Coquette is the latest internet trend to take over our feeds, wardrobes and lives – but what's it all about and can you comfortably dip into it if you're over 25?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock in 2024, then you’ll definitely have stumbled across some Instagram or TikTok content centring around the coquette trend. For those who don’t fully understand what it’s about, the coquette aesthetic is a 2020s fashion trend that is characterised by a mix of sweet, romantic, and sometimes playful elements. Coquette tends to focus on femininity through the use of clothes with lace accents, chiffon garments, bows, ribbons and pastel hues. You might also find some gingham in the mix, alongside pinstripes, broderie anglaise, tiered fabrics and ruffles. It’s all about giving girly. Coquette is definitely having a big moment, with it poised to be big throughout spring, summer and beyond, as familiar faces like Sabrina Carpenter embrace the whimsy trend with every bone in their bodies, in turn making us also yearn for the femininity of this romantic trend.
Big names like Versace, Tanner Fletcher and Vivetta all used ribbons as a focal point in their recent collections, and it seems that the world has cottoned on pretty quickly. But although full-on coquette seems quite hard to embrace if you enjoy experimenting with several trends at once, the coquettish influencers have worked elements into their personal style to make the current trend work for them. You don’t need to throw out your entire wardrobe in order to embrace the vibe – and no, you don't have to surrender your womanhood in order to give it a go. You can start small and by simply adding in accessories like clip-in bows to your hairstyles, or a sweet tiered dress, floaty midi skirt, or graphic t-shirt… it really is that simple.
UO Red Delulu Sweatshirt
£49.00
The perfect casual way you can lean into the coquette trend without diving in head-first, this sweet sweatshirt from Urban Outfitters combines a cute internet-trend slogan - Delulu - with a whimsy font and a sweet frill around the neckline. Style with light-wash jeans for a laidback look, or wear with a miniskirt to really embrace the coquette look.
Clarabelle corseted floral-print stretch-woven midi dress
£169.00
Find yourself a picnic blanket, a meadow and a Jane Austen novel stat - that's what this pretty-as-a-picture floral dress requires. The corset structure is a nice touch.
Gingham Ruffle Bow Barrette Hair Clip
£22.00
Hair bows and ribbons are having a massive resurgence at the moment, and if we’re being honest? We are totally obsessed. This gingham bow barrette hair clip from Anthropologie is the perfect way to ease yourself into the coquette trend – simply pick your favourite colour combination, follow a Sabrina Carpenter blow dry tutorial, pop the bow at the back and you’ll be good to go.
UO Bow Knit Cardigan
£49.00
With bows completely taking social media by storm, you might want to embrace them in a different way other than just in your hair, and because the weather is still a little chilly, a chunky knit cardigan covered in sweet ribbons and bows might be the perfect way to lean into this trend. Style with a simple t-shirt and jeans, or layer over a more formal look to make it office appropriate.
FP One Clover Printed Skirt
£118.00
Whimsy skirts are all the rage at the moment, so why not invest in this beauty from Free People? In a gorgeous coral hue with a ditsy red pattern adorning it, this frilly, asymmetrical dream of a skirt is ideal for spring when styled with a t-shirt, trainers and a denim jacket; and oh-so-perfect for the summer when worn with a tank top and sandals.
Daria Ruffle Detail Cut Out Blouse
£158.00
Love the coquette trend but want to elevate it slightly? Well, this Reiss blouse is the perfect take on coquette with a high-end chic feel to it. With ruffle detailing and ties at the back, this smart blouse has just the right amount of whimsy so you can effortlessly lean into the coquette trend.
Layla Cotton Sateen Skirt
£110.00
With summer just around the corner, making coquette a little tropical is a surefire way to inject some fun into your wardrobe. This cotton sateen skirt from Boden is adorned in an allover strawberry print, and works beautifully teamed with neutral hues, greens, pinks or reds. Simply style with a plain t-shirt and pop a bow in your hair and you’ve nailed the trend in an instant.
By Anthropologie Short-Sleeve Bow Baby T-Shirt
£35.00
A simple t-shirt with a hint of coquette? Okay, we’re in love! Tying two key trends together - denim and coquette - with the baby blue hue and the graphic bow illustration on the front, this tee is a total must-have this season. Wear with jeans or a midi skirt for the most effortless and trendy look you can put together in a flash.
Cotton Bow Front Blouse
£165.00
For a more pared back approach to all things bows and frills, look no further than Ganni whose tie front cotton blouse offers a delightfully minimal option that's perfect for summer.
Damson Madder Rebecca Tiered Maxi Dress
£150.00
The cutest prairie-style maxi dress from Damson Madder, this pretty pink number boasts of a square neckline, ruched 3/4 length sleeves and a tiered maxi hem, and to really lean into the world of coquette it’s topped off with delicate broderie, floral embroidery and a woven ribbon bow in the centre. Style with sneakers until we’re safely into the summer months and then switch to Birkenstocks or your favourite flat sandals.
ASOS DESIGN oversized scrunchie with contrast stitching in pink
£8.00
Bows not your thing? Make scrunchies your new go to on days where you hair just needs a little bit more.
Cotton Maxi Tie Neck Dress
£155.00
Beautifully feminine and whimsical, this maxi tie neck dress from Boden is a floaty dream with three gathered tiers adorned with bright prints and colourful trims. Perfect for summer holidays abroad, or staycations and day trips when the weather is a little warmer, wear with sandals or sneakers and you’re good to explore.
Damson Madder Dilly Tie-Front Gilet
£90.00
The Dilly Tie Front Gilet by Damson Madder is an incredibly chic take on the coquette trend thanks to the red and white pinstripe pattern adorning the denim fabric. Wear with the matching trousers and nothing underneath the gilet to really let the tie bow at the front do all of the talking, or layer with a t-shirt for a warmer option until the sun shines properly.
Vivienne Westwood Vivienne Pearl Sunglasses
£265.00
The coquette aesthetic is the definition of feminine, combining pretty as can be with a pinch of old style English elegance. Therefore pearls are a must - but not feel wedded to a necklace. These newly released Vivienne Westwood pearl sunglasses put a punk spin on the trend.

OFFICE Womens Frenchkiss Patent Two Strap Mary Janes Off White, 5
£39.99
Ballerina pumps are good, Mary Janes are even better. School shoes have been given a grown-up upgrade for summer and we'll be wearing this neutral patent pair with everything.