Balletcore Must Haves
What is balletcore?
by LILLY KLEINHANDLER ★ MARCH 27, 2023
Balletcore is the newest and arguably cutest fashion trend infiltrating all of our Tik Toks. Essentially, it’s a cutesy and girly fashion trend that incorporates the classic ballerina style into everyday wear. The movement has been around for years, but TikTok is definitely giving this combination of the comfort of athleisure with the feminine frills style donned by ballerinas, it’s moment in the spotlight. So, now that we’ve got a basic explanation out of the way, let’s get into our top balletcore must haves.
#1: Bodysuits
Bodysuits are my first balletcore essential because a major component of the style is layering and what’s easier to throw on than a sleek and simple bodysuit that pairs well with basically everything in your closet? SKIMS bodysuits are definitely having their moment in the spotlight right now and for good reason: there’s a bunch of options that cater to every body type and skin tone, varying levels of support for bigger chested girlies, and tons of collections to work with anyones’ style. And if you’re not into SKIMS, you can find great styles everywhere from Target and Amazon to Princess Polly and Aritzia.
#2: Mini Skirts
Ballerinas and tutus are an iconic pairing, but tutus aren’t the most practical for everyday use, so let’s swap them out for some super cute mini skirts. There are so many different styles, from satin to tulle to athletic, that work with this trend as long as you stick with a lighter color palette (think ivories, baby pinks, and other pastels) to channel vibes from your childhood ballet classes. Revolve and Lulu Lemon have my favorite styles, but they’re both definitely on the pricier side. If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, I’d recommend checking out Aerie and Pretty Little Thing.
#3: Wrap Tops
My favorite layering piece for the balletcore style is definitely a wrap top/cardigan - not only are they cute and feminine, but they’re also super flattering and versatile! A basic wrap top can be thrown on with leggings or jeans for an easy casual look or paired with a little skirt to dress the look up. My #1 pick for a wrap top is definitely Alo’s Cropped Escalate, but Abercrombie and H&M also have some great choices.
#4: Tights
Tights are definitely a must if you want to pull off the balletcore style in winter weather, but their greatness isn’t limited to their warmth factor - there are so many types of tights that can elevate any outfit. Ballerinas usually wear sheer pink tights, which can be super cute if styled properly, but I’m a big fan of either sheer black tights or a fun patterned option. For the classic sheer black or pink, Amazon is the way to go, but if you’re interested in adding a little spice to your outfit, ASOS has the BEST patterned styles.
#5: Leg Warmers
You’re probably thinking that leg warmers are so 80s (or in my case very Rachel Berry-esque), but they’re making a major comeback with the rise of balletcore style. If you’re going for a true ballerina look, you can pair your favorite leg warmers with ballet flats, but I’m obsessed with styling them with mini uggs (bonus points if they’re pink or have bows). Amazon has an amazing selection of classic and cute leg warmers. *Pro tip - if you aren’t vibing with any of your legwarmer finds, switch them out for a pair of high socks (my favorites are from Alo and Urban Outfitters!)
BONUS: Uggs
Final Thoughts
Have fun trying out this super cute trend wherever you’re headed – from classes and coffee shops to workouts and nights out! And as someone who took ballet classes for quite some time, my advice is to skip the painfully tight bun and opt for something a little more comfortable, like a messy bun or half-up style with a cute claw clip or bow.