, and lace tights all embody the girly aesthetic that are crucial in creating the coquette look. An article from Seventeen magazine described the coquette aesthetic as, “indulging in all things romantic and beautiful, like lace, pom-poms, flushed blush, pretty hair accessories, and light colors.” 

If you want to dress like the coquette aesthetic, but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Here is a list of some of the coquette-inspired essentials that you need to have in your wardrobe this spring to welcome the warmer weather. 

Lacey Camis

Layered underneath Henley tops or worn with a floral midi skirt, a lacey cami is a perfect accent piece to a coquette-inspired look. It’s an essential basic that is bound to be incorporated into other aesthetics and outfits daily. Try out these options from Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue collection to start building the foundation of your look!

Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Ivy Lace-Insert Cami

Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Margrette Lace-Insert Flyaway Cami

Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Kerry Lace Babydoll Cami

Floral Dresses

For a picnic in the park or a summer night out, a floral dress is perfect for dressing up or down for a cute but casual look. Paired with a pair of white sneakers and a cardigan, and you have a classic, girly outfit perfect for any occasion. Here are a few options of some dresses that will help you live out your dreams of frolicking in a flower field this spring. 

ASOS Lola May Tie Back Midi Smock Dress

Hollister Sofia Side-Smocked Midi Dress

Forever 21 Ruched Rosette Ruffle Mini Dress

Mary Janes or Ballet Flats

If you’re running errands or walking around campus, a comfy pair of ballet flats or Mary Janes will get you where you need to go with ease. They go with any outfit and are versatile, so they are bound to be a staple in your closet. so ditch your old pair of sneakers for a pair of ballet flats this spring. 

Old Navy Mary Jane Square-Toe Ballet Flats

Madewell The Greta Ballet Flat

Steve Madden Alisah Mary Jane Flat

Hair Bows and Ribbons

The perfect touch to any coquette outfit is tying ribbons or bows in your hair. It adds that whimsical touch to any outfit, and can be added to any hairstyle, from braids and pigtails to buns and updos. Here are a few hair bows and ribbons that I love.

Forever 21 Satin Bow Barrette

Amazon Hair Bows

Urban Outfitters Lace Satin Hair Bow

Cardigans

To layer up whenever the weather gets breezy, try throwing on some of these cute, fuzzy cardigans over your outfits! Pair it with a baby tee and jeans or over a floral dress, and you’re ready to go! There’s endless styling possibilities and it’s perfect for channeling your inner coquette and cottagecore aesthetic. 

REVOLVE Laurel Cardigan

Amazon ZAFUL Women’s Embroidered Cardigan

Dolls Kill Mistletoe Moves Cardigan Set

Dainty Jewelry

For a timeless and classic look, try incorporating pearls and dainty gold jewelry into your outfits. Whether it’s a pair of gold studs or a string of pearls, accessorizing is always a must and pulls together any outfit. Here are some of my go-to pieces that go with any outfit. 

Pacsun Pearl Rosette Necklace

Kate Spade Mini Bow Studs

En Route Ella Pearl Ring

I hope this guide has helped you to curate your closet to fit into the coquette aesthetic. If you’ve seen the coquette trend on social media or have tried out the look for yourself, what did you think? Let us know at @HerCampusSJSU

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