Channel Your Inner Goth With These Dark Coquette Nails

It’s the season where even the goodest of girls get a little dark. And there’s no better proof of that than the latest nail trend to dominate our FYP: dark coquette nails. Think of a Black Swan twist on our favorite ballerina-core aesthetic, where pink bows and corset accents get a gothic upgrade. This is your perfect spooky season mani, your inner-goth girl’s dream nails and a delightfully dark ballet all in one. And fortunately, we have the can’t-fail recipe to own the look.

What Are Coquette Nails?

Defined by the ultra girly, coquette nails are all about embracing the high femme. That means bows, light ballet-inspired colors and gorgeous accents. This nail look is perfect for anyone looking to dabble in nail art, with easy-to-accomplish bows as the primary accent. That said, this is definitely a trend where you can amp up the accessories.

And arguably, the excess of feminine accessories is kind of the point. Coquette is more than just a nail look; it’s a whole aesthetic. Defined by the flirty, romantic and playful, coquette fashion rose to prominence in the 2020s. Think big skirts, bows, ruffles, and lace. Plenty of us went through a “not like other girls” phase that had us reject the girly and traditionally feminine, and coquette fashion knows that. It’s about a return to that time before the world made you hate the color pink and intentionally occupying a “high femme” space. It gives this mindful and demure trend a radical edge you wouldn’t expect, which we adore.

Demure Nails Get Dark

In conversation with its high femme sister, dark coquette nails (and fashion) still retain all the flourishes and accessories we’re obsessed with. Turning pink bows black, this simple color-swap adds a gothic edge. This is the look for those of us who loved Bratz over Barbie and looked up to Cher and Morticia Addams for outfit inspo.

The recipe for this trend is as simple as it is customizable. Black or dark bows and ribbons are offset here by pearl accents, rich dark French tips and playful corset patterns. Incorporate lace for an extra-demure accent, or swap black for a dark red for a sexy twist.

The Dark Coquette Nails We Love

1 / 8

Tied in Red Wine

A softer intro into a gothic feminine fantasy, this deep red nail color steps away from traditional coquette and into the darker version.

2 / 8

Love in Lace

Dark coquette nails don’t always have to have bows. Swap the ribbon for a lace detail and lean into the pearl accessories for a classic-looking take on this trend.

3 / 8

So Simple, So Sweet

Combining this basic black bow detail with a nude nail color creates a super girly look that lets you be playful while verging on dark.

4 / 8

Night Sky Ribbons

Using a white bow against a beautiful black shimmer polish really lets this detail shine.

5 / 8

Very Demure, Very Romantic

We’re in love with this romantic mani, especially the small rhinestone detail!

6 / 8

String of Pearls

Using pearls to define the barrier of the French tip, this dark coquette set is sure to ignite the Black Swan in you.

7 / 8

Confessions of a Ribbon-Lover

Take your bows 3D like this gorgeous set to amp up the feminine energy.

8 / 8

‘Black Swan’ Corset

Delicate bow details are complemented by corset line work in this mani for a sexy edge to a super sweet look.