The influx of pink bow emojis on TikTok can be directly linked to the rise in the coquette aesthetic, which focuses largely on outfits, nails, and accessories adorned with dainty pink bows. Though it follows a similarly light color palette to previous trends like cottagecore, those who are heavily entrenched in the trend are vocal about the differences between them — and if you want to partake, you better be ready to know what sets them apart.

Where cottagecore is an airy aesthetic, focus on nature, billowy white fabrics, and hair scarves, coquette is much more niche than that. Dating back to the days of Marie Antoinette, coquette leans heavily on hyper-feminine pieces and motifs. You're likely to see outfits consisting of a lot of baby pink and white with coquette.

Coquette is closer to balletcore, though the addition of dainty bows will be what ultimately make it a coquette look.

Though the trend has been all over TikTok, not everyone is in love with it. For starters, the aesthetic sexualizes infantilizing looks, making many uncomfortable. Unfortunately, thin white women are also often considered to be the standard frame for this aesthetic, leading to some backlash among POC and those with bigger bodies.