15. October 2024
How to Style Coquette Fashion On A Budget
Coquette fashion is all about capturing a playful, romantic, and vintage-inspired vibe. It’s dreamy, delicate, and feminine—think bows, lace, pastels, and florals. But the best part? You don’t have to break the bank to nail this aesthetic! If you’re obsessed with the coquette look but are on a budget, this guide will help you style dreamy outfits without overspending.
Table of Contents
- What is Coquette Fashion
- Thrifting for Coquette Staples
- DIY and Customizing Your Wardrobe
- Shopping for Affordable Coquette Pieces
- Outfit Inspiration on a Budget
- Final Thoughts
What is Coquette Fashion?
Coquette fashion is all about embracing a girly, nostalgic, and almost Lolita-like style with a touch of vintage glam. It’s dreamy yet flirty, combining delicate fabrics like lace, satin, and tulle with ultra-feminine details like ribbons, pearl accessories, and floral prints. Some key pieces you’ll see in this aesthetic include:
Bows and Ribbons
Often found on blouses, skirts, or as hair accessories.
Floral Prints
Especially small ditsy floral patterns in soft, pastel colors.
Lace Details
From collars to sleeves, lace adds a delicate, vintage touch.
Satin and Silk Fabrics
Whether it’s a dress or a blouse, these fabrics scream romance.
Corset-Inspired Tops
A nod to the romanticized vintage vibe of coquette fashion.
Sounds dreamy, right? But how do you style these pieces without spending too much? Let’s dive into some budget-friendly tips.
Thrifting for Coquette Staples
One of the best ways to build your coquette wardrobe without spending a fortune is through thrifting. Vintage stores and secondhand shops are goldmines for this aesthetic. You’ll find plenty of lace-trimmed blouses, delicate skirts, and old-school florals—all at a fraction of retail prices. Here’s how to get the best out of your thrifting trips:
Look for Timeless Pieces
Focus on finding vintage dresses, silk tops, and floral skirts that can easily be styled into a coquette look. Items with lace details, bow accents, or pastel colors are perfect.
Check the Lingerie Section
This is a pro tip! Often, you can find lace camisoles or even satin slip dresses in the lingerie section, which fit right into the coquette aesthetic. Vintage lingerie items, like slips or silk tops, often come in delicate shades and fabrics that are key to the coquette aesthetic.
Accessories Matter
Don’t forget to check out the jewelry and accessories section. Vintage pearl earrings, headbands, and hair ribbons can elevate your outfits without costing much. Even vintage brooches or statement hairpins can add a touch of coquette glamour to any outfit.
DIY and Customizing Your Wardrobe
Another budget-friendly way to embrace coquette fashion is by DIY-ing and customizing what you already have. Here’s how you can easily upcycle your clothes to fit the aesthetic:
Add Lace
Got a plain blouse or dress? Add some lace trim to the collar or sleeves. You can buy lace at any fabric store and either sew it on or use fabric glue for an easier fix. This simple addition can turn a basic dress or top into a romantic, vintage-inspired piece. You can even layer lace over skirts or add it to the hem of pants for a whimsical touch.
Embellish with Bows
Grab some ribbon and make bows to attach to your clothes. You can add them to hair accessories, blouses, or skirts for that signature coquette look. Experiment with different ribbon sizes and colors to achieve a playful or dramatic effect. A large satin bow can make a bold statement, while smaller, more delicate bows can create a soft, elegant vibe.
Dye Old Clothes
If you have clothes in bold or dark colors, consider dyeing them in soft pastel shades like blush pink, lavender, or mint. You’ll be surprised at how a simple color change can transform an old piece into something coquette-worthy. You can also experiment with ombré dyeing techniques to give your garments a unique gradient effect, adding depth and sophistication to your coquette looks.
Shopping for Affordable Coquette Pieces
If you prefer buying new clothes but still want to keep things budget-friendly, there are plenty of ways to find coquette-inspired pieces without the high price tag. Here are some tips for finding affordable coquette fashion:
Look for Sales
Many fashion retailers regularly offer discounts, seasonal sales, or clearance items that include feminine pieces like floral dresses, lace blouses, and satin skirts. Keep an eye out for promotional events and flash sales to score these items at reduced prices.
The Other Aesthetic
For a beautiful range of coquette fashion, check out The Other Aesthetic, where you can find an array of floral prints, lace accents, and soft, romantic styles. With a wide range of aesthetic collections, you can find the perfect pieces for achieving the coquette look without breaking the bank.
Check Out Online Marketplaces
Browse secondhand and consignment websites for gently used or vintage items. These platforms often have a wide variety of coquette staples, such as floral prints, ribbon accents, and lace details, at a fraction of the cost of new clothing.
Outlet Stores
Outlet stores and discount retailers are great places to find high-quality pieces at a lower price. From delicate tops to whimsical skirts, you can often find trendy, romantic styles that align with the coquette aesthetic.
Local Boutiques
Don’t overlook small, independent boutiques. Many local shops offer unique and affordable pieces, often featuring delicate fabrics and feminine silhouettes that fit into the coquette style. Keep an eye out for lace-trimmed blouses, soft pastel dresses, and vintage-inspired accessories.
When shopping, be patient and stay on the lookout for versatile items that fit the aesthetic while offering value for money. Building a coquette wardrobe doesn’t have to be expensive if you shop smart and take advantage of deals.
Outfit Inspiration on a Budget
Now that you know where to shop and how to DIY, let’s put together some coquette-inspired outfits on a budget. Here are a few looks that are both chic and affordable:
Casual Coquette
Start with a thrifted floral skirt (which you can find for around $10) and pair it with a lace-trimmed camisole from an affordable brand. Add a DIY ribbon belt and top it off with a cropped cardigan. For accessories, go with pearl earrings and a simple bow hair tie. Complete the look with vintage ballet flats or loafers that can often be found at secondhand stores.
Daytime Chic
For a more dressed-up daytime look, opt for a satin slip dress (check your thrift or online store for budget options) and layer it with a vintage-inspired sweater from your local thrift store. Add pearl earrings anda straw hat for that perfect coquette vibe. This outfit is perfect for brunch with friends, a visit to the museum, or even a dreamy day at the park. Complete it with dainty flats or classic shoes.
Special Occasion Looks
Heading to a special event? A secondhand corset-style top paired with a midi floral skirt will give you a romantic, coquette-inspired look without costing a fortune. Look for pieces with lace detailing or puff sleeves to add to the delicate vibe. You can pair this outfit with lace-up sandals or heels and a small vintage handbag to finish off the look. Don’t forget a bold, red lip for a touch of vintage glam.
Final Thoughts
Styling coquette fashion on a budget is completely achievable with a little creativity and resourcefulness. Whether you’re thrifting for hidden gems, upcycling your old clothes, or shopping smart with affordable brands, you can create the perfect coquette-inspired wardrobe without spending too much.
The beauty of coquette fashion lies in its versatility and timeless appeal. You don’t have to follow every trend or buy the latest items to achieve the look. Instead, focus on creating a wardrobe that reflects your personality while embracing the playful and feminine spirit of the coquette style.
Remember, the coquette aesthetic is all about embracing your femininity, romanticizing everyday life, and adding playful touches to your outfits. So, don’t be afraid to mix and match pieces, DIY your own looks, and thrift to find one-of-a-kind items.
If you’re looking for more inspiration on building your dream wardrobe or are interested in exploring Coquette home decor as well, check out our online store and existing blogs for more ideas!
