Rococo Style: How 18th-Century Style is Inspiring Modern Fashion

Fashion is having a Rococo moment, and the more I explore this trend, the more I fall in love with it. The style itself is characterized by intricate details, pastel hues, and lavish embellishments. The original Rococo style, born in the 18th century, was all about extravagance and artistry. Today however, designers and fashion enthusiasts alike are modernizing and drawing inspiration from this ornate aesthetic by bringing a touch of old-world elegance into contemporary wardrobes. 

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For starters though, what is Rococo Style Fashion?

Rococo fashion emerged in the early 1700s in France as an exit from the heavier and structured styles of the Baroque era. This was an incorporation of different uses of lace, embroidered silks, ruffles, bows, and more pastel palettes. The silhouettes were softer, but dramatic, often featuring voluminous skirts with cinched waists with corsets, and romantic draping.

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How Rococo is Influencing Today’s Fashion

So how/why is it relevant in 2025? On the runways and in the streets, we’ve been seeing more and more elements of Rococo infused into modern fashion. (In fact, Harper’s Bazaar 2023 Women of the Year Awards was Rococo themed!)

Pastels are everywhere you look with soft pinks, baby blues, and buttery yellows dominating many recent collections. Ruffles, lace trims, large puffy sleeves, pearl accents, floral motifs, it’s all there. Not to mention, the corset top looks that have been trickling in over the past 2-3 years as well. Each of these elements and intricate little details add drama and femininity that is absolutely signature to fashion of this time period.

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“How do I Wear Rococo Style Inspired Fashion Today?”

Obviously we all can’t throw on a full blown 18th century gown and corset for everyday wear and waltz down the street without receiving many a look. Even looking at Pinterest for outfit inspiration is somewhat overwhelming, as the popular search results tend to show full baroque get-up rather than practical daily wear outfit ideas. However, incorporating some of the above mentioned elements into your everyday wardrobe is actually much easier to do than you might think. 

Exhibit A: Corset Top with a Wide Leg Pant

Exhibit B: Layered Pearl Accessories with a Romantic Top 

Exhibit C: Ruffled Pastel Dress 

SHOP more Rococo Style examples here: 

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With These Final Words, ‘Make Haste’ to the nearest Online Shopping Cart! 

Fashion trends are cyclical, and therefore the resurgence of Rococo was bound to happen at some point or another. It is through this resurgence however that proves that luxury, romance, and intricate details are always going to have a place in our closet. With that being said, whether you embrace the trend with a slight tilt of the head, or go full “off with his head”, there’s no denying that the “Rococo Revival” has arrived.

How would you wear Rococo-inspired fashion? Let’s discuss in the comments! ✨

Ps. Be sure to catch up on last week’s article here, and even more important, subscribe to tune in for next week’s article, where I’ll be brainstorming and sharing all the hottest upcoming spring nail trends! 

Until next time,

Xoxo C