Style guide
Romantic coquette style, explained: what to wear and how to style it
Short answer
Romantic coquette style centers on bows, lace, ruffles and babydoll shapes. Its defining pieces are the babydoll dress, a lace-trim dress or skirt, a satin bow and a slip dress. Marie Claire's main rule is to wear a babydoll dress with sheer tights and pointed-toe pumps, then switch to oversized knits and suede boots in cooler weather.
Steps
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Start with the dress
A babydoll dress, a lace-trim dress or a ruffled cotton mini. This is the piece that carries the look.
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Add a layer for the weather
Marie Claire pairs the dress with oversized knits and suede boots in cooler weather.
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Choose sheer tights and shoes
Sheer tights with pointed-toe pumps or ballet flats, the pairing Marie Claire uses for a bow-forward outfit.
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Add small lace or bow details
Pinterest Predicts 2026 points to lace belts, collars and bandanas as everyday ways to wear it.
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Check the mood
Decide if you want sweet or dark. An espresso slip with a leather jacket and tall boots shows the range, per Marie Claire.
What the look is and where it comes from
This look is also called coquette, coquettecore, girlhood style or romantic dressing. It centers on bows, lace, ruffles and babydoll shapes.
ELLE says the 2024 bows-and-ribbons girlhood craze has become darker and more personal in 2026. Marie Claire says romantic dresses with lace trim and low waists keep their staying power into fall.
Key pieces
The dress is the center, and the small details finish it. Marie Claire and Pinterest name these pieces.
- Babydoll dress
- Lace-trim dress or skirt
- Satin bow and bow blouse
- Ruffled cotton mini dress
- Tiered maxi dress
- Slip dress
- Lace belt or lace bandana
- Sheer tights, pointed-toe pumps or ballet flats
Colors and fabrics
Pastel pink and bubble-gum pink are the classic colors. The research also lists black and white contrast, cherry red, navy and espresso, which give the look a more grown-up edge.
Fabrics are lace, satin, cotton, sheer layers, crochet and ruffles. Mixing one soft texture with one sturdy one, like a lace skirt with a leather jacket, keeps it from tipping into costume.
How editors are styling it now
Marie Claire wears a babydoll dress with sheer tights and pointed-toe pumps. In warm weather it swaps in strappy sandals and a raffia tote. In cool weather it uses oversized knits and suede boots.
Marie Claire also balances sweet and dark with an espresso slip, a leather jacket and tall boots. ELLE quotes designer Sandy Liang, who loves bows, ruffles and ribbons but wants to go beyond making everything pink and sweet.
Wearing it in late fall and winter 2026
ELLE ties the fall and winter 2026 version to Prada's sheer layered skirts and a darker take on girlhood. Marie Claire's version is the romantic dress with an oversized knit and suede boots.
Dress it up for parties with a slip dress. See holiday party dresses under $50 for ideas.
Shop the coquette look at PeachSunday
Start with satin slip dresses, then browse dresses for ruffle and lace details and tops for satin and ruffled blouses. New styles are added daily.
Search PeachSunday for lace, bow, ruffle, babydoll dress and slip dress. Free US shipping applies on orders of $65 or more.
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FAQ
What is coquette style?
A look built on bows, lace, ruffles and babydoll shapes, also called coquettecore, girlhood style or romantic dressing.
What are the key coquette pieces?
A babydoll dress, lace-trim dress or skirt, satin bow, slip dress, bow blouse, sheer tights and pointed-toe pumps or ballet flats.
What colors are coquette?
Pastel pink and bubble-gum pink, plus black and white contrast, cherry red, navy and espresso.
How do I wear coquette style in fall?
Marie Claire pairs a romantic dress with oversized knits and suede boots in cooler weather.
Can coquette style be dark?
Yes. ELLE says the 2026 version is darker, and Marie Claire styles an espresso slip with a leather jacket and tall boots.
How can I wear lace without a full outfit?
Pinterest Predicts 2026 suggests lace belts, collars and bandanas as small everyday touches.
Sources
- ELLE: coquettecore and femininity in 2026 (checked )
- Marie Claire: romantic dress trends to buy now (checked )
- Marie Claire: Ariana Grande bow and babydoll dress (checked )
- Pinterest newsroom: Pinterest Predicts 2026 (checked )