The emergence of aesthetics and clothing cores in recent years has become a rather divisive subject within the world of fashion.
Some camps retain a cautionary perspective and have rightly voiced concerns regarding how cores feed the beast of microtrends, which in turn greatly influences fast fashion. On the other hand, many sartorial enthusiasts celebrate the ways in which certain aesthetics help individuals to feel more comfortable in their own skin.
No matter your age, you might suddenly find yourself exposed to a new ensemble which feels unbeatably and unequivocally you. These highly specific styles which are taking the internet by storm are all about finding and feeling comfortable in a look which elevates your assets while showcasing your personality.
While adhering to a certain aesthetic may require an element of performativity, all the world’s a stage – and dressing up in your daily, ostentatiously frilly uniform might just bring you closer to your truest self.
If the term coquette has been swirling around your consciousness as of late, you’ve come to the right place. Consisting of luscious lace, bows, ribbon, ballet pumps and delicate floral motifs, the aesthetic is defined and inspired by the style of popular celebrities such as Lana Del Rey, Elle Fanning and Lily-Rose Depp – with more famous individuals hopping on the trend as of late.
The coquette aesthetic, otherwise referred to as Coquette Core, overlaps with other popular trends including Cottage Core and Ballerina Core – except with a distinct Regency-era twist. Think: Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, which involved an abundance of frills, sweet treats and pastel hues.
A celebration of girlhood, it’s no wonder the term for the hyper-feminine aesthetic derives from the French term for ‘flirt’ or ‘flatterer’ originating in the mid-17th century. It’s about enjoying all the best parts of childhood with an adult’s bank account, embracing the frills and tea parties that we might have held for our teddy bears as young girls, but can now host for our fellow frill-loving friends.
We’ve curated a selection of clothing which exemplifies all the best parts of the coquette girl trend. Keep scrolling to embrace femininity.
Shop now
Punnet Embroidered Midi Dress
Pastel pink and dotted with miniature embroidered cherries, this delicately flowing frock will elevate your springtime frolics tenfold. We love how the black ribbon bolo adds a sense of sophistication to the collared piece.
Buy now £98.00, Sister Jane
Selkie The Peach Skin French Puff
The Regency-inspired branch of Coquette Core has come to be defined by Wildfox co-founder Kimberley Gordon’s latest venture. Selkie, which refers to the mythological woman of the ocean who lives inside a seal skin, is defined by voluminous taffeta, organza and silk frocks. The brand’s gorgeous collections capture the essence of springtime and embody the dresses which we could’ve only dreamed of as young girls.
This peachy pink puff dress is one of the brand’s signature pieces, and is a must-have for any lover of coquette style.
Buy now £214.00, Selkie
Simone Rocha bow-embellished ruffled cloqué midi skirt
No one does elegant femininity quite like Simone Rocha, and this bow-embellished cloqué midi is a prime example of this fact. Softly pleated to create delicate volume and movement, this beautiful piece belongs in a capsule coquette collection and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Buy now £695.00, Net-A-Porter
Sandy Liang Mondays Top
Picnic-ready poplin puff sleeves with a modern, graphic twist? Sign us up. The subtle broderie anglaise trim and shirring at the cuffs of this delightful piece from coquette dream label Sandy Liang would stun paired with a pleated mini skirt and white lace tights.
Buy now £445.00, SSENSE
Laura Ashley X Joanie - Elin Lington Ditsy Floral Print Quilted Jacket - Navy
The result of a collaboration between Laura Ashley and Joanie, this quilted bed jacket has been crafted from a vintage Laura Ashley print plucked from the archives. Crafted with organic cotton and natural fibres, this lovely garment is as sustainable as it is stunning.
Buy now £28.50, Joanie
Printed corset top
Evoking a summertime feel with no florals in sight is this printed corset top from Mango. We adore the delicate pleating and optional co-ord in the form of belted shorts.
Buy now £35.99, Mango
Belva Silk Dress
Also offered in gorgeous aquamarine and leopard print designs, Reformation’s Belva Silk Dress embodies the ballerina-off-duty look. The delicate keyhole detailing is delightfully feminine, while the drop-waist relaxed skirt imbues the piece with vintage charm.
Buy now £298.00, Reformation
Feeling For Lace Shorties
Available in a variety of gorgeous pastel tones, these lace bloomers are a definitive aspect of the coquette aesthetic. Though bloomers would’ve been traditionally worn as undergarments in the Regency period, modern aesthetics and sensibilities have seen them become a summertime favourite.
Buy now £44.00, Free People
Orseund Iris Mademoiselle Top
Styled with either matching trousers or shorts, this take on a Bo Peep blouse by Orseund Iris embellishes a corseted silhouette with a slight evocation of a silky shirt peeping out from underneath. We’re particularly big fans of the pink bow at the decolletage and the delicate wooden buttons which trail down to the bottom of the garment.
Buy now £237.00, Orseund Iris
Evelyn Bow Tie Pant
Part of Lisa Says Gah’s latest collection, which is aptly called ‘Bow Party’, these patterned, flowing trousers are tied at the side with extra-long and wonderfully dramatic bows.
Buy now £119.00, Lisa Says Gah
Linen Blend Shirt
Coquette core doesn’t mean it needs to be all frills, all the time. Sometimes a lovely pink linen shirt draped across your shoulders and a flowing summer frock is all you need.
Buy now £19.01, H&M
Kiki Slip
A key element of dressing in a coquettish fashion is layering. With this beautiful cornflower blue, translucent slip from Free People, the layering possibilities are endless.
Buy now £88.00, Free People
Alex Tee
A cotton, pointelle t-shirt is a wardrobe essential for any coquette girl. Sorry, we don’t make the rules. You can’t do much better than this floral and ribbon-adorned, highly flattering baby tee by Lisa Says Gah.
Buy now £71.00, Lisa Says Gah
Fruity Booty Black Rosas Dress
Part of Fruity Booty’s showstopping lace capsule collection, the Rosas stretchy lace dress is complete with an asymmetric hem for joyous walks in the park and dancing long into the night.
Buy now £98.00, Fruity Booty
Off-White Richelieu Big Collar Blouse
Why have one collar when you can have three? Thanks to Farm Rio, all of our frilly Peter Pan collar dreams have officially come true with this expertly pleated and fantastically puff-sleeved lacey blouse.
Buy now £200.00, Farm Rio
Kitri Layla Berry Print Skirt
It’s strawberries galore over at Kitri this spring, and we couldn’t be more delighted. This silky maxi skirt is sure to be a picnic date staple throughout the warmer months.
Buy now £135.00, Kitri
