Wednesday, May 1, 2024

The Coquette Trend Is Taking Over Swimwear — Try These 12 Romantic Styles

If you thought the coquette aesthetic had its time, think again, because the trend is still going strong in 2024, thanks to runway-approved coquette chokers, bow accessories, and now: coquette swimsuits. On the off chance that your TikTok feed hasn’t been inundated with this cottagecore-adjacent style, coquette aesthetic is a hyper-feminine, romantic, and nostalgic aesthetic that pulls inspiration from the Victorian era and 1950s fashion. In 2024, that manifests as a sweet pastel color palette with vintage-inspired gingham prints and tons of (trendy) ribbon bows, lace trim, and rosette appliques.

If this sounds like your kind of vibe, read on to learn more about the key details and patterns to look out for to achieve the playful coquette trend from seaside to poolside this summer.

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

For more can't-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.

Bow Coquette Swimsuits


Bows, bows, bows! The absolutely adorable adornment has become the ultimate it-girl accessory, whether tied into pigtails and onto purse handles or on statement jewelry and footwear (Note: satin-laced ballerina sneakers are also having a moment!) Frilly and flouncy bows also add a whimsical element to your swim attire. There are plenty of bikinis out there with tiny bow details, but you can go even bigger and bolder with organza bow straps.

Shop Club L London

Club L London Afloat Organza Bikini Top with Bows, $, available at Club L London

Club L London Adrift Organza Bikini Bottoms with Bows, $, available at Club L London
Make a bigger statement with large mesh bows on one-piece swimsuits. This style features underwire cups with a delicate ruched mesh overlay and on-theme corset-like seams. 

Shop Revolve


Beach Riot Dede One Piece, $, available at Revolve

Toile de Jouy Coquette Swimsuits


Coquette style also calls for toile de jouy; a repeated pastoral pattern typically seen in blues, pinks, and greens on white backgrounds. This two-piece bikini features a toile de jouy pattern with a couple exploring the woods alongside geese and a cottage. The lace-trimmed peplum skirt is the cherry on top of this adorable set.

Shop Cider

cider Plus Toile De Jouy Lace Trim Bikini Set, $, available at Cider
Slightly more subtle and slightly more modern, this blue and green floral-patterned one-piece is a great fit for someone who wants to tip a toe into this trend.

Shop Andie Swim

Andie Swim The Amalfi One Piece, $, available at Andie Swim

Gingham Coquette Swimsuits


Moving onto another equally charming print: gingham! Opt for dainty, small-scale prints in classic reds and blues or pastel pinks, greens, and yellows. We’re particularly loving these bikini separates, which feature additional coquette details like bows, a balconette bust, and smocked bottoms. Be sure to pre-order now to receive them by Memorial Day.

Shop Frankies Bikinis

Frankies Bikinis Cola Underwire Balconette Bikini Top, $, available at Frankies Bikinis

Frankies Bikinis Sofie Micro Bikini Bottom, $, available at Frankies Bikinis
From pastel gingham to frilly lace trim, bodice boning to ruching, and bow ties to a micro rosette, we can’t ask for a more spot-on coquette style. 

Shop For Love & Lemons



For Love & Lemons Haiden One Piece Swimsuit, $, available at For Love & Lemons

Ruffle Coquette Swimsuits


Ruffles aren’t just for dresses any more —look for this frilly detail on swim straps, necklines, bodices, waistlines, and leg cutouts. The bikini separates here feature ruffles on both the off-the-shoulder top and high-waisted bottoms. But the pastel polka dot pattern really solidifies these swim pieces as a retro coquette style.

Shop Victoria’s Secret

Dippin' Daisy's Kate Off-Shoulder Underwire Bikini Top, $, available at Victoria's Secret

Dippin' Daisy's Poppi High-Waist Cheeky Bikini Bottom, $, available at Victoria's Secret
This ruched and ruffled one-piece is the perfect gateway into exploring coquette style. The off-white color, streamline silhouette, and detachable straps make it classic and versatile enough to wear for years to come. Bonus: It can double as a bodysuit.

Shop J.Crew

J.Crew Ruched One-piece Swimsuit with Ruffles, $, available at J.Crew

Rosette Coquette Swimsuits


It’s clear that rosettes will never go out of style — since the 1800s, they’ve been popping up in nearly every decade. Rosettes were a popular Y2K trend that re-emerged in 2023, have been declared a 2024 jewelry trend, and have become a signature detail in coquette fashion. Luckily, you can now find the feminine floral applique on tons of swimsuits. And there’s truly no going wrong, especially with 3D roses on retro nautical-striped bikinis.

Shop SAME Los Angeles

Same Los Angeles Rose Triangle Top, $, available at Same Los Angeles

Same Los Angeles Rose 90s Bottom, $, available at Same Los Angeles
Sure, you can just opt for a bubblegum pink swimsuit… or you can really go for it and cart up a rosette pin that you can clip onto it (or, honestly, onto any of your swimsuits for a coquette touch).

Shop Knix

Knix One Shoulder One Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Knix

Knix Rosette Swim Accessory, $, available at Knix

Vintage-Inspired Coquette Swimsuits


We already touched on retro gingham and polka dot prints, but the coquette aesthetic also incorporates vintage silhouettes. In terms of swimwear, that can look like long-line bikini tops and high-waisted shorts. It can also look like sweetheart necklines, halter tops, and ruched bodices. Here, the gingham-print puff-sleeve top and matching button-adorned shorts are simultaneously giving ‘50s pinup model and modern coquette girly.

Shop Unique Vintage

Unique Vintage Gingham Seersucker Puff Sleeve Swim Top, $, available at Unique Vintage

Unique Vintage Gingham Seersucker Swim Bottoms, $, available at Unique Vintage
Here’s another old Hollywood example of the thick halter necklines and ruched bodice one-pieces that fit the vintage-inspired coquette bill.

Shop Neiman Marcus



Norma Kamali Bill Mio Halter One-Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Neiman Marcus

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

L.L.Bean x Summersalt Brings In Swimsuit Season

2024’s Top Accessory Trends Promise A Fun Spring

The Perfect Summer Denim Is Here From Madewell

White Handbags Are Trending: How To Style Coach’s Jonie Bag

.disclaimer{width:90%;margin-bottom:1rem}.disclaimer__lines{width:100%;margin:0 auto;border-bottom:1px solid #999;padding:0;max-width:150px}.disclaimer__copy{width:100%;max-width:355px;font-family:Brown Regular,sans-serif;font-size:.9rem;font-weight:300;line-height:1.3em;color:#333;padding:0 0 .4rem;margin:1rem auto;text-align:center}
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

No need to wait until Memorial Day: White purses are trending this season and will only continue their takeover this summer. But while spring handbag trends have been marked by more oversized totes and satchels — practical for long days that take you from the office to the gym — summer will see the return of mini bags, more suitable for vacations and outdoor spritz evening dates. Best of all: You don’t have to wait until the official kickoff to warm weather to get started thanks to the new Coach Jonie Bag. The half-moon-shaped — which, in addition to the milky “chalk” colorway, is available in summer-appropriate pastels like pink, purple, and pistachio, as well as an evening black — comes in a size that’s just big enough to fit your essentials but not take up too much room in your carry-on.

Coach Jonie Bag, $250

Crafted from buttery soft leather that holds shape without being too stiff, the Jonie can be worn hand-held or as a crossbody bag with the attachment of the strap. The brass clasp closure also adds an unexpected touch to the otherwise-traditional curved silhouette. Landing at $250, the versatile bag will pass the cost-per-wear test as a result of the many ways you can use it to style any summer look.

Ahead, how to wear Coach’s Jonie bag with whatever you may have in your suitcase or warm-weather roster.

How to style a white bag with brights

Use the white accessory to ground your summer brights. To balance out the pink-on-pink-on-pink look (we are taking the Barbie-core aesthetic into 2024), take advantage of the strap that the Jonie comes with and break up the dopamine colors with a crossbody that, bonus, keeps you hands-free.

How to style a white bag for the evening

When traveling, bring a small bag that can double as a spacious clutch for the evening. While you can always tuck the straps inside a crossbody bag, Jonie’s strap comes off entirely, making it a true clutch. Meanwhile, the bright white adds an interest to an all-black look.

How to style a white bag with a monochrome look

Embrace the monochrome trend with an all-white look that’s always in for summer. Opt for gauzy and silky fabrics that add softness, as well as textures like tweed and boucle, to prevent the outfit from looking too stark white (read: clinical).

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

How To Wear Butter Yellow — From The Runway To Your Wardrobe

.disclaimer{width:90%;margin-bottom:1rem}.disclaimer__lines{width:100%;margin:0 auto;border-bottom:1px solid #999;padding:0;max-width:150px}.disclaimer__copy{width:100%;max-width:355px;font-family:Brown Regular,sans-serif;font-size:.9rem;font-weight:300;line-height:1.3em;color:#333;padding:0 0 .4rem;margin:1rem auto;text-align:center}
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

As we look ahead to sunnier spring days, a fitting new color trend is on the horizon. Butter yellow has been populating the runways, the high street and fashion TikTok. True to its appetising namesake, this hue falls in the middle of the spectrum between beige and bright yellow, giving it a fresh, wearable take on the controversial primary color.

Compared to its brighter counterparts (à la dopamine dressing) a muted butter yellow is much easier to pair with other colors in your wardrobe. Especially adaptable for those who are color averse, butter yellow is the perfect spring neutral — and not just reserved for special occasions or high summer, as primary yellow often is. Just as a citrusy handbag can create a low-key statement, a creamy yellow shirt will go a long way as a basic staple. This trend is all about minimalist impact. 

Earlier this year, Loewe’s butter yellow pin dress gained popularity when Aubrey Plaza wore the SS24 piece to the 2023 Emmy Awards, followed by FKA twigs on the April 2024 cover of British Vogue. The color reigned supreme elsewhere on the spring/summer 2024 runways, too, from 3.1 Phillip Lim’s expertly crafted three-piece suit to silk-thin butter yellow layers from brands like Zimmermann and Collina Strada.

While yellow can be as polarizing as the skinny jeans debate — from the fear of it clashing with yellow undertones and lighter hair colors to the understanding that it’s the color for Black women — butter yellow is quietly putting this all to bed.  Spring couldn’t be a better time for us all to get into our pastel eras. So, while we manifest May flowers from all these April showers, explore runway styling tips and editor picks that are sure to satisfy your butter yellow cravings ASAP.

A Butter Yellow Suit

Dressing in any color from head to toe is a bold move, but a butter yellow suit makes for a subtle flex. While the light tone won’t feel like an overcommitment (i.e., you likely won’t be mistaken for a banana) you will make a statement nonetheless. Plus it’s a great color for the warmer months. Take notes from 3.1 Phillip Lim and pair with light-colored shoes and accessories.

A Butter Yellow Dress

Picture a zen version of Beyonce’s Lemonade and you’ve got a flowy, butter yellow dress. Expect to see lots of buttery smocks  this spring and summer at weddings, holidays and on the street for everyday wear. Compared to bright yellows, which may not feel appropriate for every occasion, butter yellow is as versatile as it gets. Any shoe goes.

A Butter Yellow Top

Get on *top* of the trend with a butter yellow vest, sweater, cardigan or shirt. Opt for a silhouette that you’re already familiar with and know will suit your wardrobe, and then work from there. Soon you’ll be able to layer ’em for a buttery, sophisticated vibe, as demonstrated on Sandy Liang’s spring runway.

A Butter Yellow Jacket

If you’re in the market for a spring coat or jacket, there’s a butter yellow style out there for you. The hue’s shape-shifting neutrality goes a long way when it comes to outerwear and will give any outfit a head-turning boost. Follow Paloma Wool’s lead with a Western-style denim jacket (and maybe even a matching skirt).

A Butter Yellow Skirt

Butter yellow is to skirts what gold is to jewellery: It just makes sense. From Molly Goddard’s voluminous butter yellow maxi skirts, to Anna Sui’s quilted minis on the spring runways, the consensus is that this feminine shade is a skirting win. Styling tip: Don’t be afraid to mix a butter yellow skirt with other yellow tones. More is more!

Butter Yellow Accessories

Want to dip your toe in the butter before going all in? Creamy yellow handbags, shoes, and jewellery will add a touch of color to any outfit without drawing eyes to them immediately. Once you start letting the tone into your wardrobe, don’t be surprised when you end up dripping in butter yellow, click Christopher Esber’s chic head-to-toe look.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

2024 Color Trends To Brighten Up Your Wardrobe

Gray Is A Top Color Trend — Here’s How To Style It

How To Wear Colored Tights: The 2024 Guide

A Tribute To The Best Met Gala Looks Of All Time

The first Monday in May is almost here, and in the fashion world, that means the biggest topic of discussion on the agenda is the Met Gala. This year, attendees have been tasked with flaunting their finest outfits inspired by the theme "The Garden of Time," marking the opening of the Met Museum’s new exhibition, "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion."

As we prepare for the array of head-turning outfits coming our way on the sartorial star-studded red carpet, we can’t help but think about some of the Met Gala’s biggest fashion moments ever. So, we’re taking a trip down memory lane, revisiting some of our all-time favorite Met Gala looks, from Kate Moss’ Marc Jacobs golden mini dress circa 2009 to Cardi B’s regal Moschino gown from 2018, and even a look or two from last year’s Gilded Glamour theme. Don’t worry, SJP and Alexander McQueen in matching tartan, Naomi Campbell in glittering Versace, and Kim Kardashian in Thierry Mugler’s first original design in 20 years also made the cut. 

So prepare to be amazed by the ethereal looks and red carpet dresses that have garnered attention every year since the first Costume Institute Benefit in 1948. Click on for our list of the best Met Gala looks of all time.

Michaela Coel in Schiaparelli, 2023


The I May Destroy You creator and star dazzled in a gilded, sheer Schiaparelli gown.Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images.

Jenna Ortega in Thom Browne, 2023


The Wednesday actress was a standout in this corseted custom Thom Browne look at her first ever Met Gala.
Photo: John Shearer/WireImage.

Anne Hathaway in Versace, 2023


In a year when Anne Hathaway's red carpet presence has outshone basically everyone, this custom Versace gown was truly the cherry on top. Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images/The Met Museum/Vogue.

Blake Lively in Atelier Versace, 202

2


A tribute to New York City's architecture (and the Statue of Liberty!).

Kim Kardashian in Jean Louis, 2022


Wearing the same dress Marilyn Monroe sported to sing "Happy Birthday" to John F. Kennedy — history in the making.

Rosalía in Rick Owens, 2021

Sometimes all you need is a train and thigh-high platform boots. Photo : John .hearer/WireImage.

Billie Eillish in Oscar De La Renta, 2021

Casually channeling Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly for the night. Photo: John Shearer/WireImage.

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in Brother Vellies, 2021


Talk about a statement dress.




Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images.

Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell, 2019

That time Lady Gaga reinvented performance with four outfit changes at the Met Gala. Talk about camp! Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue.

Zendaya in Atelier Versace, 2018


Who else is getting serious Joan of Arc meets Dune vibes from the armored Versace gown Zendaya wore in 2018?
Photo: Taylor Hill/Getty Images.

Carmen Kass in Gucci, 2003


The open neck is the new open back, as proven by Carmen Kass's iconic red satin Gucci gown from the 2003 Met Gala.Photo: Gucci/Getty Images.

Hailey Bieber in Alexander Wang, 2019

Only Hailey Bieber could make a crystal thong seem like a casual red pink carpet accessory. Photo: Karwai Tang/Getty Images.

Rihanna in John Galliano, 2018


Can we all take a second to memorialize Rihanna's crystal-covered John Galliano papal look for the Heavenly Bodies themed Met Gala in 2018? Photo: Kevin Tachman/Getty Images.

Naomi Campbell in Versace, 1995


Naomi Campbell always looks fantastic. Full stop. But this dazzling Versace number from the 1995 Met Gala truly is a step above the rest. Photo: Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images.

Ashley Olsen in Dior, 2013


Ashley Olsen was the picture of sunshine at the 2013 Met Gala, where she wore a tangerine shapeless frock courtesy of Dior. Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.

Cardi B in Thom Browne, 2019


Quilted coats who? We're opting for quilted gowns only (with feathered details and extra-long trains, of course) from now on. Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images.

Ariana Grande in Vera Wang, 2018


Ariana Grande consistently goes above and beyond in the costume department. But her Sistine Chapel Vera Wang gown for 2018's Catholic-themed Met Gala was assuredly her most extra look yet. Photo: Jackson Lee/Getty Images.

Kim Kardashian in Mugler, 2019


Straight out of the ocean and onto the pink carpet in custom Mugler might be the only way we want Kim Kardashian to show up anywhere for the foreseeable future. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images.

Zoë Kravitz in Oscar de la Renta, 2017


Who else freaked out when Zoë Kravitz wore millennial pink to the Met Gala during peak millennial pink popularity? Photo: J. Kempin/Getty Images.

Frances McDormand in Valentino, 2018


Does it get more fabulous than Oscar-winning actress Frances McDormand in avant-garde Valentino at the Met Gala? We're thinking not.
Photo: George Pimentel/Getty Images.

Lupita Nyong'o in Calvin Klein, 2016

We'd be cheesin' it too if we looked as extraordinary as Lupita Nyong'o in this sparkling green Calvin Klein number.
Photo: George Pimentel/WireImage.

Jared Leto in Gucci, 2019


It doesn't get much more camp than carrying a 3D clone of your own head on the red carpet. Nice work, Alessandro Michele. We see you, and we appreciate you. Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images.

Kate Moss in Marc Jacobs, 2009


Kate Moss in this Marc Jacobs gold turban and backless mini combo is golden hour in human form. Photo: BILLY FARRELL/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images.

Saoirse Ronan in Gucci, 2019


Watch out Emilia Clarke, there's a new Mother of Dragons in town, and it's Saoirse Ronan in Gucci. Photo: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic.

Lana Del Rey in Gucci, 2018


Lana Del Rey's Gucci ensemble nailed the 2018 Met Gala's Catholic theme. Photo: Dia Dipasupil/WireImage.

Jennifer Lopez in Valentino, 2017


The Versace jungle dress might be J.Lo's most iconic, but we'd argue that this baby blue Valentino gown deserves the #1 spot. Photo: J. Kempin/Getty Images.

Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham, 2014


Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham. That's it. That's the caption.Photo: George Pimentel/WireImage.

Billy Porter in The Blonds, 2019


Not pictured: Billy Porter being carried onto the Met Gala pink carpet Cleopatra style by six very handsome men also wearing gold ensembles by The Blonds.Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images.

Cara Delevingne in Chanel, 2017


The only thing better than Cara Delevingne introducing her sleek new bald 'do at the Manus x Machina Met Gala was the metallic Chanel pantsuit she wore.Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage.

Solange Knowles in Iris van Herpen and Brother Vellies, 2018


There's a reason Solange Knowles goes by Saint Records, and it's this slick black Iris van Herpen gown, gold angelic crown, and Brother Vellies thigh-high boots. That's not really the reason, but a girl can dream. Photo: Rabbani and Solimene Photography/Getty Images.

Bella Hadid in Alexander Wang, 2017


Bella Hadid in barely there Alexander Wang needs no introduction.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage.

Princess Diana in Dior, 1996


Possibly the most iconic of all the Met Gala looks is Princess Diana in a very daring blue Dior slip dress with a matching sapphire necklace. Photo: Patrick McMullan/Getty Images.

Cardi B in Thom Browne, 2018


What's better than Cardi B's regal Moschino look? The beaded gown was a major showstopper. Photo: Frazer Harrison/FilmMagic.

Sienna Miller in Burberry, 2006


Talk about glowing. Sienna Miller is a genuine ray of light in this Burberry micro mini. Photo: BILLY FARRELL/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images.

Beyoncé in Givenchy, 2016


No one does latex fashion quite like Beyoncé, especially when it's designed by Givenchy.Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage.

Dita von Tesse in Zac Posen, 2014


Old Hollywood glamour doesn't get much better than this. Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic.

Erykah Badu in Givenchy, 2014


Erykah Badu deserves the first-place prize for her Givenchy hat game at the 2014 Met Gala. Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.

Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen in vintage John Galliano for Dior, 2015


Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen in head-to-toe black isn't exactly groundbreaking, but that doesn't mean we don't also love it. Photo: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images.

Chloe Sevigny in J.W. Anderson, 2015


Every single inch of this J.W. Anderson original on Chloë Sevigny is absolute perfection.
Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage.

Rihanna in Guo Pei, 2015


Does Rihanna ever not look perfect on the Met Gala steps? Doubtful.
Photo: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic.

Anne Hathaway in Ralph Lauren, 2015


Anne Hathaway took a cue from Little Red Riding Hood with this sexy and sophisticated gold hooded gown courtesy of Ralph Lauren. Photo: George Pimentel/WireImage.

Miley Cyrus in Marc Jacobs, 2013


Miley Cyrus was the definitive punk princess in sheer, netted Marc Jacobs at the 2013 Met Gala.Photo: Rabbani and Solimene Photography/WireImage.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Stella McCartney, 2011


Between the extra-high slit and the extra-low back, this Stella McCartney number on Gwyneth Paltrow is the epitome of sex appeal.Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.

Madonna in Stella McCartney, 2011


This Stella McCartney cap-sleeved gown was, without a doubt, Madonna's "Lucky Star."
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images.

Christina Ricci in Givenchy, 2008

Catch us re-creating Christina Ricci's pink and red Givenchy look next Valentine's Day.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage.

Alexander McQueen and Sarah Jessica Parker in Alexander McQueen, 2006


Tartan twinning. Photo: Evan Agostini/Getty Images.

Amber Valletta in Maggie Norris Couture and John Galliano, 2004


The hair! The baubles! The corset! Every detail of Amber Valletta's Maggie Norris and John Galliano ensemble from the 2004 Met Gala was a win if you ask us. Photo: Evan Agostini/Getty Images.

Marie-Chantal Mille in Valentino, 2001


Have you ever seen anything chicer than Princess Marie-Chantal Mille of Greece wearing Valentino with Valentino? Photo: Evan Agostini/Getty Images.

Yara Shahidi in Dior, 2021


Yara Shahidi took a cue from Josephine Baker and excelled. Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

The Best Looks At The 2023 Met Gala

The 43 Best Oscars Looks Of All Time

The Best Red Carpet Looks From The Grammy Awards