Ever wondered why you’re suddenly seeing bows everywhere? You might have seen ribbons even being tied on random things such packets of fries, slices of bread, and credit cards. Don’t worry, you’re not being haunted by bows! The coquette aesthetic has taken over the internet and is putting a bow on everything.
The term ‘coquette’ refers to a ‘woman who flirts.’ It actually derives from a much more questionable notion, setting the expectation that a woman owes something to men by simply appealing to them and accepting their ‘affections’. The word coquette, it seems, has always been a defamatory term for women. This notion becomes even more problematic considering that ‘coquette’ is most often associated with younger girls.
However, the internet has since added its own twist to the trend, detaching any deep connection to its name. The coquette aesthetic now refers to a style that emphasises anything pastel, frilly, and doll-like, often described as a kind of hyper femininity. It focuses on dainty and delicate elements such as ruffles, bows, and light, playful colours in everyday style and decor – a trend that unapologetically embodies a feminine, ultra-girly style.
It could be argued that this way of dressing is exactly what is envisioned of a ‘coquette woman’: a young girl who uses her feminine aesthetics to attract and lure the men around her. But the idea that women want to dress well simply to be desired is entirely made up by the male gaze and it definitely shouldn’t be the case. Women should be able to be feminine without bringing men into the conversation.
The coquette trend is unique because it separates femininity from the male gaze. Now, when girls wear bows in their hair, wear pink, and admire how ‘coquette’ everything is, they are thinking about themselves. They’re embracing femininity because it makes them feel happy and this is its own kind of redefinition.
This aesthetic also acts as an ode to connecting with our younger selves and healing our inner child. As children, many of us loved pink, ballerinas, princesses, and ‘coquette’ everything. As young girls, we were overcome with expectations to like the colour pink. But like many other young women, as we grew up, how many of us developed an apparent distaste against the colour? Pink was associated with excessive femininity and not liking pink became ‘cool’.
With this trend, however, things seem to have been flipped on its head. At the heart of the aesthetic is nostalgia and embracing what made us happy. Influencers confess that they feel empowered wearing coquette clothing, after not being taken seriously for being too girly while growing up. It’s a style for girls and women to dress for themselves and is a chance to reclaim themselves.
The trend is an excuse to buy expensive pieces for yourself to feel girly and elegant. In terms of clothing, you’ll often see ballet flats, Mary Jane shoes, slip dresses, miniskirts, tights, lace, ruffles, florals, and more.
Cute nightgowns and slip dresses can be found at your local vintage/thrift store without having to go over your budget. When it comes to hair, makeup, and nails, the coquette trend often features pink, pastel colours, and of course, the signature accessory: bows. Going for picnics, drinking tea, and eating a buttercream-frosted cake are all a part of the aesthetic and can be incorporated into your lifestyle.
The romanticisation of our lives is such a beautiful way to remind ourselves of the good around us and appreciate the little things in life. Coquette-core highlights the frivolity of fashion; by inspiring the inclusion of dainty elements like ribbons and lace, the aesthetic encourages individuals to celebrate traditionally feminine aesthetics without surrendering to preconceived societal norms.
The trend is an opportunity to act as a canvas for self-expression that is both redeeming and evolutionary. Trends such as this are so much more than just a trend for so many around the world!
PHOTOS © BAKER TELLS, PINTEREST