If you thought the coquette aesthetic had its time, think again, because the trend is still going strong in 2024, thanks to runway-approved coquette chokers, bow accessories, and now: coquette swimsuits. On the off chance that your TikTok feed hasn’t been inundated with this cottagecore-adjacent style, coquette aesthetic is a hyper-feminine, romantic, and nostalgic aesthetic that pulls inspiration from the Victorian era and 1950s fashion. In 2024, that manifests as a sweet pastel color palette with vintage-inspired gingham prints and tons of (trendy) ribbon bows, lace trim, and rosette appliques.
If this sounds like your kind of vibe, read on to learn more about the key details and patterns to look out for to achieve the playful coquette trend from seaside to poolside this summer.
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Bows, bows, bows! The absolutely adorable adornment has become the ultimate it-girl accessory, whether tied into pigtails and onto purse handles or on statement jewelry and footwear (Note: satin-laced ballerina sneakers are also having a moment!) Frilly and flouncy bows also add a whimsical element to your swim attire. There are plenty of bikinis out there with tiny bow details, but you can go even bigger and bolder with organza bow straps.
Shop Club L London
Club L London Afloat Organza Bikini Top with Bows, $, available at Club L London
Club L London Adrift Organza Bikini Bottoms with Bows, $, available at Club L London
Shop Revolve
Beach Riot Dede One Piece, $, available at Revolve
Coquette style also calls for toile de jouy; a repeated pastoral pattern typically seen in blues, pinks, and greens on white backgrounds. This two-piece bikini features a toile de jouy pattern with a couple exploring the woods alongside geese and a cottage. The lace-trimmed peplum skirt is the cherry on top of this adorable set.
Shop Cider
cider Plus Toile De Jouy Lace Trim Bikini Set, $, available at Cider
Shop Andie Swim
Andie Swim The Amalfi One Piece, $, available at Andie Swim
Moving onto another equally charming print: gingham! Opt for dainty, small-scale prints in classic reds and blues or pastel pinks, greens, and yellows. We’re particularly loving these bikini separates, which feature additional coquette details like bows, a balconette bust, and smocked bottoms. Be sure to pre-order now to receive them by Memorial Day.
Shop Frankies Bikinis
Frankies Bikinis Cola Underwire Balconette Bikini Top, $, available at Frankies Bikinis
Frankies Bikinis Sofie Micro Bikini Bottom, $, available at Frankies Bikinis
Shop For Love & Lemons
For Love & Lemons Haiden One Piece Swimsuit, $, available at For Love & Lemons
Ruffles aren’t just for dresses any more —look for this frilly detail on swim straps, necklines, bodices, waistlines, and leg cutouts. The bikini separates here feature ruffles on both the off-the-shoulder top and high-waisted bottoms. But the pastel polka dot pattern really solidifies these swim pieces as a retro coquette style.
Shop Victoria’s Secret
Dippin’ Daisy’s Kate Off-Shoulder Underwire Bikini Top, $, available at Victoria’s Secret
Dippin’ Daisy’s Poppi High-Waist Cheeky Bikini Bottom, $, available at Victoria’s Secret
Shop J.Crew
J.Crew Ruched One-piece Swimsuit with Ruffles, $, available at J.Crew
It’s clear that rosettes will never go out of style — since the 1800s, they’ve been popping up in nearly every decade. Rosettes were a popular Y2K trend that re-emerged in 2023, have been declared a 2024 jewelry trend, and have become a signature detail in coquette fashion. Luckily, you can now find the feminine floral applique on tons of swimsuits. And there’s truly no going wrong, especially with 3D roses on retro nautical-striped bikinis.
Shop SAME Los Angeles
Same Los Angeles Rose Triangle Top, $, available at Same Los Angeles
Same Los Angeles Rose 90s Bottom, $, available at Same Los Angeles
Shop Knix
Knix One Shoulder One Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Knix
Knix Rosette Swim Accessory, $, available at Knix
We already touched on retro gingham and polka dot prints, but the coquette aesthetic also incorporates vintage silhouettes. In terms of swimwear, that can look like long-line bikini tops and high-waisted shorts. It can also look like sweetheart necklines, halter tops, and ruched bodices. Here, the gingham-print puff-sleeve top and matching button-adorned shorts are simultaneously giving ‘50s pinup model and modern coquette girly.
Shop Unique Vintage
Unique Vintage Gingham Seersucker Puff Sleeve Swim Top, $, available at Unique Vintage
Unique Vintage Gingham Seersucker Swim Bottoms, $, available at Unique Vintage
Shop Neiman Marcus
Norma Kamali Bill Mio Halter One-Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Neiman Marcus
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