how to dress like a coquette girl - Our Fashion Garden (2024)

Dresses, blouses, and socks with ruffles, lots of pink, pearls, books, jewelry, and of course bows everywhere, are elements that we frequently see on social media and that are an essential part of the Coquette style. But what do we call it Coquette? Where did it come from and why has it gained so much popularity? And most importantly, is this a viable style and will it stick long term? Or is it just a passing trend?

If you, like me, are interested in this style that is currently trending, continue reading to learn more about it. But… if you already consider yourself an expert on the subject, I’d like to share a few additional tips to help you achieve the coquette look while keeping things sustainable and within your budget.

Coquette is a French word that can be translated as ´´a flirtatious woman´´ which embodies femininity and subtle seduction.

This aesthetic is easy to identify and has existed for a few years. We could say that it mainly emerged on the social network Tumblr, but the moment it really gained popularity was when the girlies of TikTok reinvented and revived it.

Especially after the great global pandemic and the war conflicts that the world has experienced, people have consciously or unconsciously sought warmer, and perhaps almost childish patterns for our way of dressing, living, and perceiving the world.

The coquette style can be similar to other trends such as cottage-core, old-money, princesscore, or light academia, this is because most of these styles share the use of vintage and classic elements, however, there are several points specific to Coquette that other aesthetics do not share so fervently.

Much of the elements that we see in the Coquette have a historicist aesthetic, reminding us of Victorian fashion and decoration, the period of baroque art, or the Rococo court of Marie Antoinette, with a slightly eccentric touch, full of pastel colors, ruffled collars, pompadours, and floral prints, as well as pearl necklaces, satin bows, hats, and elaborate fascinators.

In addition to this, the Coquette is a style that seeks to remind us of our childish side and invites us to embrace our femininity with the simple purpose of feeling good about ourselves, enjoying dressing, putting on makeup, decorating, and doing everyday activities that hand in hand with Coquette style, can seem sweeter and more pleasant.

This trend has gained popularity because more than just being a fashion trend, it has begun to become a lifestyle that is characterized by factors that go beyond “a simple way of dressing.”

Certain pop culture icons have served as inspiration for this style such as Marie Antoinette as a historical character and her representation in Sofia Coppola’s film, Lily Rose Deep, Lana del Rey, Elle Fanning, Emma Roberts, Taylor Swift, Marina and the Diamonds, Fiona Apple, Ethel Cain and many others.

We already know that the Coquette uses historical elements to create a youthful but refined look. A key element in this look is the vintage decoration and clothes, we love to see how you can take pieces that give a classy touch to the looks, without making the outfit serious and overwhelming.

But to have this style we can also involve other aspects, themes, ideas, and articles that are within the Coquette world. Like:

♡ Diaries and journals

♡ Candles

♡ Skincare, self-care and pampering

♡ Flowers and gardens

♡ Dolls and stuffed animals

♡ Cute knickknacks

♡ Perfume

♡ Architecture from the 20th century

♡ Makeup, like heart-shaped blushes

♡ Actually, everything that is heart-shaped!

♡ Curls

♡ Vintage articles

♡ Picnics and brunch

♡ French bread

♡ Strawberries and other fruits

♡ Sweets like cupcakes, ice cream, cake and cinnamon rolls

And not only that. This style is also distinguished by:

♡ Having a particular taste for Paris and other places considered romantic, a special attention to ballet, an interest in Hollywood aesthetics, the glamor of 50’s starlets, classic movies, and also a special love for sandy beaches.

As for the color palette of the Coquette style, it is evident that it is full of soft and delicate tones that radiate elegance and sophistication. With its subtle undertones and muted tone, it has a calming effect that is often associated with purity and innocence. The champagne color is present, soft, and sophisticated, as well as lavender, and certain tones that remind us of delicate flowers, roses, or lilies. Ivory, cream, some nude tones, and pink in many of its shades, preferably light pink are also present. Paired with these are grays, pale blues, browns, black, and cherry reds to create some contrast.

♡ Garments with ruffles, lace, and light fabrics.

♡ Short or long socks, usually with ruffles

♡ Satin dresses or dresses with small floral prints and ruffles

♡ Pretty skirts

♡ Jeans

♡ Loafers, Mary Janes, and ballet flats

♡ Tulle dresses with shine and transparency

♡ Corsets

♡ Cardigans, especially off-the-shoulder ones

♡ Vintage pajamas or clothes that give this illusion

♡ Lingerie dresses and blouses with satin and lace

However, as we always say, these are only suggestions; it is entirely up to your taste and creativity; it is not necessary to purchase all of the clothes. Furthermore, the vast majority of them can be found in bazaars and second-hand stores, which is a huge advantage. I invite you to use heirloom garments and perhaps modify them slightly to suit your taste and needs. It’s also very likely that you already have pieces like these or similar ones in your closet; all you need to do now is style them.

It is entirely possible to create a wardrobe that emanates Coquette sophistication without spending a fortune.

And to complement your style you can also use certain accessories and jewelry. The incorporation of bracelets and necklaces is one of the main details that distinguish this fashion. Not only this, but you can also create many totally Coquette accessories with items and materials that you most likely have at home, for example:

♡ Buttons: Applied in detail to certain garments or as decoration.

♡ Pearls: One of the fundamental details of the Coquette Aesthetic. They can be seen on rings, earrings, and necklaces and you can even embroider or stick them on your clothes.

♡ Gloves: Perhaps for a more formal occasion, this can add elegance to the outfit.

♡ Bows: You can make them from scraps of fabric, or from ribbons that you have at home, any textile material will work to create beautiful bows that you can use as decoration for your room, or as a detail on your clothes, plus they are a piece which looks beautiful to hold hair.

We can say that this trend contains elements of escapism and embracing the childlike and the game; it invites us to give ourselves a moment, at a time when everything we do “must be productive”.

Naturally, we can’t always escape to the forest and spend the afternoon enjoying the noise of the leaves and the chirping of birds. That’s why the coquette trend exists: to build our own cabin; a refuge where the most everyday acts become what gives meaning to our lives, even though sometimes that refuge is a room of our house. Coquette encourages us to feel pretty and loved from the small details and activities at home.

Another thing that this style has promoted, and I think it is wonderful! is a taste for poetry, art, and literature. I think it is great that, from an aesthetic standpoint, more and more people are interested in classic books like Jane Austen´s, and that, in turn, journaling and writing our thoughts in diaries has been promoted, just as it was when we were kids.

All of these are positive aspects of this aesthetic and way of life; however, there may be some elements that cause us to question whether the Coquette should remain and be adopted as our style, or if it is a fad.

This is more than anything because many times we can feel suffocated or pressured by the networks to buy one thing or another or to act and look a certain way, but remember, you do not need to look the same as an image, nor wear expensive clothes to look beautiful; none of this should make you feel under stress, because you are the owner of your style, and you can wear whatever you want that makes you feel comfortable.

This style has become extremely accessible thanks to online shopping, bazaars, and thrift stores, where you can find all of the timeless accessories and items for your coquette wardrobe. Another thing I like about Coquette is that it encourages us to seek out one-of-a-kind garments and family heirlooms, while also emphasizing environmental responsibility and providing us with a style boost.

Through my eyes, the coquette aesthetic celebrates femininity, romance, and beauty in how small details like ribbons tied into bows, lace, frills, and delicate patterns can be such a sweet, simple pleasure to have around. This style seeks simplicity and anchors it with modernity. This is one of the reasons why Coquette is here to stay, either as our style of dressing or as a form of inspiration.

Today’s fashion seeks to place a greater emphasis on quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship, and (as with the old-money style), the great news is that we have both vintage and contemporary cute pieces hidden in our parents’ and grandparents’ closets to achieve this look and tailor it to our individuality.

We may believe that these fashions are unrelated to sustainability, but on the flip side, they are the determinants for beginning to create your ecological wardrobe with clothes made by you, second-hand, or sustainable companies that provide you with the cozy and elegant touch that you seek.