The Coquette Aesthetic is Here to Stay

The coquette aesthetic—a look mixing elegance, softness, and playful flirtation—is no longer just a passing fashion trend. It's evolved into something deeper and more personal, a movement impacting not only what we wear but how we express ourselves, romanticize our place in the world, and view femininity itself. Think bows, blush tones, pearls, and vintage charm, all meticulously combined in a way that celebrates femininity unapologetically. But this aesthetic is more than appearances; it’s a lifestyle many women have embraced, a blend of feminine nostalgia and empowerment, helping them feel celebrated for all things soft and delicate.

Sofia Coppola: The Queen of Coquette

No discussion of the coquette aesthetic would be complete without Sofia Coppola, the filmmaker who arguably perfected and pioneered the resurgence of the look on screen. Her films like The Virgin Suicides, Marie Antoinette, and the latest Priscilla—are like visual lullabies for this style. 

‍

Marie Antoinette gave us candy-colored excess with a hint of loneliness, a perfect example of how Coppola blends beauty with a touch of melancholy. And then there’s The Virgin Suicides, where the Lisbon sisters’ gauzy dresses and far-off stares taught us that delicate could also be haunting. Last year’s Priscilla, Coppola explores the tender, turbulent journey of Priscilla Presley, capturing the innocence and intensity of young love. Through these films, Coppola has made femininity feel like a quiet rebellion—a world where softness speaks volumes, and nostalgia isn’t just embraced; it’s romanticized.

Pop Culture’s Role: Reinventing Femininity in the Age of Influence

The renewed popularity of the coquette aesthetic has much to do with pop culture’s endless flirtation with the feminine and vintage. Icons like Lana Del Rey and Sabrina Carpenter have built entire worlds around this mood, incorporating dreamy visuals, nostalgic lyrics, and a pure-like aura. Social media has also played an essential role, amplifying the reach of coquette-inspired style through music videos, concert footage—like that of Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Short n’ Sweet Tour.’ Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have pushed out images of dainty bows, ballet flats, bloomer skirts and shorts, making this style the coolest uniform.

‍

Repeated exposure marketing has made the coquette aesthetic more than just a style choice; it’s a recognizable part of the cultural landscape. Bows, for example, are now unmissable—from the runways to streetwear, and brands have embraced this shift. It’s almost impossible to scroll through a fashion feed without seeing coquette embedded easter-eggs, vintage-inspired silhouettes, and accessories that add a coquette touch.

Therapeutic Femininity: Why Coquette Feels So Good

For many women, the coquette aesthetic is a return to something soft and joyful, a celebration of femininity that feels as refreshing as it is timeless. Embracing traditional feminine touches—like pearls, jewels, and flowing fabrics—feels like a gentle reminder of what makes these details so beautiful. There’s something soothing in dressing with such care, choosing a dress that moves gracefully, tying a ribbon in one’s hair, or adding a touch of blush. It’s more than just fashion; it’s an experience that feels grounding, letting women express their love for details that bring out their softer side.

‍

Dressing in the coquette style is like a nostalgic nod to a time when fashion was unabashedly romantic, where beauty was found in delicate touches and subtle elegance. By choosing these pieces, women are reconnecting with a feminine spirit that feels both comforting and empowering. In this way, the coquette aesthetic becomes less about following trends and more about celebrating a style that makes them feel radiant and fully in tune with their femininity.

The Rise of “Hyper-Femininity” in Fashion: Cottagecore and Balletcore

Hyper-femininity is back, and it’s taking over fashion with subcultures of coquette like cottagecore and balletcore, each bringing its own version of romantic charm. Cottagecore wraps us in coziness, all flowy dresses, gingham prints, and garden-ready florals—a rural fantasy that feels like an escape from modern life. Balletcore is more structured yet equally dreamy, with wrap skirts, delicate tights, and shades of blush pink that echo a dancer’s wardrobe, blending grace with ease. As the allure of hyper-femininity captivates fashion, it reveals a deeper yearning for connection to beauty, art, and tradition in our fast-paced lives.

A Life of Softness and Subtlety

Romanticizing coquette means finding beauty in the little things, like vintage teacups or family heirlooms, and savoring them like treasures. It invites us to slow down, to see beauty in the simple things—a handwritten letter, fresh flowers, or the way sunlight falls on us in the morning. It’s about looking at the world through a rose-tinted lens, where femininity isn’t something to downplay but something to embrace fully. This isn’t just dressing up; it’s about creating a life filled with softness, subtlety, and elegance. While coquette has many emerging subcultures, the latest might just be the boldest yet: coquette cowgirl. Picture it—a bow in the hair, boots on the ground. This world of coquette knows no limits, blending styles and embracing all women who want a touch of romance with a hint of adventure.