The Coquette Aesthetic Has Its Hold on Gen Z—18 Pieces That Define the Look

Are you a Lana Del Rey fan who lives for ultra-romantic fashion pieces and clings to trends that involve ribbons, lace, and Bridgerton-esque motifs? Then the coquette aesthetic is most definitely for you. But what is a coquette exactly? I read The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene cover to cover a few years ago, so I have an educated idea.

In the book, Greene breaks down multiple archetypes, describing them as characters we can play in life and love, and he includes historical examples along the way. He compares the coquette to the relationship between Napoleon Bonaparte and Joséphine de Beauharnais—her theatrics, vanity, and narcissism drew him in. Even though the coquette is known for being extremely adept at any aspect of traditional femininity, a big part of the archetype in the book I read is independence, so don't forget that as you don your pearls and lace.

As for understanding what being a "coquette" means when it comes to fashion choices, I spoke to five Gen Z creators about this aesthetic. It seems that they all agree that, in the world of social media, the coquette aesthetic refers to a style that emphasizes a playful and flirtatious attitude that's often characterized by dainty and delicate elements such as ruffles, bows, and pastel colors. Devin Apollon said it best: "Girlycore with a mix of sultry Old English elegance." Below, find the 18 pieces that they suggest you shop to get in on the aesthetic.

Camri Hewie wearing the coquette trend.

(Image credit: @camrihewie)

How would you define the coquette aesthetic?

I would define coquette as an aesthetic that embraces hyperfemininity through soft and romantic silhouettes and details. There's a huge emphasis on ribbon, bows, lace, pastels, and pearls.

What are your favorite things about this trend?

I've been drawn to this aesthetic long before it became known as "coquette." Lace, baby pink, bows, and pearls have always been staples in my wardrobe. What I particularly love about the coquette aesthetic is how it allows people to embrace hyperfemininity without fear of being judged as "too girly" or "frivolous." It's empowering to see individuals who might have once shied away from such styles confidently explore and express their femininity in a way that feels both playful and empowering.

Shop Camri Hewie's top 5 picks below:

1. Pink Satin Ballet Slingbacks

"Sandy Liang has a plentiful amount of pieces that tap into the coquette aesthetic. These slingbacks are so precious, and they're perfect for the upcoming spring/summer season. I wear them all the time."

2. Dainty Hair Accessory

"This Camellia Scrunchie from Emi Jay is the perfect finishing touch for when you want to pull your hair back. I think it's very sweet and romantic, and you can also wear it on your wrist as a bracelet."

3. Pink Corset

"This is one of my favorite corsets from Selkie, and I love that you can wear it on its own or you can layer it on top of your favorite girly dress or top. The garter bows are absolutely adorable."

4. Ribbon Earrings

"These earrings from Simone Rocha are an actual dream! I've been eyeing them for quite some time, as they would be the perfect addition to any coquette-esque look."

5. Heart-Shaped Bag

"You can't go wrong with a heart-shaped bag, and this one from Vivienne Westwood is perfect. It has satin lining on the inside, and it also has a detachable shoulder strap for some variety. Very feminine and chic!"

Nil Sani wearing the coquette trend.

(Image credit: @nilsani)

How would you define the coquette aesthetic?

The coquette aesthetic is all about hyperfeminine charm. While it's super girly, it also has some Victorian and even Gothic influences. It really blew up on TikTok, but before "coquette" became a mainstream trend in 2020, the 2016 Tumblr-era version was more vintage Americana—think Lana Del Rey, Vivienne Westwood, and Lolita by [Vladimir] Nabokov—rather than today's overload of bows and lace. The 2020 version has definitely evolved and taken on a life of its own. Now, coquette style is all about bows, soft pinks and pastels, lace, florals, fresh flowers, and that dreamy, soft glow.

What are your favorite things about this trend?

I love the pastels, and every now and then, I'll throw a bow in my hair. I also like mixing masculine pieces with feminine touches. Mary Janes are a closet essential for me—I wear mine at least once a week. They're the perfect mix of classic and timeless. If MJs aren't your vibe, ballet flats work too. Bows are the first thing that come to mind when I think of 2020 coquette. Whether it's in your hair, on your shoe strap, or even on socks, bows are a must. Anything Vivienne Westwood also fits right in. Her chunky pearl choker with the iconic VW pendant? Absolute perfection. And I can't forget lace trim. Whether it's on a tank top, the hem of a skirt, or just a little accent, it adds such a subtle, flirty touch. It might not be the first thing you notice, but it definitely makes an impact.

Shop Nil Sani's top 6 picks below:

1. Mary Janes

2. Ballet Flats

3. Pearl Necklace

4. Lacy Details

5. Ruffled Bag

6. Alluring Details

Raimi Reyes wearing the coquette trend.

(Image credit: @raimireyes)

How would you define the coquette aesthetic?

Through my eyes, the coquette aesthetic encapsulates femininity, romance, and the beauty in how small details like ribbons tied into bows, lace, frills, delicate patterns, and silhouettes can be such a sweet, simple pleasure to have around.

What are your favorite things about this trend?

For people like me, it's an ode to connecting with our younger selves. As a child, I loved pink, ballerinas, princesses, and "coquette" everything. Now that I'm in my 20s, when I reflect on my childhood, I remember a time when I suddenly rejected all of that because I wanted to be taken more seriously. Fast-forward to now, my biggest inspiration is my younger self, and it's important to me to do more things out of love than I do out of fear. I adore how she was able to truly live the coquette lifestyle of making the most out of the beautiful things around her that people grow to overlook. I can feel how it's brought me back to my center to honor the things I love in this world rather than hide them away for the sake of being taken more seriously. Femininity should never be seen as a lack of intelligence or unworthy of respect, and I'm glad I found my way back to what I naturally loved. Younger me had it right.

My favorite thing about this trend is how it's derived from something much deeper but easily expressed through beautiful accessories and heartwarming habits. The romanticization of our lives is such a beautiful way to remind ourselves of the good around us and the good within us. Beautiful things don't ask for attention, but even in the smallest details, we can find pleasure and thoughtful sentiments. A cup of tea keeps us company, a slip dress to bed feels regal, journaling by candlelight creates comfort, and it's all a nod to finding pleasure in the little things in life.

Shop Raimi Reyes's top 5 picks below:

1. Roll of Ribbon

2. Thrift-Store Gem

3. Corset

4. Heart-Shaped Locket

5. Tights

Devin Apollon wearing the coquette trend.

(Image credit: @devapollon)

How would you define the coquette aesthetic?

The coquette aesthetic is the ultimate definition of girlycore with a mix of sultry Old English elegance. This aesthetic has emerged so much because we see that everyone is putting their own twist on it. In a way, it mixes in with balletcore and lace blouses, silks, and a soft touch.

What are your favorite things about this trend?

A few of my favorite things about this aesthetic are the endless bows, gold jewelry, and vintage touch to every outfit. This aesthetic is one of my favorites because, with how each person perceives it, it is truly timeless and so feminine.

Shop Devin Apollon's top 5 picks below:

1. Bow

2. Pearl Necklace

3. Corset

4. Lace

5. Ballet Flats

Isa Sung wearing the coquette trend.

(Image credit: @isaasung)

How would you define the coquette aesthetic?

I would say the aesthetic includes pointelle lace, satin, and light pastel colors (like baby blue and pink) that make you think of florals or spring. The aesthetic brings out one's most divine feminine energy, whether it's through a dainty barrette or romantic soft curls. I like to think of the "Dior lip oil" girlies that just smell nice and have their priorities together and focus on themselves.

What are your favorite things about this trend?

Combining soft makeup with delicate fabrics gives off such an ethereal yet effortless look. I love how romantic the coquette aesthetic is with a pink-and-white-focused palette. It's an excuse to buy luxurious pieces for yourself to feel girly and graceful. The best part is that you can find pretty nightgowns and slip dresses at your local vintage/thrift store without giving up too much of your budget. Drinking tea and eating a buttercream-frosted cake are all a part of the "aesthetic" and can be incorporated into your lifestyle without having to forcefully fall into the trend.

Shop Isa Sung's top 5 picks below:

1. Scrunchie

2. Flats to Wear With Sheer Tights

3. Ribbon

4. Candle

5. Cozy Set

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Sierra Mayhew
Fashion Editor

Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of industry experience to the editorial team. Since joining in 2021, she has made her mark by blending luxury and accessible fashion, decoding runway trends, and curating must-have shopping lists. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra translates editorial expertise into viral social content, making fashion engaging for a new generation. Her unique perspective is rooted in her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.