Build a Beautiful, Dreamy Coquette Wardrobe With 17 Girly Pieces

Nicolette Muro

2 years ago

Authorized use of photo by Al Soot via Unsplash.

Coquette is the latest aesthetic you need to try out if you love the girly style that’s reminiscent of the early 2000s or your favorite Barbie doll. Lace tank tops, locket necklaces, and platform mary janes are just a few of the pieces you can expect to find trending all over social media now, thanks to this popular aesthetic. Coquette revisits popular clothing pieces you may have worn during your childhood, such as gingham dresses or hair bows, and mixes them with current Gen Z fashion trends.

If you want to create a girly, preppy, soft style, then read this post for affordable ways to Build a Beautiful, Dreamy Coquette Wardrobe With 17 Girly Pieces.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and/or make a purchase through certain links in this post, I may make a commission—at no additional cost to you.

What Is Coquette?

The coquette definition refers to a flirty woman, and the entire aesthetic consists of flirty, romantic clothing. Nylon Magazine published an intriguing piece about the coquette style back in March to discuss its origin and inspiration. India Roby, the author of the article, explains how popular Gen Z fashion aesthetics such as royalcore combined with older aesthetics like soft grunge and Lana Del Rey’s vintage Americana inspires the coquette aesthetic.

Where Can I Buy Coquette Clothing?

I recommend starting with in-person thrift stores, Poshmark, Depop, and ThredUp. A lot of these pieces are reminiscent of fashion trends during the early and mid-2010s, and I’m sure they will be all over these places. I’ve also found quite a few pieces from T.J. Maxx and Marshalls in person too. Popular places to shop for this aesthetic online are Shein/Romwe, YesStyle, Hollister, Etsy, Amazon, Dolls Kill, Lulus, Missguided, Emmiol, and Brandy Melville to name a few. You can always search H&M and Zara for basics too. These are just a few suggestions, but it’s entirely up to you where you choose to purchase your clothing.

Coquette Aesthetic Essentials

1. Short Sleeve Baby Tees

Start your coquette wardrobe off with a few simple short sleeve crop tops. You can purchase them in floral prints, pastels, or neutrals, depending on your style. They’re easy to come by at most stores and layer well with lace tank tops underneath them for a feminine touch.

2. Lace Tank Tops

Wear lace tank tops on their own or layer them underneath a t-shirt or a dress to achieve the coquette look. They match perfectly with jeans, skirts, dresses, and more.

3. Long Sleeve Henley Tops

Henley tops are another great piece to own if you love to layer your tops over mini skirts and jeans. Style a lace tank top underneath them for the perfect coquette layered look.

4. Empire Waist Tops/Babydoll Tops

I’ve seen these tops referred to online as both empire waist tops and babydoll tops, but they’re basically just loose-fitting tops that reach your waist. They have a slightly fitted bust and a loose waist style that flares out, making it an ideal top to wear with mid or low-rise jeans and skirts.

5. Pleated Skirts

Pleated skirts are a staple piece in most aesthetic wardrobes, and the coquette aesthetic is no different. Pick up neutral, pastel, or printed pleated skirts in a high-waisted or mid-rise style to get the coquette look.

6. Mini Skirts

Add a few high-waisted or mid-rise mini skirts to your wardrobe for a coquette feel. Pair them with henley tops or baby tees for the full coquette effect.

7. Mini Dresses

When I think of the coquette aesthetic, I immediately think of cute little dresses. You can buy them with puff sleeves, floral prints, gingham, pastels, and more.

8. Cardigans

Layer a girly cropped cardigan over a mini dress or lace tank top for the ultimate coquette aesthetic outfit.

9. Pajama Sets & Nightgowns

Look cute and comfortable in a coquette matching pajama set or a satin nightgown.

10. Lace Tights

Add a pair of lace or patterned tights underneath your skirts and dresses for delicate detail and a feminine touch.

11. Frilly Socks

Frilly socks instantly dress up even the most simple outfit. Dress like a little doll with lace and bow socks.

12. Leg Warmers

Add a pair of leg warmers to your outfits during winter for a coquette touch.

13. Shoes (Ballet Flats, Doc Martens, Mary Janes)

Shoes are the heart of every outfit, in my opinion. If you’re into softer styles, then try a pair of pink or white shoes. But if you prefer grunge or dark coquette, then the Doc Martens or any type of black loafer is perfect.

14. Bows

It’s not really a coquette outfit without a bow now, is it?

15. Headbands

If you want a more subtle hair accessory for your outfit, then try a simple white, pink, black, or pearl headband.

16. Jewelry (Pearls and Gold)

Accessorize your coquette outfits with feminine pearl and gold jewelry.

17. Mini Bags

Carry your belongings in a girly mini bag that matches your outfit for a stylish touch. Bonus points if it’s a shoulder bag that resembles the feminine ones worn during the late 90s and early 2000s.

Have fun building your coquette wardrobe! I’ll do more posts about this aesthetic soon. 🙂