The Ballet Core Aesthetic

Taneya
Dec 18, 2022
3 min read

What is the ballet core fashion trend?

Taking inspiration from ballet's most recognizable wardrobe staples; tulle skirts, cropped wraparound sweaters, skin-fitting leotards, and ballet slippers, these ballet wardrobe staples are making a huge return in fashion. Seen as a rigorous sport, for fashion it is often glamorized for its seemingly delicate, ultra-feminine style and moves. Embodying ultra femininity, ballet core is inspired by the performance costumes of dancers and their rehearsal attire, it is inspired by a plethora of things, ranging from pastel colors, small details such as lace and tulle, textures and fabrics. The ballet core aesthetic has remained a popular source of inspiration for runway shows and magazine spreads, most recently Sandy Liang’s Spring 2023 collection, along with Simone Rocha SS23, Miu Miu SS22 and FW23. Many view ballet core as athleisure wear, yet the style can also be worn as ready-to-wear and couture. With the rise of the ballet core trend, it can be reimagined in a plethora of ways that make the fashion trend more wearable.

Origins of ballet core

Like many fashion trends, the origin of ballet core dates back further than Miu Miu SS22 and the rise of TikTok. Ballet’s unofficial fashion debut dates back to the 1930s, with Chanel crafting tulle gowns inspired by the Cotillion Ballet production in 1932. Fast forwarding to the 1960s, ballet flats became a staple piece of footwear amongst the youth and popular figures such as Twiggy. In the 2010s Vivienne Westwood immersed herself in the world of ballet, creating costumes for the Vienna States Ballet in 2013, which was a sorted collection of tartan with ballet costumery. In recent times Simone Rocha and her dreary, feminine runway collections such as Spring 2022 and Spring 2023 encompassing delicate embroidery and endless ruffle trims have also sourced ballet core as a source for inspiration and overall theme for the runway.

Besides fashion houses and runway shows, ballet core has made its way into the mainstream media with Grammy award winning, Solange Knowles debuted her first ballet score for the Fall Fashion Gala at the New York City Ballet.

What garments are considered ballet core?

Typical ballet core staple pieces consist of wrap tops, preferably cropped, bodysuits, ballet flats, leg warmers, and min warp skirts, and an abundance of tulle, preferably tulle skirts. However, with its recent emergence within fashion, the typical ballet core wardrobe staples have evolved. In recent times many designers have incorporated the ballet core aesthetic into their pieces making them more wearable for the regular customer. Bows have transcended from just being hair accessories to now jewelry and clothing pieces, ranging from decorative to functional. With a recent trend in tights, sheer socks have become a major wardrobe staple for many, and in this case ballet core. Similarly to this, typically many would wear tights under skirts but now we are seeing pants being worn under skirts and dresses instead. Additionally, with the recent influx of the ballet core aesthetic, many are transforming the trend into a more black swan aura, rather than the light, ultra-feminine type of clothing. Now there is a darker, edgier take on the aesthetic that brings about a new life to the aesthetic and the latest fashion trends recently seen.

Wearing ballet-inspired fashion in 2022 feels like an unabashed love letter to femininity as it shows up in fashion as an irresistible showcase of romanticism and escapism.