Coquette Core: Reclaiming your Feminine Energy
2023 is the year of the girly girl.
by PAYTON McGLORY ★ FEBRUARY 27, 2023
Light pink, silk pillowcases, lace bows, earmuffs and hair ribbons. What do these things have in common (aside from the fact that we’re obsessed with all of them)? They’re timeless pieces that define the “girly girl” aesthetic currently taking the internet by storm: coquette core. If you’re a frequent Pinterest user like me, I’m sure your feed has been flooded with many of these trends over the past few years. Y2K, coastal grandma, clean girl aesthetic, you name it, we’ve seen it. With these microtrends constantly coming and going, it can be hard to stay ahead of the curve and know which style will hit your TikTok for you page next. But don’t worry, coquette core is here to stay. Here’s our guide to romanticizing your wardrobe and stepping into your feminine style while staying warm this winter season.
One coquette brand we’ve been loving recently (that won’t break the bank) is Cider. This online boutique has all the necessary essentials for your feminine style starter pack: hair bows, pearl necklaces, dainty lace dresses and anything else a dream girl could want. Their affordability and convenience make them a go-to for when you need a new piece in a bind.
Love coquette but not a fan of pink? Not to worry! Cider has infinite options of creams and neutrals, that tone down the strawberry aesthetic without losing any flair. Here are two pieces we love:
Another one of our favorites recently has been LoveShackFancy. Despite being a little on the pricier side (but SO worth it), they have created the uniform for coquette girls everywhere: frills and florals. Seen on icons like Kit Keenan, Brigette Pheloung, and the brand’s founder and creative director, Rebecca Hessel Cohen, LoveShackFancy has made a distinct name for themselves in the fashion world--and is currently taking over NYFW one bow at a time.
Despite its popularity now, coquette style originated with a negative connotation--which is being reversed and rewritten through its wave of popularity with Gen-Z. We’ve moved away from the “lolita” vibe of hypersexualizing childlike innocence, and towards a stance of feminine empowerment. This can translate to the bedroom as well, and helps bring a sense of confidence to one’s feminine passion. One brand that can help you do this is Victoria’s Secret. A tried and true favorite, Victoria’s is a reliable purveyor of timeless sensual glamor, and has paired with some of our favorite brands to bring coquette realness to lingerie. Filled with bows, lace, and frills, the For Love and Lemons x Victoria’s Secret collab has our entire heart. Here are some of their best pieces this season:
One coquette IT girl to keep tabs on this season is singer and icon Madison Beer. Releasing a memoir in April of this year, Madison has embodied a youthful, flirty style while girlbossing her way to the top. Her Instagram and Tik Tok are filled with the classic pastel flair of coquette while still maintaining her iconic rockstar girlfriend aesthetic. Her Life Support Tour in 2022 was everything a girly girl could want and more, with the set and costume design being surrounded in the playful coquette vibe. Here are some of our favorite looks from the stage:
Now that we’ve given you the tools and the inspiration, let’s make 2023 the year where we take back what it means to be girly, step into our divine energy and reclaim our femininity. Remember, pastel pink is the new black.