“Coquette Nails,” the Flirty Manicure For Maximalists

If you’ve spent any time on TikTok over the last year, chances are you’re familiar with the term “coquette aesthetic.” The word “coquette,” according to Merriam Webster, means “a woman who endeavors without sincere affection to gain the attention and admiration of men.” (So, basically, me every Friday night at Gran Blanco.)

While the word was originally used as a derogatory term, it’s since been reclaimed by people on social media and has inspired an entire fashion and beauty movement. The hashtag #coquetteaesthetic has over two billion views and counting on TikTok, and users have been showing off how they embrace the trend with their outfits, playful hairstyles, romantic makeup, and even their nails.

The trend popped up in numerous places during New York Fashion Week, but the coquette nails at the LoveShackFancy show especially caught our eye.

The models sported multi-colored french manicures with pearl accents. The look was created by nail artist Naomi Yasuda using all Sally Hansen products.

When trying to picture the trend, think “Bridgerton” in a manicure: the look is flirty, fun, and it’s all about maximalism.

Whether you consider yourself to be a coquette or you just want the nails of someone who is, we’ve got you covered. Ahead, we’re breaking down everything to know about coquette nails, including what they are, why they’re trending, and how to achieve the look for yourself.

Experts Featured in This Article

Rianna Basurto is a marketing specialist for Bellacures Salon.

Sara Clark is the owner of Freaky Fresh Phalanges in Sola Salons.

What Are Coquette Nails?

“Coquette nails are all about tapping into your ethereal, hyper-feminine side by using specific colors, patterns, and embellishments,” marketing specialist Rianna Basurto tells PS.

The trend typically features pale pink or neutral base polish colors, but it’s the details that make this manicure a work of art. After a base layer is painted on, nails are embellished or adorned with anything from ruffles to bows to charms, giving the manicure a maximalist feel.

“The coquette style can be worn with any nail shape or length, but it will mostly be seen with a mid to long and almond shape,” says salon owner Sara Clark. The reason for this is that manicure features so many small details, so a longer nail with more surface area is key.

The style can be customized to suit your needs — a “simple” coquette manicure might feature painted-on nail art like hearts or stars, while an “ultra” coquette manicure might feature nail art plus the addition of 3D bows, pearls, and rhinestones.

How to Get Coquette Nails

If you’re thinking about testing out the trend for yourself, there are a few different routes you can take. If you’re looking to keep things coquette-themed but still simple, we’d recommend starting with a flirty-but-neutral base polish color like the cult-classic, OPI Bubble Bath ($14). If you want to take things up a notch, we love the Essie Metallics A Cut Above ($10). Next, if you’re new to nail art, consider placing a few stickers on each nail. We love the Dashing Diva Falling Stars Magic Pick 3D Nail Art ($8) for this.

If you consider yourself more advanced, after painting on a base nail color and letting it dry, feel free to go wild with embellishments. Apply a tiny bit of the Kiss PowerFlex Ultra-Hold Precision Nail Glue ($5) using the dotting tool in the Sally Hansen Nail Salon Pro Tool Kit ($8). From there, add floral, rhinestone, or bow embellishments. We love the Amazon White Pearls Nail Charms Kit ($8), which comes with tons of 3D adornments.

However, if any level of nail art just isn’t in your wheelhouse, don’t fret. Press-on nails and stick-on nails will be your best friend when it comes to this trend. We’d recommend the Dashing Diva Ballet Blooms Real Salon Gel Glow Art ($10), which are gel nail strips that feature pink floral nail art.

Whether you’re ready to tackle the trend on your own at home, or you’re looking for inspiration photos to bring with you to your next nail appointment, we’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling to see some of the bet coquette nails out there.