A woman in a vintage dress gracefully picks flowers in a sunlit garden, exuding classic beauty.

Are You Coquette or Cottagecore? Here’s How to Tell the Difference

In today’s world, many people love to express themselves through different styles and lifestyles. Two popular aesthetics are Coquette and Cottagecore.

They both celebrate beauty and charm, but they are very different from one another. In this guide, we will explore what each style is, how they differ, and how you can tell which one suits you best.

Whether you are just curious or ready to fully embrace an aesthetic, read on to learn how to find out if you are more coquette or more cottagecore.

What Is Coquette?

girl, fashion, flowers, woman, flower background, dress, nature, hat, style, beautiful flowers, flower wallpaper, smile, happy, meadow, outdoors, girl, fashion, fashion, woman, dress, dress, dress, dress, dress, smile, smile, happy

The coquette aesthetic is all about playful charm, flirty elegance, and a touch of vintage glamour. If you love a look that is both delicate and confident, you might be drawn to the coquette style.

Key Features of Coquette

  • Playful and Flirty: Coquette style is fun and charming. It has a light, playful vibe that shows off a confident and slightly flirtatious personality.
  • Elegant and Feminine: The coquette look often features soft fabrics, pastel colors, and delicate details. Think of lace, ribbons, and bows. This style is very refined yet playful.
  • Vintage Inspiration: Many coquette looks are inspired by old-fashioned styles. They borrow ideas from the past, such as classic dresses, retro hairstyles, and vintage accessories.
  • Attention to Detail: A coquette style is all about the small touches. From carefully chosen jewelry to perfectly styled hair, every detail matters.

Coquette Fashion and Lifestyle

If you lean towards a coquette lifestyle, you might enjoy:

  • Wearing dresses with lace or ruffles.
  • Choosing pastel or soft colors like blush pink, lavender, or light blue.
  • Adorning yourself with delicate accessories such as pearl necklaces or dainty rings.
  • Enjoying a little bit of makeup that highlights your features in a soft, natural way.
  • Loving poetry, romance novels, and art that shows beauty and grace.

The coquette aesthetic is modern but with a hint of old-world charm. It is for those who like to mix playfulness with elegance.

What Is Cottagecore?

A woman in a floral dress holding a bicycle in a lush garden of flowers and chairs.

Cottagecore is a style that celebrates a simpler life. It is all about nature, rustic beauty, and a cozy way of living. If you love the idea of country living, gardening, and handmade crafts, cottagecore might be your perfect fit.

Key Features of Cottagecore

  • Rustic and Natural: Cottagecore embraces the beauty of nature. It is inspired by rural life, farms, and the outdoors. Think of wildflowers, green meadows, and old cottages.
  • Cozy and Comfortable: This style is warm and inviting. It features comfortable clothes and home decor that make you feel relaxed and at peace.
  • Handmade and Vintage: Cottagecore values things that feel handmade or have a vintage feel. Knitted sweaters, hand-stitched dresses, and homemade jams are part of this lifestyle.
  • Simple and Wholesome: The cottagecore vibe is all about slowing down and enjoying the simple things in life. It celebrates self-sufficiency, cooking, and spending time outdoors.

Cottagecore Fashion and Lifestyle

If cottagecore speaks to you, you might enjoy:

  • Wearing flowy dresses, cardigans, and practical yet pretty boots.
  • Choosing natural colors like greens, browns, and creams.
  • Decorating your home with rustic items like wooden furniture, handmade ceramics, and vintage linens.
  • Enjoying hobbies like gardening, baking, or painting.
  • Loving nature walks, picnics, and quiet afternoons reading under a tree.

Cottagecore is a lifestyle that reminds us of a slower pace of life. It is for those who find beauty in nature and simplicity.

Comparing Coquette and Cottagecore

woman, cottagecore, countryside, nature, portrait, beautiful, asian, beauty, south asian, vietnamese, cottagecore, cottagecore, cottagecore, cottagecore, cottagecore

Even though coquette and cottagecore share a love for beauty and vintage charm, they are very different in many ways. Here are some points of comparison:

Fashion and Clothing

  • Coquette:
    • Clothing: Think of dresses with lace, ribbons, and delicate fabrics.
    • Colors: Soft pastels, blush tones, and subtle metallics.
    • Accessories: Dainty jewelry, bows, and vintage hair accessories.
  • Cottagecore:
    • Clothing: Flowy dresses, cozy cardigans, aprons, and practical boots.
    • Colors: Earthy tones like greens, browns, and creams, often mixed with floral patterns.
    • Accessories: Handmade jewelry, straw hats, and simple scarves.

Lifestyle and Values

  • Coquette:
    • Vibe: Elegant, playful, and flirtatious.
    • Interests: Fashion, art, literature, and social charm.
    • Mood: A touch of glamour and refined beauty.
  • Cottagecore:
    • Vibe: Relaxed, rustic, and connected to nature.
    • Interests: Gardening, cooking, crafting, and a love for the outdoors.
    • Mood: Cozy, peaceful, and down-to-earth.

Home Decor

  • Coquette:
    • Decor: Elegant, refined, and sometimes opulent. Think vintage mirrors, delicate chandeliers, and soft textiles.
  • Cottagecore:
    • Decor: Rustic, natural, and handmade. Think wooden furniture, fresh flowers, and cozy knit throws.

Social Life and Activities

  • Coquette:
    • Social Setting: Often urban or upscale environments like chic cafes, art galleries, or stylish parties.
    • Activities: Attending tea parties, fashion events, and cultural outings.
  • Cottagecore:
    • Social Setting: More rural or nature-inspired settings like picnics in the park, farmers’ markets, or countryside get-togethers.
    • Activities: Gardening, baking, crafting, and enjoying the outdoors.

Overall Vibe

  • Coquette: Combines modern style with classic elegance. It is more about personal charm, flirtation, and refined beauty.
  • Cottagecore: Embraces a slower, simpler life. It is more about nature, comfort, and the beauty of everyday moments.

How to Tell Which One Suits You Best

A girl embraces a fluffy dog in a sunlit meadow, capturing a moment of warmth and joy.

Now that you know the basics of both aesthetics, you may be wondering: “Am I more coquette or cottagecore?” Here are some questions and ideas to help you decide:

Ask Yourself These Questions

  1. What Kind of Environment Do I Love?
    • Do you dream of bustling city cafes and chic social events? You might lean coquette.
    • Do you prefer quiet country mornings and peaceful nature walks? Cottagecore could be your style.
  2. What Is My Favorite Color Palette?
    • Do you love soft pastels, delicate pinks, and gentle metallics? This is common in coquette style.
    • Do you enjoy earthy tones, warm greens, and natural browns? That points to cottagecore.
  3. What Type of Clothing Do I Feel Most Comfortable In?
    • If you love elegant dresses with a vintage flair, you might be coquette.
    • If you enjoy cozy, flowy garments and practical yet pretty outfits, cottagecore might be your match.
  4. How Do I Spend My Free Time?
    • Do you enjoy art galleries, tea parties, and dressing up for social outings? This is a coquette vibe.
    • Do you love baking, gardening, and crafting at home? Then cottagecore may be your lifestyle.

Experiment and Mix

Sometimes, you might feel a bit of both aesthetics. Many people find that they enjoy a mix of coquette and cottagecore elements. Here are some ideas if you like a blend:

  • Fashion: Try combining a delicate lace blouse (coquette) with a flowy, floral skirt (cottagecore). This mix can create a unique style that is both elegant and earthy.
  • Home Decor: Decorate with vintage accessories like ornate mirrors (coquette) alongside handmade pottery and wildflowers (cottagecore).
  • Hobbies: Enjoy sophisticated art classes (coquette) and also take up gardening or baking (cottagecore). Your hobbies can reflect both sides of your personality.

Remember, your personal style is about what makes you feel happy and confident. There is no wrong answer if you find yourself drawn to both looks.

How to Embrace Your Chosen Aesthetic

Elegant close-up of pink lipstick on a stylish makeup vanity with reflections.

Once you decide whether you lean more towards coquette or cottagecore (or a mix of both), here are some tips to help you fully embrace your chosen style.

For the Coquette Enthusiast

  • Wardrobe: Fill your closet with elegant dresses, skirts, and tops that have delicate details like lace, ruffles, and bows.
  • Beauty: Choose soft, natural makeup with a touch of shimmer. Experiment with retro hairstyles and vintage accessories.
  • Lifestyle: Visit art galleries, attend tea parties, and enjoy a night out at chic cafes. Cultivate a love for classic literature and art.
  • Home: Decorate your space with elegant touches like vintage mirrors, soft textiles, and a color palette of pastels and light neutrals.

For the Cottagecore Lover

  • Wardrobe: Look for flowy dresses, cozy cardigans, and practical boots. Choose fabrics that feel natural, like cotton or linen.
  • Beauty: Go for a fresh, minimal makeup look that highlights your natural beauty. Consider simple hairstyles that look effortlessly charming.
  • Lifestyle: Enjoy activities like gardening, baking, and crafting. Spend time outdoors, whether in a park or your own backyard.
  • Home: Create a warm and welcoming space with rustic furniture, handmade decorations, and plenty of natural elements like plants and flowers.

Finding Inspiration Online

The internet is full of inspiration for both coquette and cottagecore lifestyles. Here are some ideas on where to look:

  • Social Media: Explore Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok using hashtags like #CoquetteStyle, #Cottagecore, or #CoquetteVsCottagecore. You can see photos, videos, and posts from people who live these aesthetics.
  • Blogs and Websites: Read blogs dedicated to fashion, lifestyle, and home decor that focus on these styles. They often have tips, DIY projects, and outfit ideas.
  • YouTube: Watch videos on how to style your outfits, decorate your home, or even cook recipes that fit the aesthetic. Video content can give you a clear picture of what each style looks like in everyday life.

Mixing the Two: A Balanced Approach

It is perfectly okay if you find that you love both coquette and cottagecore elements. In fact, many people create a unique style by mixing aspects of both aesthetics. Here are some tips on how to blend the two:

  • Fashion: Wear a soft, coquette-inspired blouse with delicate lace details, paired with a flowy, cottagecore-style skirt in a floral print.
  • Home Decor: Decorate with elegant vintage items such as ornate picture frames or classic mirrors alongside handmade crafts, rustic pottery, and fresh flowers.
  • Lifestyle: Enjoy both urban activities like visiting art exhibits and relaxing country hobbies like picnicking in the park. This blend can help you enjoy the best of both worlds.

Mixing the two styles can give you a rich and varied look that stands out as uniquely you.

Final Thoughts

Deciding between coquette and cottagecore may seem tricky at first. However, understanding the key features of each style can help you decide which one fits your personality and lifestyle best. Here’s a quick recap:

  • Coquette is about playful charm, vintage elegance, and a flirty, refined look. It shines in urban settings and social events.
  • Cottagecore is about rustic simplicity, natural beauty, and a cozy, nature-inspired lifestyle. It thrives in a slower pace and celebrates handmade, everyday beauty.

Both aesthetics celebrate individuality, beauty, and a love for the past, though they do so in very different ways. Whether you choose one, the other, or a mix of both, the most important thing is that you feel happy and confident in your style.

Your journey to finding your aesthetic is a personal one. It might change over time as you discover new interests and passions. There is no right or wrong answer here—only what feels true to who you are.

How to Explore Your Aesthetic

If you are still unsure about whether you lean more towards coquette or cottagecore, here are some steps to help you explore further:

  1. Experiment with Outfits: Try on different styles and notice which outfits make you feel the most comfortable and confident. Visit thrift stores or online shops to mix and match pieces from both aesthetics.
  2. Decorate a Small Space: Whether it’s a desk, a corner of your room, or your entire living space, try decorating with elements from both styles. Notice which decorations make you feel more at home.
  3. Start a Journal: Write down your thoughts about each aesthetic. What do you like about coquette? What draws you to cottagecore? Over time, you might see a clear pattern in your preferences.
  4. Join Online Communities: Many people share their love for these aesthetics on social media. Join groups or follow hashtags on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest to see more examples and get ideas.
  5. Try a Mood Board: Create a mood board on your computer or with physical cutouts from magazines. Fill it with images, colors, and styles that you love. This visual collage can help you see which style dominates your tastes.

Embracing Your Unique Style

At the end of the day, the choice between coquette and cottagecore is about what makes you feel most like yourself. Your aesthetic is a form of self-expression.

It tells the world who you are without you even saying a word. Whether you are drawn to the urban elegance of coquette or the rural charm of cottagecore, the most important thing is that you feel happy and confident.

Remember, trends and styles come and go, but your unique taste and personality are what truly matter. Embrace the parts of both aesthetics that resonate with you. There is no need to limit yourself to one category if you find beauty in both.

In Conclusion

So, are you coquette or cottagecore? The answer lies in your personality, your tastes, and the lifestyle that makes you feel most at ease. Do you dream of vintage tea parties and chic, flirtatious outfits? That’s a sign you might lean coquette. Or do you find joy in quiet moments in nature, homemade treats, and rustic decor? Then cottagecore might be calling your name.

Whichever path you choose, let it be a journey of self-discovery. Use your style as a way to celebrate who you are and what you love. Explore different elements, experiment, and have fun with your look. There is a whole world of beauty and inspiration out there waiting for you.

Happy exploring, and may you find the perfect balance that makes you feel uniquely you!

Embrace your journey of style and self-expression, and always remember: the best aesthetic is the one that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and truly yourself.