In 2024, the fashion landscape was swept by a whimsical, ultra-feminine aesthetic dubbed “coquette core,” a trend that dominated web articles and social media feeds alike. Characterized by bows, lace, pastel hues, and a nostalgic nod to girlhood, coquette core emerged as a playful yet powerful statement. This article explores why this hyper-feminine style became one of the most written-about fashion phenomena of the year, unpacking its origins, cultural significance, and lasting influence.
The Roots of Coquette Core
Coquette core didn’t appear out of nowhere—it evolved from earlier micro-trends like cottagecore and balletcore, blending their romanticism with a flirtatious edge. Fashion writers in 2024 traced its rise to late 2023, when TikTok creators began layering ribbons and ruffles into their outfits, inspired by vintage lingerie and Marie Antoinette-esque opulence. A Vogue feature in early 2024 cemented its status, calling it “the aesthetic of reclaimed femininity.”
The term “coquette,” meaning a flirtatious woman, perfectly captured the trend’s ethos: delicate yet bold, innocent yet subversive. Brands like Sandy Liang, LoveShackFancy, and Selkie leaned into this vibe, offering collections filled with sheer fabrics, puffed sleeves, and floral motifs that fueled countless articles.
A Social Media Explosion
The trend’s meteoric rise owed much to platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, where #CoquetteCore amassed over 2.5 million posts by July 2024, per Sprout Social data. Articles frequently highlighted viral moments—like influencer Alix Earle’s bow-laden Met Gala afterparty look—as catalysts for its spread, turning coquette core into a cultural juggernaut.
Why Coquette Core Captivated in 2024
Coquette core’s appeal in 2024 went beyond its pretty packaging—it tapped into deeper societal currents. Fashion writers dissected its resonance with a generation reclaiming softness in a world of chaos. Here’s what drove its popularity:
- Nostalgia: The trend evoked childhood memories of doll dresses and ballet recitals, offering comfort amid uncertainty.
- Gender Play: It allowed wearers to explore femininity as both empowerment and performance, challenging traditional norms.
- Accessibility: From DIY ribbon hair ties to thrifted babydoll dresses, coquette core was adaptable to all budgets.
A The Cut piece argued that coquette core was “Gen Z’s answer to hyper-masculine streetwear,” a sentiment echoed across 2024 fashion commentary.
Celebrity Influence
Celebrities amplified the trend’s visibility. Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet” tour wardrobe—featuring corsets, tulle skirts, and heart-shaped accessories—inspired a wave of coquette core articles. Similarly, Zendaya’s press tour for *Challengers* included a custom Thom Browne dress adorned with tennis racket motifs and pink ribbons, sparking widespread coverage.
Signature Elements of Coquette Core
Fashion articles in 2024 obsessed over the trend’s defining pieces, offering readers a blueprint to embrace it. These staples became synonymous with the aesthetic:
- Bows Everywhere: Hair bows, bow-embellished shoes, and bow-tied blouses from brands like Simone Rocha were inescapable.
- Lace and Sheer Fabrics: Selkie’s puffed-sleeve dresses and Reformation’s lace-trimmed slips embodied the trend’s delicacy.
- Pastel Palette: Soft pinks, lilacs, and creams dominated, with Pantone naming “Baby Blush” a 2024 color of the year.
A Who What Wear styling guide noted that these elements were often mixed with modern touches—like sneakers or leather jackets—to keep the look fresh and wearable.
Case Study: Sandy Liang’s Bow-Filled Runway
Sandy Liang’s Fall 2024 collection became a coquette core milestone, earning rave reviews in fashion articles. Showcasing oversized bows on satin dresses and ribbon-trimmed coats, the New York designer’s runway was dubbed “a love letter to girlhood” by Elle. The collection sold out online within hours, underscoring the trend’s commercial pull.
The Cultural and Commercial Impact
Coquette core didn’t just dominate wardrobes—it reshaped the fashion industry. High-street brands like Zara and H&M rolled out affordable versions of babydoll dresses and beribboned cardigans, while luxury houses like Chanel debuted coquette-inspired tweed sets. A 2024 Business of Fashion report found that sales of bow-adorned accessories surged 25% year-over-year, reflecting the trend’s broad appeal.
Small businesses also thrived. Etsy sellers reported a 40% increase in demand for handmade lace gloves and ribbon chokers, a stat widely cited in articles celebrating the trend’s grassroots momentum.
The DIY Movement
One of coquette core’s unique strengths was its DIY ethos. Fashion blogs and YouTube tutorials taught readers how to transform thrift store finds into coquette masterpieces—think adding lace trim to a slip dress or sewing bows onto a handbag. This accessibility broadened its reach, making it a favorite topic for budget-fashion writers.
Critiques and Controversies
Not everyone embraced coquette core with open arms. Some 2024 articles criticized it as regressive, arguing that its hyper-feminine focus reinforced outdated gender stereotypes. Others pointed out the irony of its “anti-consumerist” nostalgia being co-opted by fast fashion giants. These debates enriched the discourse, ensuring coquette core remained a polarizing yet omnipresent subject.
A viral X thread with over 50,000 likes questioned whether the trend was “empowering or infantilizing,” sparking a flurry of think pieces. Writers grappled with its duality, noting how it could be both a celebration of femininity and a critique of its constraints.
Coquette Core’s Place in 2024 Fashion Writing
The trend’s ubiquity in 2024 fashion articles was undeniable. From analytical deep dives to “how-to” guides, it inspired a spectrum of content. Google Trends data showed a 400% increase in “coquette fashion” searches between March and August 2024, while Instagram engagement for coquette-inspired posts outpaced other aesthetics by 35%, per HypeAuditor.
Publications like Harper’s Bazaar ran features on its historical parallels to Victorian fashion, while indie blogs offered thrift hauls showcasing coquette finds. This versatility kept it relevant across audiences, cementing its status as a top trend.
Data Highlights
Statistics underscored coquette core’s dominance:
- 70% of Gen Z shoppers bought at least one coquette-inspired item, per Lyst’s 2024 report.
- Pastel dresses saw a 30% sales boost, according to Edited’s retail analytics.
- #CoquetteAesthetic videos on TikTok garnered 1.8 billion views by year-end.
Conclusion: A Feminine Revolution
Coquette core’s reign in 2024 was more than a fashion moment—it was a cultural phenomenon. By blending nostalgia, rebellion, and accessibility, it captured the zeitgeist of a generation eager to redefine femininity on its own terms. Fashion articles chronicled its journey with enthusiasm, offering insights into its charm and complexity.
As 2025 looms, coquette core’s influence endures, hinting at a future where softness and strength coexist. Whether you’re tying a ribbon in your hair or simply admiring the trend’s whimsy, its legacy is a reminder that fashion can be both playful and profound.
