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Did you give up ballet in elementary school? No problem! You can still live your prima ballerina dreams with the newly popular balletcore style. Not to be confused with actual dance attire, balletcore embraces delicate femininity and borrows elements from ballet dancers for this adorable, comfy, and girly style. It’s a new form of athleisure that leans away from dark or bright colours and instead embraces soft neutrals. So even if pirouettes aren’t exactly your thing, you can still dress like you know how to sauté. Here are a few basic pieces to begin creating your balletcore wardrobe.
The basics
unitards and rompers
You can’t do ballerina style without the classic black leotard. The “fashion unitard” comes in all kinds of styles, including sleeveless, halter, and long-sleeved versions—they come in the classic leotard style, or as shorts or pants, too! Unitards can be paired with almost anything, and come in a variety of colours if black isn’t your thing.
Flared Leggings & Yoga Pants
Flared leggings have had a resurgence since the 2010s, and they are often incorporated into balletcore outfits. Try pairing a pair of black yoga pants with a pink or white unitard!
Leg Warmers
Ballet dancers often wear leg warmers during warmups to keep the muscles in their legs warm and prevent injury. Balletcore uses leg warmers in soft colours like pink, white, black or beige in its outfits. This accessory can be the perfect addition to your outfit to keep you warm in the winter!
Wrap cardigans & Sweaters
Another staple warmup piece for ballerinas, wrap sweaters and cardigans are featured in many balletcore outfits. Similar to leg warmers, cardigans for the balletcore aesthetic are in light colours—often in pink or creamy beiges. These come in a variety of fits and lengths, like cropped or long versions.
Wrap skirts
Wrap skirts worn by dancers are usually sheer, but the ones worn for everyday style are opaque and come in a number of different lengths and can add a feminine flair to your outfit!
Ballet flats
I mean, it’s in the name! Ballet flats were originally inspired by ballet dancers’ shoes, so it’s a no-brainer that these are a staple in the balletcore style. Balletcore style typically used flats in plain colours, as opposed to patterned versions.
Uggs or Slip-on Boots
Similar to the style of warm-up boots that ballet dancers wear, UGG-style boots have gained popularity in the balletcore world, especially as the cold and snowy weather begins. These boots are the perfect shoe for staying cozy while still maintaining a ballet-inspired vibe.
White or sheer tights
Often paired with leotards for ballet dancers, tights can be worn with wrap skirts, leg warmers, and ballet flats to complete a balletcore outfit!
So, while ballet is an incredibly difficult sport that requires years of dedication to master, you can still incorporate some comfortable and feminine off-duty ballerina styles into your everyday outfits using the balletcore style – without the actual dancing!