How to Dress Like Every Day Is the Ballet
Copyright © Fox Searchlight / Everett Collection1/20While we watched Center Stage, Black Swan, and Save the Last Dance the first time for breathtaking choreography, it was dancer off-duty style that kept us coming back for more (and more, and more — thanks, Netflix!). An effortless mix of studio staples — tights, leotards, stretchy slippers — and street clothes that comes together post-rehearsal, the look always reads elegant and graceful in the coolest possible way; it’s like a reward for logging all that time at the barre. And, man, do we want in on the spoils.
If you’re right there with us, these six pieces ahead are key. Ballet inspired, but everyday-ready, each is an item that captures the relaxed femininity of bun-head dressing without literally wearing a tutu and pointe shoes, or putting in a single plié. Read on to stock up!
2/201. Bodysuit
Besides instantly giving your look a dancer off-duty twist, a leotard-inspired one piece translates to a multitude of occasions. For something more casual, like running errands or brunch, we’d pair it slouchy pants and flats; a full skirt and heels take it straight to an evening event.
Zara jacquard bodysuit, $39.90. zara.com
3/201. Bodysuit
Wolford Berlin stretch-jersey bodysuit, $240. netaporter.com
4/201. Bodysuit
H&M Ribbed Jersey Bodysuit, $29.99. hm.com
5/202. Lace-up Pumps
Pointe slippers might be fun to look at, but feel corny IRL. Avoid channeling Laura Flynn Boyle at the 2003 Oscars by going for the subtler (but far more chic) option of ankle-wrap stilettos instead.
KG By Kurt Geiger Divine Black Suede Lace Up Heeled Shoes $214.98. asos.com
6/202. Lace-up Pumps
Reiss Astrantia pump, $320. reiss.com
7/202. Lace-up Pumps
Aldo Fredola pumps, $80. aldoshoes.com
8/203. Skater Skirts
All the femininity of a tutu, without the fussiness. Wear it like a true bun head would: layered over a fitted one-piece.
H&M Skirt in Crushed Velvet, $14.99. hm.com
9/203. Skater Skirts
Mango sequined skirt, $99.99. mango.com
10/203. Skater Skirts
Kenzo leopard print skater skirt, $268.45. farfetch.com
11/204. Cropped Knits
While dancers do shrunken sweaters for purely practical reasons — less material is easier to move in — we love the way one balances the aforementioned full-cut circle skirts on this list. Don’t worry if the fit hits a few inches above your waistband; with a bodysuit beneath, you’ll avoid showing skin.
Topshop Eyelet Tie Side Crop, $75. topshop.com
12/204. Cropped Knits
American Eagle feather light cropped sweater, $29.95. ae.com
13/204. Cropped Knits
Rag & Bone Makenna cropped knit, $295. intermix.com
14/205. Sweater Sweats
Add some extra polish to an easygoing, straight-from-the-studio vibe by opting for knitted joggers over traditional gym pants. By swapping in a few new accessories, the style’s luxe fabric goes straight from lazing around the house to dinners out.
Whistles Cashmere Tweed Jogger, $440. whistles.com
15/205. Sweater Sweats
Aerie sweater jogger, $39.95. ae.com
16/205. Sweater Sweats
COS Knitted leggings, $99. cosstores.com
17/206. Ballet Flats
Whether you go for classic pink slip-ons, or an of-the-moment lace-up style, this feminine footwear is the ultimate counterpoint to a more tomboyish piece, like boyfriend jeans, or a slouchy coat.
Bloch Ballet Flat, $89. urbanoutfitters.com
18/206. Ballet Flats
J.Crew Gemma flats, $135. jcrew.com
19/206. Ballet Flats
Loeffler Randall Ambra flats, $295. loefflerrandall.com
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