“Coquette”, more than a trend…

From pink ballerina slippers to big pastel ribbons, the coquette trend has been all over our social media, and it’s likely to stay for a while. While it’s no secret that trends mostly contribute to overconsumption, at times, they might reveal a deeper meaning. 

Hyper-feminine aesthetics, such as the coquette, hold something empowering if we pay close attention. As women, we have been taught that being “too girly” is something to be ashamed of, so it’s rather encouraging to realize that we’ve come far in rejoicing in our femininity and making it a strength instead of a weakness. 

Women have had to reinvent themselves constantly to be taken seriously, even masculinizing our style in the workplace, working in fields that are considered solely apt for men. Our subconscious has tricked us into believing that we won't appear to be up to the task because of how we look. The more you look like a woman, the less capacity you have to do the work. The more you look like a woman, the less likely it is for you to be a leader.

We left our pretty dresses for executive suits because if a woman looks too much like a woman, then she won’t have what it takes. Insane, isn’t it? 

Well, enough is enough. We shouldn’t have to dress for others. Fashion is an expression of our identity, and it shouldn’t be a limitation of our abilities. So what if I’m wearing pink? I’m still going to get the work done and look great in the meantime. Though dressing “girly” may seem like something far from extraordinary, realizing how far we’ve come from trying to masculinize our style at work to be taken seriously, to feeling confident enough to wear feminine clothes, is certainly something to be proud of. 

Dress however you like, unapologetically, because a woman can run the world in heels as well as in sneakers, and no amount of ribbons in her hair is going to stop her from achieving her dreams. 

Photographed by: Amanda DiMaio