LOS ALAMITOS, CA — As many Gen Z students and teens can tell you: Coquette was the theme of this past year. From the Lana Del Rey-esque knit cardigans that have taken over, to flowered prints and fabrics that have flooded Pinterest pages, it is clear that this trend, which embraces feminine, vintage motifs, has taken over fashion.

What is coquette fashion?

A major part of this unique trend is its emphasis on femininity and a “balletcore” aesthetic. The trend embraces just about anything romantic and beautiful in fashion, such as light colors, flowers, and heart prints. 

“This aesthetic is one of my favorites because, with how each person perceives it, it is truly timeless and so feminine,” said TikToker Devin Apollon for WhoWhatWear. 

The trend has gone completely viral on TikTok with around 1.3 billion views on the social media app. 

As a result of the growing popularity of this trend, bows, pearls, and intricate curl-filled hairstyles have been hallmarks of many major events from 2023, including at the 2023 Met Gala where Billie Eilish’s black lace gown and bow-filled braid and Sydney Sweeney’s pink ruched dress encrusted with jewels and a black bow stole the show. Lily Rose Depp also deserves an honorable mention for the lacy lavender dress she wore to the premier of her movie “Wolf ” in 2021.

What influenced the coquette style?

Although the trend has just recently reached mainstream popularity, it was popular dating back to the 2010s as a more alternative style. 

“Charming girly bedrooms (floral bedding, pink walls, antique furniture, record players), Lana Del Rey GIFS, and romantic poetry were synonymous with coquette fashion in Tumblr blogs in the 2010s,” said LA stylist Marissa Ledford for People Magazine.

Additionally, the trend has been influenced by Regency era styles, prompting the rise of the corset as one of its motifs. The popularity of the Netflix show Bridgerton, – as seen in the 2023 prequel about Queen Charlotte – which is known for its stunningly colorful Regency costumes, may have helped the addition of the corset, empire waist, and elaborate updos into the trend as many tried to emulate the looks displayed in the show. 

According to Seventeen Magazine, the trend also was inspired by a Japanese trend for dressing in Victorian and Rococo motifs, which was named for the controversial book “Lolita” by Vladimir Nabakov.

“These related aesthetics have been criticized, but the coquette look is ultimately about unapologetically embracing beauty, love, and grace in your aesthetic and lifestyle choices,” said Seventeen Magazine. 

How do you dress “coquette”?

The key to embracing this trend is simply embracing your femininity. If it screams girly, vintage, and gorgeous, then you’re probably doing it right. Pieces that include common elements of the trend include corset-style tops, ballet flats, skirts, and, of course, anything using flowers or hearts. 

“A few of my favorite things about this aesthetic are the endless bows, gold jewelry, and vintage touch to every outfit,” Apollon said. 

So next time you are looking to romanticize your aesthetic, put a bow on it!