What is the Coquette Aesthetic? The Meaning Behind Coquette Style & Why It’s Problematic
Think Cassie from Euphoria.
If you noticed coquette style taking over, you might be wondering what it actually is. With more than 1.1 billion views on TikTok, the coquette aesthetic, also known as ‘dollette’, is among the fastest rising trends on TikTok, with Gen-Z in particular showing a keen interest in the style. In a 2021 Pinterest report, searches for the ‘coquette aesthetic’ started to rise dramatically in November, a threefold increase compared to the prior month. Could the sudden rise in popularity be due to Euphoria? Without a doubt.
Euphoria is known for delivering swoon-worthy outfits and makeup looks, week after week. Each character has their own unique style, but for us the real winner is Cassie, played by Sydney Sweeney. The character has had so many great outfits, I don’t even know where to start – but I’ll try. Her most iconic coquette-inspired outfit has to be the blue mini dress and cropped cardigan look in that bathroom scene that had everyone talking. In fact, it caused Rue (played by Zendaya) to question whether Cassie is auditioning in the school musical Oklahoma! and her pals Maddy (played by Alexa Demie) and Kat (played by Barbie Ferreira) to say she looks like a “country music star”.
It turns out Cassie has the last laugh, because those outfits have led her to become a bonafide style icon. So what exactly is the coquette aesthetic she embodies and how can we get the look? Keep reading for everything you need to know. And for more on Cassie’s style, read more about how to dress like Cassie from Euphoria.

Cheap Luxury Handbags may earn commission if you click a link from one of our articles on to a retail website. Read more about how we choose our products.
What does Coquette mean?
The literal definition of coquette is “a flirtatious woman”. The coquette aesthetic is described as embodying all things that are idyllic, feminine and dainty. Coquette style is all about embracing femininity and romanticising vintage summer styles. Think hyper-femininity, daintiness, and nostalgia.
What is Coquette style?
Frills, knits and lacework are some of the key attributes of coquette designs. Think lace blouses and tank tops, pointelle knits, dresses with frilly details, miniskirts and corsets, to platform Mary Jane heels paired with knee-high or frilly socks. The colour palette is mainly rooted in pastels and candy colours. Expect to see accessories such as hair bows, pearl clips, gold jewels and heart-shaped sunnies, while make up is always kept soft, dewy and natural.
According to the global search platform Lyst, month-on-month searches for platform heels have increased 45%, mini skirts and dresses are up 50%, and lace items are up 38%. Views for opera gloves have also increased 26%.
Where does Coquette style come from?
The Coquette style draws inspiration from multiple time periods over the past centuries and blends both traditional and modern trends together. It takes inspiration from other aesthetics such as balletcore and royalcore and comes together as an amalgamation of multiple time periods. References can be traced to Kirsten Dunst in Marie Antionette, Natalie Portman in Black Swan and Lana Del Rey makes during her vintage Americana era in the early 2010s.
On a more recent note, think Cassie in Euphoria. Her soft and sweet look embodies the coquette look and feel. We also have Kendall Jenner slaying a coquette-esque dress for the Easter holiday and Selena Gomez taking on a unique update with the gothic coquette aesthetic.

Is the Coquette aesthetic problematic?
In the past, the coquette aesthetic has been linked to both the ‘lolita’ and ‘nymphet’ aesthetics which were particularly popular online during the Tumblr days of the 2010s but were said to ‘hyper-sexualise innocence’. Through Tiktok, the aesthetic seems to be almost entirely reinterpreted; girls are not simply dressing for the male gaze but rather reclaiming, owning and celebrating their own femininity. Today’s interpretation of the aesthetic is solely focused on embracing one’s femininity, it is more inclusive and empowering than ever.
Where to shop the Coquette aesthetic
ASOS is the perfect place to start for everything coquette at an affordable price. Search for mini skirts, frill socks, hair bows, and heart-shaped sunnies to kickstart your new coquette wardrobe. ASOS also have a huge selection of platform heels at not to miss. Zara do great knit and frill cardigans that will give you major Cassie vibes too. The Zara beauty collection is also a great place to shop the makeup look.
How to dress like Cassie from Euphoria
Cassie is the embodiment of the coquette aesthetic and we have done a deep dive on exactly how to dress like her and even where to find some of the exact pieces she wore on the show. See exactly how here.
Get the look
Cop the coquette look with these must-haves.
Urban Outfitters Oversized Bow Hair Clip

Oversized Bow Hair Clip, £12, Urban Outfitters – buy now
Accessorize your hair with bow clips, like this hair clip from Urban Outfitters, for a touch of whimsy and sweetness. The oversized, the better.
House of CB Una Corseted Stretch-Woven Top

Una corseted stretch-woven top, £89, House of CB at Selfridges – buy now
Simply match the Una corseted top with highwaist jeans or skirt, and you’ll easily achieve that playful and flirty look.
Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Kitsch Coquette Knit Mini Dress

Kimchi Blue Kitsch Coquette Knit Mini Dress, £30, Urban Outfitters – buy now
Don’t you just love this gorgeous mini dress from Urban Outfitters? The pink-coloured lettuce trim and rosette detail bring a romantic nostalgia to your coquette look.
Other Stories Tie Front Frill Sleeve Cardigan

Other Stories Tie Front Frill Sleeve Cardigan, £32.50, ASOS – buy now
Baby blues are a classic coquette colour, and if you want to stock one in your wardrobe, this double tie front cardigan from ASOS fits the bill.
Miss Selfridge Cami Dress With Contrast Bow

Miss Selfridge Cami Dress With Contrast Bow, £28.99, ASOS – buy now
Love to rock that gothic coquette look? This cami dress from Miss Selfridge is just perfect.
Urban Outfitters Out From Under Scattered Bow Tights

Out From Under Scattered Bow Tights, now £5, Urban Outfitters – buy now
Complete your gothic coquette look with these bow tights from Urban Outfitters.
Love Triangle Baby Dolly Mini Dress With Open Back

Love Triangle baby dolly mini dress with open back in blue ditsy, £21, ASOS – buy now
Babydoll dresses are a coquette style staple, and if you’re in your coquette era, you can’t go wrong with this mini dress from ASOS.
ASOS DESIGN Los Angeles Ruched Ballet With Elastic Strap

Los Angeles ruched ballet with elastic strap in rose, £18, ASOS DESIGN – buy now
Babydoll dresses paired with these ruched ballet flats from ASOS DESIGN are effortlessly charming!
Zara Gingham Dress With Tie

Gingham Dress With Tie, £35.99, Zara – buy now
Zara’s pink-and-white gingham dress is all you need to ace that exquisite coquette style. Accessorize it with bow, ribbons, and pearls, and you’ll look stunning as ever!
One response to “What is the Coquette Aesthetic? The Meaning Behind Coquette Style & Why It’s Problematic”
-
[…] coquette is defined as a “flirtatious woman”. Many Tumblr Girls and now TikTok creators are embracing this hyper feminine style. It combines […]
Leave a Reply