Coquette ‘Bows’ Out Like Mustache Trend

In the dynamic world of fashion, trends often experience meteoric rises followed by precipitous declines. The ‘Coquette’
aesthetic, characterized by its hyper-feminine elements such as bows, lace, and pastel hues, has recently captivated the Gen-Z demographic. However, industry analysts and fashion enthusiasts are expressing concerns that this trend may be approaching oversaturation, potentially leading to a decline reminiscent of the early 2010s ‘Mustache’ craze.

Mustache Trend Parallels

Now, analysts fear that Coquette is following the same path. The bows that once symbolized an effortless femininity are now mass-produced in bulk, saturating the market. “There’s a tipping point in every trend,” says data analyst Aanchal Rajan. “Once an aesthetic is replicated across every major brand and social media feed, it loses its initial allure and starts to feel overdone. We saw this happen with the mustache trend, and we may be witnessing the beginning of the end for Coquette.” Fashion historians point to a strikingly similar trajectory in the ‘mustache’ trend of the early 2010s. What began as a playful and ironic nod to vintage styles soon spiralled into overexposure. Mustaches adorned everything — rings, necklaces, graphic tees, coffee mugs, and even home decor. The symbol became so ubiquitous that by the mid-2010s, it had lost its original appeal and was widely dismissed as passé.

Coquette Aesthetics

The Coquette aesthetic draws inspiration from various eras, blending romanticism, innocence, and a touch of sensuality. It emphasizes ultra-feminine styles, incorporating elements like bows, lace, and pastel colours. This trend gained momentum on platforms like TikTok, where users showcased outfits and accessories that embodied this delicate and flirtatious style. The hashtag #Coquettecore became a popular tag, further propelling its reach. Fashion brands quickly capitalized on the movement, mass-producing Coquette-inspired pieces. From pearl-adorned hair bows to vintage-inspired corsets, the aesthetic infiltrated mainstream retailers and high-fashion runways alike. But just as quickly as it rose to prominence, discussions about its impending decline have begun to circulate.

Public Opinion

Social media users have already begun voicing their concerns. Some complain that the Coquette trend has lost its uniqueness, while others argue that its hyper-feminine aesthetic no longer resonates with the evolving Gen-Z identity, which leans toward gender fluidity and eclectic personal styles.

Dani J., a Content creator says, “Bows started as something unique and brands tried to weave bows in their designs very intrinsically but then fast fashion brands got on the train and started slapping bows on everything and it got boring. A unique idea was taken and turned into another trend that got diminished over time.”

Retail data further supports this shift. While Coquette-inspired items saw a surge in sales in early 2024, recent reports suggest a plateau. Market analysts predict that as fashion-conscious consumers seek fresher aesthetics, the Coquette look may decline in favour of emerging trends.

Cyclical Nature of Fashion

Fashion is inherently cyclical, with trends resurfacing and fading over time. The potential decline of the Coquette aesthetic underscores the industry’s dynamic nature. As consumers seek new expressions of style, emerging aesthetics will inevitably take centrestage, replacing the hyper-feminine Coquette look with something entirely new.

While the bows and lace may still have some time left in the spotlight, all signs indicate that their reign is nearing its conclusion. For those who have embraced the aesthetic, the key to keeping it alive may lie in personal reinvention rather than mass consumption.