Tattoo trends come and go so quickly that it can be hard to keep up. Just when you thought patch tattoos would be the ultimate It-girl tattoo of the 2020s, freehand abstract tattoos took off on social media, sending many back to the shops for another design. In 2024, the hottest new design trends we’re seeing are inspired by the hottest TikTok trends. The coquette beauty trend was all the rage in 2023, when everyone was wearing bows in their hair with their moms, but in 2024, we’re seeing people adopt a more permanent aesthetic commitment.
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“As Ballet Core [and coquettecore] “Bows are a fashion trend that is directly reflected in tattoo trends, as more and more people are thinking of tattoos as an accessory that suits their style,” New York City-based tattoo artist Ariel Way tells BYRDIE. “Bows are already cute and pretty on their own, so they go with anything. You can wear a sexy outfit with a bow tattoo, or go grunge with a bow…a bow makes everything more unique and epic.”
Merriam-Webster defines a coquette as “a woman who strives, without sincere affection, to gain the attention and admiration of a man,” but you don’t have to be a woman to get on this trend. It just means you have to be sweet, lovable, and have an affinity for stereotypically “girly” things. So before the next tattoo trend takes hold, we recommend checking out some coquette options in case it’s the path you want to take.
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Flashbow on your wrist
Flash tattoos have been everywhere for the past few years, and there’s a reason for that: they’re non-binding. You can get a bunch of flash tattoos and hop on the sticker sleeve trend, but flash tattoos also work well on their own, since they can be easily hidden or removed in the future. If you’re feeling flirty now but aren’t sure if you want to stay that way, try a small flash tattoo like a bow, heart, or puppy in an inconspicuous spot like the inside of your wrist.
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Ribs with red cherries
If you want to intensify the coquette energy of your tattoo, it’s worth considering other color options. A red cherry design on your ribs is colorful and fun, offering a vibrant, feminine energy that looks great on your skin. Plus, if you’re not ready to show off your tattoo to the world, it’s easy to hide. Keep in mind that red and pink inks fade faster than black, and to make your tattoo last longer, keep it out of the sun.
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Iconic Trump Stamps
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 instead of sticking to the tribal lower back tattoos of the 1990s, they’re embracing a playful, coquette aesthetic with bows, hearts, and ribbons. Plus, the tramp stamp has reached iconic status at this point and is no longer embarrassing among older millennials.
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sleeping rabbit tattoo
If you hear the words “cute” and “adorable” and think of perfect little baby animals, then the coquette tattoo is the answer. Bow-wearing bunnies, puppies, kittens, and happy little snails capture the aesthetic without going overboard. Whether you place it on your inner arm, ribs, or thigh, animals are perfect for a coquette-inspired tattoo. You can also take this opportunity to pay tribute to your pet with a coquettish tattoo of them. Add some sparkle and hearts in colors like pink for a cute finishing touch.
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Matching friendship ribbon
Getting matching tattoos is great in theory, but it’s important to understand what it means in practice. If you’re willing to take the risk of getting an awesome coquette tattoo with your current best friend now, knowing full well that you might be complete strangers by the time you’re 40, then go for it. Play it safe, though. Getting a tattoo you’ll always love (who doesn’t love a ribbon tattoo?) on a part of your body you won’t constantly be reminded of (like the back of your arm) is the best way to make that happen.
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