If you think coquettecore is all bows, blush, and barely-there corsets—think again. The TikTok-fueled trend known for its hyper-feminine, vintage-inspired aesthetic has officially stepped into the world of sports and activewear. And it’s not just cute—it’s a power move.
What Is Coquettecore, Anyway?
Born on social platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, coquettecore celebrates femininity in all its delicate glory. Think puff sleeves, lace trims, pearls, ballet flats, and vintage lingerie aesthetics. But as the trend evolves, it’s leaving the boudoir behind and hitting the streets—and the gym—with a twist.
Call it “Power Pretty.” This new wave of coquettecore isn’t about weakness or fragility—it’s about bringing softness into strength, mixing pastel palettes with performance fabrics, and reclaiming femininity as a flex.
Coquettecore x Activewear: The New It-Girl Uniform
From TikTok influencers to boutique fitness brands, everyone’s leaning into this new hybrid. Here’s what it looks like in action:
- Ballet-inspired pieces: Wrap tops, ribbed knits, and ballerina skirts meet squat-proof leggings and sports bras with scalloped trims.
- Pastel workout sets: Baby pink, lavender, and mint green are replacing all-black-everything as the new power colors for your pilates mat.
- Lace-up details: Think corset-style leggings, drawstring tops, and dainty ties that still hold up in HIIT class.
- Flouncy but functional: Ruffled shorts, puff sleeves on mesh jackets, and active dresses that go from barre to brunch.
This isn’t performative femininity. It’s activewear with attitude—soft, yes, but never passive.
Brands Leaning Into the Look
Several trend-savvy activewear labels are already serving coquette-core gym realness:
- Year of Ours offers lace-trim sports bras and pastel wrap tops.
- Alo Yoga dropped a balletcore capsule that blends performance with poise.
- Free People Movement nails the mix with ruffled-edge bike shorts and soft-focus color palettes.
- TALA is bringing in subtle vintage nods with adjustable bows and sheer layering.
Even mainstream brands are catching on, with Nike and Adidas experimenting with floral prints, mesh overlays, and more feminine fits in their latest collections.
Why It Works: The Psychology of Pretty Power
There’s something radical about embracing softness in traditionally “tough” spaces, like gyms or competitive sports. For many, coquettecore activewear becomes a form of self-expression, a way to defy the masculine norm of black compression and cargo cuts.
Plus, dressing in a way that makes you feel beautiful can seriously improve workout motivation. Studies even show that when people like their fitness attire, they’re more likely to show up, perform better, and stick with routines longer.
3 Ways to Coquette-ify Your Workout Wardrobe
- Start with color: Swap black for blush, charcoal for cream, and neon for lilac.
- Pick your pieces: Look for sets with ruffle straps, bow accents, or ballet-inspired silhouettes.
- Layer like a dancer: Add a shrug or wrap top over your sports bra. Tie a mesh skirt over leggings for studio-ready style.
Bonus tip: pair with slick buns, pearl studs, or a satin scrunchie for full aesthetic commitment.
Final Thoughts: Lace Doesn’t Mean Less Strength
Coquettecore is more than a vibe—it’s a challenge to outdated style rules in fitness culture. It proves you don’t have to dress like a Spartan to train like one.
So go ahead. Add some frill to your form. Wear pink to powerlift. Crush sprints in ruffles. Because strength is never one-size-fits-all, and neither is style.
