The Coquette Trend Is Coming For Your Tattoos In 2024

Tattoo trends come and go so quickly that it's sometimes hard to keep up. Just when we thought patch tattoos were going to be the most unique ink trend of the 2020s , freehand abstract tattoos made a splash on social media, prompting so many of us to go back to the shop for another design. For 2024, though, it seems  like we're moving away from quirky designs into something more cutesy: coquette.

"As balletcore [and coquettecore] are trending in fashion, it's directly reflected in tattoo trends, because more and more people seem to see tattoos as an accessory to match their style," NYC-based tattoo artist Ariel Wei tells Byrdie. "The bow itself is already cute and pretty, so it goes along with everything. You can have a sexy outfit with a bow tattoo, go grunge with a bow... the bow just makes everything more unique and epic. 

Although Merriam Webster defines coquette as "a woman who endeavors without sincere affection to gain the attention and admiration of men," you don't have to identify as a woman to get in on this trend. It just means you should probably have an affinity for sweet, darling, and stereotypically "girly" things. You probably already recall the coquette beauty trend was big in 2023– with everyone and their mother donning a ribbon in their hair. So before the next tattoo trend takes hold, you definitely want to check out some coquette options in case that's a road you want to go down.

Flash tattoos have been everywhere the last few years and for a good reason: they're non-committal. While you can get a bunch of flash tattoos and get in on the sticker sleeve trend, they also work well when they're alone as they can easily be hidden or removed in the future. If you're feeling coquettish now, but aren't sure if you always will, a small flash tattoo of a bow, heart, or puppy in a discreet place like the inner wrist, is the way to go. 

If you want to intensify the coquette energy of your tattoo, it's worth exploring other color options. A red cherry design on the ribs is both colorful and fun, offering vibrant, feminine energy that really pops against the skin. Plus, it's easy to hide easily if you're not ready to show off your ink to the world. Just remember that red and pink ink fades faster than black, so be sure to keep your tattoo out of the sun to give it a longer lifespan.

Before you wince in horror at the thought of getting a tramp stamp, know this: lower back tattoos are back. What's great about coquette tattoos is that you're not sticking to the tribal lower back tattoos of the 1990s, but instead leaning into the playful, coquette aesthetic, meaning bows, hearts, and ribbons. Besides, at this point, the tramp stamp has reached icon status and no longer carries with it the shame it did with the elder Millennial crowd.

If the words "sweet" and "precious" make you think of perfect little baby animals, then your coquette tattoo decision has been made. A bunny, puppy, kitty, or happy little snail all decked out in bows captures the vibe of the aesthetic without going overboard. Whether you opt for placement on the inner arm, ribs, or thigh, animals always make for great coquette-inspired tattoos. You can also take this opportunity to pay homage to your pet by getting a coquettish version of them tattooed on you. Add sparkles and hearts in a color like pink for an adorable final touch. 

While getting matching tattoos is always great in theory, it's important to realize what that actually means. If you're willing to risk getting a fantastic coquette tattoo now with your current best friend with the full knowledge that by the time you're 40 you might be complete strangers, then go for it, but play it safe. Getting something that you'll always love (who doesn't love a bow tattoo?) on a part of your body where you don't have a constant reminder (back of your arm, for example), is the best way to do that.