Hope this Helps: Coquette

Hey Babes!

Welcome back to the blog! I hope you're doing amazing. I just want to start off by saying thank you so much for the love and support on the first ever Hope This Helps article. It really means a lot that you take the time to read my work and support me. I'm so grateful and have such an amazing community!

At last, it's time for another edition of Hope This Helps, where I break down popular style and aesthetics so you can rock them with confidence. I also give you some tips to get the look for yourself. This time, we're diving into the dreamy, delicate world of the coquette aesthetic. If you've been on Tiktok or Pinterest for a while, you've probably seen or heard of it. Coquette is known for pink, delicate and hyper feminine motifs. But what exactly is it? And how did it blow up so quickly?

Grab a nice drink, get comfy, and let's unravel everything you need to know about the coquette aesthetic, Plus some pointers to help you dress the part

What is Coquette?

The coquette aesthetic started gaining traction in the early 2020s, around 2022-ish. This was when the concept of aesthetics really started going viral. Everyone was obsessed with e-girl, soft girl, and VSCO girl aesthetics. Coquette came out of the soft girl world, but added a vintage and nostalgic twist. 

Think of Rococo elegance, Victorian romance, with a hint of femininity from the 50s and 60s. It's like to flirtier, more romantic cousin of princesscore. You can also see some inspiration from things like ballet and cottage core. In fact, coquette was the catalyst to balletcore, a more niche fashion style. 

Some big items in coquette are lace, bows, lipgloss, pink, and the occasional corset. 

Femininity Made Empowering

One of the biggest reasons Coquette style took off is because of a growing movement to reclaim and embrace femininity in online spaces. After years of "girlboss" culture pushing women toward hyper-productivity and masculine energy, Coquette offers a softer rebellion.

It says: You can be powerful and pretty. Delicate doesn’t mean weak. Flirting with femininity can be a form of self-expression, not a performance for the male gaze.

In a way, the Coquette girl is rewriting the rules of what it means to be feminine—and doing it unapologetically.

Coquette vs. Other Styles

• Coquette vs. Lolita:
While both borrow from vintage and Victorian fashion, Lolita (especially Japanese Lolita fashion) is much more structured and rooted in modesty and elegance. Coquette, on the other hand, is more fluid and flirtatious. Think: less petticoat, more slip dress.

• Coquette vs. Dollette:
Dollette is like Coquette’s porcelain doll sister. It’s ultra-soft, pastel-heavy, and leans even more into innocence. Coquette still has that delicate vibe, but with a little more edge and sensuality.

• Light vs. Dark Coquette (aka Nymphet):
Light Coquette is the dreamy, ethereal side—lace gloves, soft curls, and vintage perfume bottles. Dark Coquette (sometimes called “nymphet”) leans into Lana Del Rey energy—sultry, melancholic, and cinematic, with a hint of danger.

How to get the look

The coquette aesthetic is all about blending sweetness, softness, with a little seduction. It's vintage and flirty. Think lace-trimmed camisoles, soft pink blush, and a well-placed ribbon. Here's how to bring the look to life:

Clothing staples:

To start building your Coquette wardrobe, focus on feminine silhouettes and romantic details:

• Slip dresses & satin camisoles – Think vintage lingerie vibes you can wear out.

• Mini skirts & baby doll dresses – Especially in lace, satin, or floral patterns.

• Cardigans & cropped sweaters – Bonus points for bows, puff sleeves, or soft textures like angora.

• Corsets & bustiers – Layered over dresses or paired with skirts for that vintage pin-up flair.

• Ribbons, bows, and lace accents – These little touches take a look from cute to Coquette instantly.

Color palette: Pale pinks, creams, whites, dusty rose, soft browns, and hints of red or black (for darker Coquette moods).

Makeup: 

The makeup is where the magic happens—it’s soft, flushed, and just a little pouty:

• Dewy skin – Go for a hydrated, glowy finish. Light foundation or skin tint works best.

• Blush, blush, blush! – Concentrate it high on the cheeks and even across the nose for that “shy girl” look.

• Rosy lips – Tinted balm, glossy finishes, or overlined lips in soft pinks and reds.

• Fluttery lashes – A good mascara or some wispy falsies will take you far.

• Subtle eyeliner – Think tightlining or a slight wing to elongate the eye.

Optional: Add faux beauty marks or heart stickers under the eye for that vintage pin-up meets Tumblr girl touch.

Hair & Accessories: 

Hair ribbons and bows – Whether it’s a full headband or a simple tied ribbon, it’s a Coquette essential.

Soft curls or loose waves – Effortless, romantic hair is key.

Pearl jewelry & vintage-inspired pieces – Think dainty necklaces, drop earrings, or gold lockets.

Lace gloves, thigh-high socks, or sheer tights – Extra delicate touches that elevate your look.

Perfume – A soft floral or powdery vintage scent seals the aesthetic. Try fragrances with notes of rose, vanilla, or musk.

Coquette is more than just lace and lipstick—it’s a full expression of soft power, nostalgia, and feminine charm. Whether you want to add a hint of Coquette to your daily look or fully embody the aesthetic, there’s no wrong way to embrace it. It’s all about romanticizing your life and letting your style flirt with the past.

Hope this helps, babe. Until next time—stay sweet, stay stylish, and never be afraid to play dress-up.

xo,

Scarlette