They say fashion expresses who we are and who we aspire to be. Imagine twirling back to your girly days, when playfulness and experimentation ruled your wardrobe. That’s what the balletcore fashion trend is all about — a fantastic fusion of ballerina grace and modern flair.
This fashion trend is exactly what it sounds like — it is based on the style of ballet dancers, but not necessarily the pieces they would wear. If you’ve ever heard of the “off-duty ballerina” look, that’s balletcore!
Pair ballet flats with everything
Wearing ballet flats makes it easy to get the “off-duty ballerina” look without overhauling your entire wardrobe. Ballet flats are popular among ballet dancers because they allow them to use dancing techniques that are signature to ballet. These flats aren’t meant to be worn in the streets, but fashion designers have found ways to make them look like ballet flats — only you can rock them anywhere. Look for ballet flats from designers like Loeffler Randall, Miu Miu’s collections, The Row, or Schutz.
Don some fancy arm and leg warmers
Leg and arm warmers are among the most functional accessories in a ballerina’s look. Ballet techniques usually require strength training and muscle flexibility, so when the ballerinas are training, they wear warmers to keep their bodies warmed up to perform. Adding leg and arm warmers, slouchy socks, and boleros to your wardrobe is functional during cold seasons, but they can also add oomph to your look.
Go for a voluminous dress
Alongside ballet flats, voluminous dresses are a vital part of the ballet look. Ballet dancers have to wear specific types of voluminous dresses onstage, but you can get creative and interpret them in a way that fits your preferences. Designers like Molly Goddard, English Factory, State, and Bach Mai have beautiful interpretations of the voluminous dress with bubble hems, puff sleeves, drop waists, and other details.
Hair accessories
Embrace your girly side with accessories like tiaras, headbands, bows, pins, and even rosette hair ties. These can add pizzazz to your fashion and honor a trend with a long history in ballet dance.
Tutu-inspired skirts
Like ballet flats and voluminous dresses, Tulle skirts have become a staple look for most ballet dancers. However, it wasn’t always so. When tulle skirts were introduced at the opera in Paris in 1832, they were deemed too revealing compared to the hemlines of the time. Over time, people’s perspectives have shifted, and now, people can’t think of ballerinas without tutu skirts.
The classic tutu skirt may not work as a street style fashion for most people, but the good news is you can get tutu-inspired skirts with layered trains, bright colors, and even ultra-sheer materials if you want a minimalist look. You can find inspiration from tulle skirts from the J Crew Collection, Altuzarra, BP, and Mirror Palais.
Throw in a pretty top
Many designers have chic ballet-inspired tops that can add glamor to your balletcore look. Of course, you can rock the traditional dance attire with knitted wrap-top designs. Or you can experiment with some modern interpretations of ballet tops, which feature voluminous silhouettes with puff sleeves or ruffles. They come in different fabrics, such as eyelet, tulle, chiffon, satin, or mesh.
Go for tights, leggings, and hot pants
Ballet is about graceful movements, and ballerinas’ wardrobes consist of comfortable wear like leggings, hot pants, and tights. These pieces allow ballerinas to showcase their dancer legs, hidden by tutu skirts or other pieces of clothing. Tights, leggings, and hot pants will enable you to go for the minimal look. According to Leah Taylor, a fashion designer and stylist, fashion lovers are now going for “statement-making power coats” with simple outfits like tights and leggings underneath.
“Some are just wearing printed tights. Some even dare to wear only undergarments underneath,” Taylor told Instyle. “This ensemble can be paired with leg warmers and/or ballet flats to finish your balletcore look. The perfect combo of fashion statement, sexiness, and comfort.”
Making a statement with balletcore fashion
Balletcore fashion is steeped in history and can form a timeless trend in your wardrobe. However, since ballet involves many layers, some people can feel intimidated. But worry not. You can nail the “off-duty ballerina” look by returning when your wardrobe includes tulle skirts, silk ribbons, voluminous dresses, and all the soft colors to fill your heart’s desire. This trend encourages choosing elegant fabrics and accessorizing with comfy, street-style pieces. Balletcore is where fantasy meets functionality.
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