Coquette Summer: A Skarlett Blue Guide
If you’ve been on the Internet in any capacity during the past two to three years, chances are you’ve heard of the coquette aesthetic. Described in a recent Vogue article as a “campy version of femininity,” the coquette aesthetic fully embraces the sweet and delicate side of womanhood, honing it into a powerful expression of self and female flair.
At Skarlett Blue, we’re all about owning the allure you’ve been gifted with as a graceful, lovely, strong, and capable woman. So, this summer, we’re tying our hair back (with little bows, of course) and having ourselves a little coquette summer.
How? Read on for our guide to the frills and thrills of achieving the coquette summer aesthetic.
So, what is the coquette aesthetic? For those who might need a refresher course on the aesthetic, coquette is a French-derived word that Merriam Webster defines as “a woman who endeavors without sincere affection to gain the attention and admiration of men.”
Oof.
Doing anything simply for male attention is an idea that can surely leave a less-than-savory taste in one’s mouth. However, it might put you more at ease to know the translations of the French word, coquet, which range from “flirtatious,” to “pretty,” to “stylish,” to even “tidy.”
Taking these varied definitions into account, the coquette aesthetic might thus be most accurately interpreted as the conscious effort to amplify your flirty, feminine gifts through soft, yet siren-like stylistic choices.
Coquette aesthetic for the summer embodies the sweetness of a sweeping, Bridgerton-esque summer romance. It’s the sartorial manifestation of a succulent, light, and delicate strawberry shortcake. It’s the frilly fun of outdoor tea parties, of reclaiming your girlhood through pops of light pink and pretty little picnics.
There are a few absolute staples that you’ll need to implement in your wardrobe in order to fully embrace the coquette aesthetic this summer.
First are the core colors of light pink, cream, and white. There’s room for other pastels in there as well (such as pastel blue), and even pops of cherry red à la Lolita, but light pink and variations of white are must-haves.
Next, are the visual motifs of bows, gingham, pearls, frilly lace, and floral accents. The coquette aesthetic is all in the little, delicate details. Whether you opt for a babydoll-style sundress covered in rosettes, a milkmaid frock with little bows, or gingham hot pants featuring a frilly hem, incorporating one (or all!) of these aspects will ensure that you’re nailing the aesthetic.
Lastly, complete your coquette summer look with heart-shaped sunglasses, a woven wicker handbag, or other retro-inspired accessories! They’re the cherry-on-top and add the perfect summery touch to an outfit that’s utterly timeless in beauty and ready for romance (even if it’s just romanticizing life).
Style shown: Minx Lace Balconette Bra (White/Nylon)
What’s another word for “coquette”? Minx. Yup, with its sweet and sultry sheer lace accents and center bow detail, the Minx Lace Balconette Bra is a coquette must-have. We especially love how @thealondraflores ups the Minx coquette game with bow and pearl accessories, all wrapped up in a little pink shrug. And @peytonjohnsonnn perfectly captures how coquette can get cozy.
Adorned Cotton Boyshort Underwear (White)
To us, this picture embodies the lush, nostalgic, fairytale romance of a coquette summer. @simply.cie shows that the stretch lace-lined Adorned Cotton Boyshort Underwear is not only the comfy essential you’ll want to frolic in this summer, but also the charming layering piece you didn’t know you needed. Catch us picnicking in our Adorned Cotton Boyshorts and gingham in all the open fields. All. Summer. Long.
Flaunt Lace Front-Close Bra (White)
The Flaunt Lace Front-Close Bra is sheer romance embodied. Wispy, flirty, floral lace frames the neckline while the sheer mesh cutouts hint at the fun to come. And when it’s accessorized with a dainty rose like @allysabreanne does so artfully (because, yes, flowers are the ultimate coquette accessory), that charm is undeniable. The Flaunt Lace Front-Close Bra just has all the whimsy and allure that has filled our coquette mood boards.
Valentine Lacey Babydoll (Brunnera Blue)
This Skarlett Blue and OH LÀ LÀ CHÉRI collaboration brings the flirty fun of a coquette summer to the forefront. With its darling silhouette, delicate bow details, and soft, sheer mesh, the Valentine Lacey Babydoll has sugar, spice, and everything nice. Oh, and did we mention that it comes with a matching G-string? Like we said, everything nice. Be ready to be whisked away with this one.
Minx Balconette Padded Bra (White/Nylon)
There’s something about the coquette aesthetic that highlights one’s radiance. Maybe it's the power of owning your femininity and taking charge of your sexuality. Or maybe it’s the natural glow of embracing a softer side of life. Whatever it is, we believe that having a coquette summer can also be an important act of self-care. A chance to harness and nurture your sense of sexy and almost ethereal inner beauty. With the Minx Balconette Padded Bra, you can have all of the sweetness of the Minx underwire with the additional comfort of padded, stretch foam cups. This is ready-to-lounge lingerie. @abbykaym basically provides a crash-course on how to do so with a cup of tea (another coquette staple), soft sheets, and a bouquet of flowers.