The epitome of individuality and artistic expression&mdash; see why butterfly tattoos are the latest trend in ink.

The butterfly tattoo is undoubtedly an enigmatic part of celebrity culture. Public figures like <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/harry-styles-complete-dating-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Harry Styles</a> and <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/kylie-cosmetics-kylie-jenner-beauty-brand-success-billionaire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kylie Jenner</a> don the tattoo style with pride. The trend was popularized in the '90s but actually had its start in England during the '30s. According to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tattoo-styles-design-trends-changed-over-last-century-2023-2#certain-symbols-meant-certain-things-for-instance-a-turtle-meant-the-sailor-had-passed-across-the-equator-or-a-swallow-meant-they-had-sailed-more-than-5000-miles-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Business Insider</a>, women began to experiment with tattoos as a means of cosmetic upkeep, and many women subtly tattooed beauty marks and permanent eyebrows; others would get butterfly tattoos. Then, sailors started getting tattoos as a means to signify the faraway places they've traveled. A turtle meant the sailor had passed across the equator, while a swallow meant they had sailed more than 5,000 miles.
Of course, then it made its way into the modern context that we know and love it for. Women in the '90s would often get the tattoo style scribed on their ankles or the nape of the neck, but this influence wasn't without the help of pop culture. In 1993, Jean-Paul Gaultier's Spring/Summer 1994 show featured models with sleeves of temporary tattoos, normalizing a look associated with those on the fringe. However, the 2000s and 2010s were when butterfly tattoos started popping up more frequently on the bodies of celebrities, including on Britney Spears's ankle. Those who were iconic to the younger generation, like Vanessa Hudgens and Megan Fox, started to show them off, thus prompting butterfly tattoos to resurface as a trend.&nbsp;
However, unlike the last butterfly tattoo surge, intricacy is out. Rather than focusing on details, clean lines and silhouettes are supreme. Industry icons like New York-based JonBoy Tattoo&mdash;who's inked the likes of Kendall Jenner, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/10-things-you-didnt-know-hailey-baldwin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hailey Beiber</a>, and Travis Scott&mdash;are leading the trend, specializing in the minimalist aesthetic. Read all about the ink trend as L'OFFICIEL breaks down the latest butterfly tattoo inspiration.

In true minimalist fashion&mdash; clean lines and seamless silhouettes are the perfect way to integrate the latest tattoo trend. Just ask <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/kylie-jenner-kylie-minogue-name-copyright-lawsuit">Kylie Jenner</a> who added a strikingly similar one to her collection just before the announcement of her pregnancy with <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/kylie-jenner-daughter-stormi-webster-twinning-fashion-instagram">Stormi</a>.

Leaning into the symbolism of the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/butterfly-hair-clips-2000s-trend-celebrities">butterfly</a>&mdash; the action of flying connotes change and growth. While it's certainly a less subtle addition, the elegance and meaning make this a worthwhile personal investment.&nbsp;

Looking to match with a significant other? Look no further than a butterfly duo. With an instinctive co-dependence, this inking speaks volumes and reflects on the strength and mutual bond between any couple.

Who says an understated tattoo has to be black and white? Even with a simplistic silhouette&mdash; there's always room for vibrance, color, and attitude. Adding bright hues to this understated inking is an unmatched display of confidence sure to make a statement.

Even at a larger scale&mdash; the butterfly maintains its elegance. For those looking to add a tattoo that demands to be seen, the full-scale version is any ink-lovers dream.

While a minimalistic look is indeed very en vogue, there's nothing wrong with a little touch of detail every now and then. This example fashioned by Lucy Hale magnifies the design and intricate details that are featured on a butterfly's wings.

If you really want to lean into an intricate design, do as Shawn Mendes did and consider adding a floral element to the tattoo. As seen on the singer, one side of the tattoo is a traditional rendering of a butterfly, while the other side looks to be a bouquet in the shape of a butterfly's wing.

Essential Butterfly Tattoo Inspiration

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