First coined in 2015 by fashion blogger Leandra Medin, who used it to describe the emerging trend of incorporating ballet-inspired pieces into everyday wear, balletcore is currently enjoying its moment in its new life. This time, it’s about creating a sense of effortless elegance and grace with ballet clothes, while incorporating elements of practicality and comfort into everyday wear à la athleisure and streetwear styles.
The aesthetic is focused on soft, pastel colors, delicate fabrics like tulle and lace, and feminine silhouettes like full skirts and fitted bodices. These elements are often contrasted with sporty details such as mesh panels, sweat-wicking fabrics, and chunky sneakers to create a unique mix of styles. “By merging athletic and streetwear features, such as sporty leggings, crop tops and sneakers, it produces a contemporary and versatile look that can be worn both inside and outside the dance studio,” says fashion designer Supriya Munjal.
Balletcore’s main staple is tulle fabric mixed with streetwear pieces such as casual cooler, oversized silhouettes. Celebrity stylist Esha Bhansali says, “It’s a lovely and interesting mix because ballet can be very feminine, poetic and very dreamy, while streetwear, on the other hand, is glitzy and glitzy. So, it softens the whole streetwear outfit.”
Looking back in time
Embraced by a wide range of brands, from high-end designers like Chanel and Dior to more affordable labels like H&M and Zara, the trend’s roots go back a long way. “Ballet-inspired fashion has been a recurring theme in the world of high fashion for decades,” says Munjal, “with designers such as Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent incorporating ballet elements into their collections in the 1940s and 1950s. Today, balletcore has become a popular trend among young fashion enthusiasts who appreciate balletcore romanticism and the comfort and versatility of athleisure and streetwear.”
But why is this matter being postponed now? Munjal explains, “Balletcore offers a fun and unique way to experience fashion. It’s a versatile and fun trend that allows people to express their love for both ballet and comfortable, functional clothing at the same time. The trend has gained popularity among fashion influencers and celebrities, who often pair traditional ballet-inspired tutus or ballet flats with more casual athleisure or streetwear items like oversized hoodies or chunky sneakers.
Soft girl era connection
With social media’s current obsession with the “soft girl era,” a subculture popular among young women for deliberately cute, feminine and dreamy looks, was this a product of balletcore? Munjal agrees, “Yes, it’s possible that balletcore’s delicate and feminine style contributed to the rise of the “soft girl” aesthetic on Instagram in recent years. The soft girl trend is characterized by a sweet and girly look that emphasizes pastel colors, babydoll dresses and other delicate details. gives. This aesthetic shares many similarities with balletcore, including soft, feminine fabrics and romantic details like lace and tulle.
Consciously or unknowingly, women use some aspects of balletcore aesthetics like ballet flats, wrap up tops, bodysuits, tulle miniskirts, stockings etc. in their daily lives, says celebrity stylist Natasha Bothra.
Style it
Summer is the perfect time to use pastels, whites and colors that are light and easy on the eyes. “This is an ideal season where one can include pastel shade wrap up tops, miniskirts, body suits, ruffle dresses, tulle skirts, ballet flats, tulle dresses, wrap skirts and many more in their summer wardrobe,” says Bothra. She adds, “Go the Carrie Bradshaw way! Flaunt your off-white tulle skirt with a simple baby pink top for lunch or sundowners. Tights are a great choice for athleisure wear, while ballet flats will fit any look – formal , daily, lunch, party.
Adding to this, Bhansali suggests pairing a tutu skirt with a crop top and an oversized jacket, a bodysuit with a tutu skirt, tulle socks or mesh tights and ballerina pumps with an oversized summer jacket or parka or shorts to work it well.
Beauty and accessory tips:
– Opt for peach makeup with highlighters to match the soft and feminine vibe.
– When mixing street style elements and ballet pieces, go minimal on accessories — ballerina pumps can be a key accessory.
– Prefer to incorporate bows and ribbons into your headgear to stay fresh and cool.
– Satin scrunchies, headbands, upfront socks, embellished bobby pins, lacy socks or a lace overcoat, any pearls (earrings, headbands, bracelets, thin neckpieces) are a safe bet.