Coquette Bikinis: Discover 2024’s Alluring Lingerie-Inspired Trend
News and Trends
May 09, 2024
By Julia Bratu
Image Credit:@invaderrvim
11 Coquette Swimwear Looks to Try This Summer
Sometimes I find myself longing for simpler summer days spent twirling in pretty dresses, each hem kissed with frills and each moment carefree. As I’ve gotten older, I realized that in a world dominated by sleek, minimalist style I occasionally want to reject the popular cool, clean girl vibes (even if they make me feel put together). Sometimes, I just want to embrace the messiness of girlhood and dress myself up in lace, beads, and bows.
I’m not alone… and maybe I was a little influenced by these coquette inspo TikToks all over my For You Page.
Coquette styles have steadily been trending upwards for a while, but this summer we are starting to see it take off in newer swimwear lines. This trend is making waves on Instagram, TikTok, and in stores. I’m here to give you the scoop on why everyone is obsessing over it.
But what exactly is coquette?
The history of the coquette trend is a complicated, winding road that dates back to the aesthetics of Marie Antoinette and takes inspiration from Japanese Lolita fashion and 90s nostalgia.
Maybe this sounds cheesy, but it’s not just a fashion statement; it’s a carefully curated aesthetic. My first memory of coquette’s modern emergence is the Americana style prominent on Tumblr in 2014. Icons like Lana Del Rey and Lily-Rose Depp dominated the fashion scene for late teens and early twenty-somethings with a hyper-feminine look.
Think lollipops, cherry cola, gingham print, red high heels, and heart-shaped sunnies.
More recently, stars like Ariana Grande and Olivia Rodrigo are leading the charge with a more princess-lingerie-inspired version of the style, called “Dollette”. The 2024 coquette aesthetic takes cues from French and British royalty but mixes it up with those sweet, nostalgic motifs from the 90s and early 2000s.
Whether you choose to go Americana or Dollette, some staples are universal. Look for delicate knits, lace trim, floral prints, and bows- yes, lots of bows!
When this applies to swimwear, the coquette look of 2024 is all about bringing out your playful, youthful side while adding a dash of royal elegance. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to mix a little bit of princess with their beachy look. And let’s not forget the accessories- a string of pearls, pigtails, and a swipe of pink lipstick will turn your beach look from fun to absolutely enchanting.
If you’re looking for a guide to help you get into this sweet summer trend, I’ve got you covered. The coquette style and I go way back (I’ve had the fashion sense of a Victorian child since I was a teenager), so you can trust my picks on this.
Top Picks for Coquette Swimwear
Now let’s talk options. Here are some top picks that will make you feel “so Lana Del Rey vinyl.”
Pink by Frankies Bikinis
What sparked the idea for this article is the Victoria’s Secret and Frankies Bikinis collab that took over the internet at the start of this season. It’s a pretty big deal for coquette enthusiasts, especially because this small, all-American brand and VS are pushing the envelope together.
Frankies Bikinis isn’t all about girlish frills- though they’ve got plenty of those. Their designs feature loads of frills, lace, gingham, and playful fruity prints. Teaming up with Pink, they’ve added a splash of lingerie-inspired flair that’s guaranteed to turn heads and tug at heartstrings. The first batch of their collab, as seen in this TikTok, flew off the shelves. Their latest styles are just as charming. There’s one set that just dropped and I am totally obsessed with it.
Image Credit:Pink
Image Credit:Pink
Anyone who knows me will tell you that I practically live in satin slip dresses- the vintage ones that you have to scour the sleepwear section of antique shops to find. Everything that I love about this suit is everything I love about those slips. It’s got this gorgeous buttery yellow fabric, a vintage square cut neckline, and aqua blue lace trim with a tiny floral detail- total coquette charm.
Beach Riot
I’ve talked about this swimsuit before, but it fits the coquette aesthetic perfectly. This set with its flirty red hue and giant bow shoulders is extremely feminine, but it is also timeless enough to return to every year. If you’re feeling extra, pair it with the matching mini skirt.
These were tough to get for a while since they sold out fast, but luckily they’re back in stock! Check it out and see what everyone’s raving about.
More to Come
Image Credit:Revolve
Image Credit:Revolve
This bikini is simple but with details that work. It is dazzling with a bright pink hue and oversized cloth rose detail, adding a touch of playful drama. This look is sassy and sweet at the same time, best paired with a glossy lip and floppy straw sunhat.
Kulani Kinis
Image Credit:Revolve
Image Credit:Revolve
The highlights of this youthful style are the delicate pink and green floral pattern, eyelet lace trim, and y2k-style halter top. The small gold seashell dangle on the bust adds a bit of vintage charm to this colorful bikini. Pair it with some chunky espadrilles and white bows in your hair and you’ll look sweet as a button.
LPA
Image Credit:Revolve
Image Credit:Revolve
LPA is known for its simple, luxurious designs. They make the feminine coquette aesthetic look modern yet fanciful with a vintage red floral print and ruffled shoulders. This style is best for those who want something striking and elegant.
Devon Windsor
Image Credit:Revolve
Image Credit:Revolve
Something tells me that Elle Woods would love the coquette style and would be equally obsessed with this pink tweed bikini set. The fabric is strikingly different from other bikinis and the little pom pom details are adorable. Grab your tiniest baguette bag and a chunky charm bracelet to complete this look.
Bananhot
Image Credit:Revolve
Image Credit:Revolve
This teeny tiny floral bikini looks sweet enough to eat. What I love most about this suit is the watercolor-style floral print that looks like it came straight out of the 80s. It is best paired with pearls, red lipstick, kitten heels, and your best oversized sunnies.
Lovers and Friends
Image Credit:Revolve
Image Credit:Revolve
Lovers and Friends prioritize visual interest in their designs, and the Lilibet set pushes the boundaries of feminine appeal. The delicate satin flower in the center, beaded pearl dangles, and baby pink halter top feel lavish in every way. This is truly a swimsuit for those dedicated to the princess look this summer.
Tularosa
Image Credit:Revolve
Image Credit:Revolve
Who said cute can’t also be sexy? The Nora crochet set is here for the seasoned skin-shower who wants something more than a standard Brazilian bikini. The delicate crochet flowers add an adorable touch, great for a coquette look that isn’t too childish. Plus, crochet knits are all the rage this year, so you’re guaranteed to get more than a few admirers asking where you go it.
With Jéan
Image Credit:@invaderrvim
Image Credit:With Jéan
With Jéan takes this season’s ribbons trend one step further with the Juni set. The lace-up trim and subtle polka dot embossed fabric demand admiration in the softest way possible. It radiates effortless feminine charm. Invaderrvim on Instagram wears this set exactly as it’s meant to be, with sun-kissed skin and a dreamy smile.
Frankie’s Bikinis
Image Credit:Frankies Bikinis
Image Credit:Frankies Bikini
This vintage-inspired set has all the best features of a coquette classic look. Its low-rise, ruffle-trimmed skirt has a delicate appeal. The silhouette is more modern, suggesting a 90s sweetheart with a love for old movies and cola in glass bottles.
The Icing on the Cake
So there you have it- a full rundown of why coquette swimwear is a must-have for your beach wardrobe. The pieces I carefully curated for you in this article blend the best of two worlds: the elegance and detail of Victorian-inspired lingerie with the freedom and nostalgia of the early 2000s.
This trend is all about embracing your femininity and loading up on all the things that make you feel pretty. And if none of these swimsuits tickled your fancy, just remember if you put a bow on it, anything can be coquette.