The coquette aesthetic, borrows visual elements from the Victorian and rococo era to create a youthful, (almost childlike) hyper-feminine look. Other, more recent trends to lend heavily to this latest iteration include ballet core, cottage core, angel core and of course, barbie core. Think of it like fun, unapologetic explosion all things cute and girly, with a modern update. Safe to say, this is a year of the girl, indeed.  

‍‍

The rise of girlcore
But hyper-femininity has captured popular imagination for quite some time now. Barbie’s massive cultural impact not only reignited a love for girly outfits and makeup, but helped women reclaim what it means to be ‘girly’, all while ditching any negative connotations attached to the term. What makes this trend so starkly different from other feminine aesthetics of yore, is that it’s been reinterpreted for the female gaze. It’s a grown-up take on all things frivolous, flirty and fun, sans the guilt.

‍

With girlcore planted firmly in the driver’s seat, its impact extends beyond just beauty and fashion to reflect in social media trends like girl math and girl dinner that seek to celebrate the unique feminine experiences of the modern woman, whether in their careers or dating lives. Female friendships are also in focus, with hashtags like women supporting women and girl’s girl trending across platforms like Tiktok, Instagram and Threads.

‍

‍

‍Spot the trend
In the past few seasons, you’ve probably seen at least some version of the coquette trend, with varying intensities, everywhere from runways to red carpets to your social media feed. While labels like Simone Rocha, Miu Miu and Dior have always had some level of coquette in their DNA, more and more designers are experimenting with coquettish elements in clothes, beauty and accessories. Bows especially, are big this season, with many celebrities like Sydney Sweeney and Karlie Kloss sporting them at the Met Gala last year. Your favourite influencers are not far behind, with many of them sporting bows on their hair, bags and even nails.

‍

‍How to wear the trend‍

For beauty, there are various ways to reimagine and personalize this trend, from bold, statement iterations to more pared-back, understated versions. The simplest way to wear it is to pick your favourite pastel pink and wear it on your lids, cheeks or lips. For that demure, flirty vibe, it can help to keep your complexion dewy or even shimmery, with lots of gloss on your lips for added impact.  
Blush becomes a non-negotiable if you’re looking to nail the quintessential coquette look, and “more is more” is the right approach. Just dust your favourite rosy blush across your cheeks, your nose and voila!

‍

You can also wear the trend on your nails — shades of soft pink, lilacs, and other pastels work best. You can also opt for pearlescent, chrome finishes while accents like bows, hearts and pearls can further elevate your mani. For fragrances, it helps to get as sweet as possible. Pick from vanilla, or milky gourmand notes, or go for your favourite fruity blend to truly smell like a snack.

‍

‍Tira Recommends:
Huda Beauty Cheeky Tint Blush Stick - Proud Pink
O.P.I Nature Strong Nail Paint - A Clay In The Life
Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Liquid Highlighter - Satiny Pink
Too Faced Lip Injection Power Plumping Lip Gloss - Paid Off
Rom&nd Better Than Eyeshadow Palette - 00 Light & Glitter Garden