If 2023 was all about the “clean girl aesthetic”, popularised by the likes of Hailey Bieber or “quiet luxury”, a trend which was prominently featured in the hit series “Succession”, then this year is all about “balletcore”.
This style trend has already exploded on the international runways, on red carpets, on social media as well as in fashion capitals around the globe as its dainty, feminine and fun aspects continues to resonate with fashionistas.
As the name suggests, this aesthetic is closely associated with ballet as these dance-inspired pieces have found themselves in different spaces, from street style to high fashion.
Essentially, it is composed of feminine and comfortable garments that allows you to move freely, like a dancer.
And while it is growing in acclaim recently, the trend has existed for several decades now as ballet has managed to permeate several aspects of pop culture.
Many might recall “Sex and the City’s” Carrie Bradshaw wearing a tutu in the middle of New York City or the fashion craze that 2010’s “Black Swan” caused. Meanwhile, the likes of Dior, Balmain and Miu Miu have also drawn inspiration from ballet for their collections.
As South Africa is in the midst of spring, it is an ideal trend as it includes a mix of colours, layering and playful silhouettes.
With this in mind, here is how to incorporate the viral balletcore trend into your spring wardrobe.
Pops of pastels and neutral shades
Ballerinas are often seen donning muted pastel palettes such as soft pink, lilac and baby blue. These are some of the best colours for spring as it injects a fresh burst of vibrancy into your look.
Fashion experts have also suggested a pop of neutrals, including white, black, grey and nude, which also lends itself to the trend and can easily be added to your closet.
Ballet flats
This ballerina-inspired footwear was hugely popular during the mid to late 2000s and it is currently making a fashionable comeback in the fashion world.
They are comfortable, both casual as well as somewhat formal, are easy to find and can be worn with a variety of different garments.
For a daytime look during the spring, you can rock your ballet flats with a summer fresh or some shorts.
And if the occasion allows for it, you can opt to wear them with jeans, pants and even formal dresses to give your feet a break from high heels during a more elegant night-time affair.
Bodysuits
While much of the recent years have seen crop tops making a style moment, just like ballet flats, bodysuits are making their way back into the fashion mainstream.
They are a balletcore mainstay and from turtlenecks to cut-outs and deep V-necks, there is no shortage of options to find the perfect style.
Similar to many other aspects of this aesthetic, bodysuits are also versatile and you can wear it in many different ways in order to suit your own style.
Voluminous skirts and dresses
Ballet is all about the drama and unlike many of the other elements of the trend, this one is all about standing out. Voluminous skirts and dresses can easily serve as a signature part of a look.
Meanwhile, different fashion houses and retailers have lent their own interpretations to ballet-inspired skirts and dresses which centre around floral embroidery, drop waists and bubble hems.
In this way, you can easily find something to match your own style and to rock the aesthetic this spring.
Hair accessories
As the weather continues to heat up, many are opting to pull their hair back into a ponytail or in a slick bun. This is because the rise in temperatures can make your hair more prone to be greasier and because our scalps are beginning to sweat more profusely.
This aligns perfectly with the trend as many ballerinas often style their hair away from their faces and use a variety of hair accessories, which plays such a pivotal part in cultivating the aesthetic.
You can replicate this by wearing headbands, tiaras, pins and importantly bows, which is exploding in popularity in the style and design world.