How to Wear, Per Stylists

When Step Up hit theaters in 2006, I was mesmerized by Jenna Dewan from her first scene. Aside from her clear talent and flawless choreography, it was her style that claimed my undivided attention. "Balletcore," as the fashion trend is now called, is a mainstay in fashion. True, I personally may not have been a professional dancer, but Dewan's wardrobe from the film taught me that by adding a few key pieces to my closet—like slouchy socks, tulle skirts, and bodysuits—I could at least look like one.

Clearly, my fashion taste has proven to be ahead of its time because balletcore is back. The good news is, you don't need to have rhythm to embrace the barre-inspired wardrobe. In fact, vice president of Thirty Three Threads Jennifer Glover says balletcore is just another way to bridge the gap between comfy athleisure and the more elaborate clothing you'd piece together for work and social engagements. So if you're hoping to channel the trend for yourself this year, we’ve got you covered.

Ahead, a few of our favorite stylists share their best balletcore outfit ideas.

What Is Balletcore?

Essentially, the aesthetic is comprised of anything feminine and comfortable that allows you to move freely, like a dancer. According to celebrity stylist Tanya Tamburin that includes "everything from tulle skirts to soft satin tops, bodysuits, wrap-tops and cardigans, leg warmers paired with skirts or over leggings and, of course, ballet flats." Personal stylist Soneca Guadara adds that "[Balletcore is] glamour meets cozy." Still, the trend works for formal occasions, too—just look to Jennifer Lopez as proof.

Five Tips to Make Any Outfit Balletcore

Go All-In On Layers

According to personal stylist Jordan Stolch, balletcore is “all about embracing the dreamy, ethereal aesthetic of the dance world while striking the perfect balance between elegance and ease.” One of the best ways to achieve this balance, she says, is to layer up.

“Think a silk slip skirt paired with a bodysuit, a bustier-cut tulle dress over a thin knit sweater, or a lace wrap-top worn with your favorite trousers," she tells us. "Play with heavily feminine fabrications and soft colors, mixed with must-have ballerina black, and add in classic details like simple flats, thin headbands, and sheer tights.”

Break Out the Leg Warmers

This ode to the '80s has been refreshed on the runways and made its way onto the street. “Use the colder winter months as an excuse to get yourself a pair of leg warmers in a soft lilac or light pink color,” recommends fashion stylist Tara West. “Wear them with black leggings, an oversized or wrap-style sweater with a pair of Uggs, or combat boots to balance the theme while keeping you toasty.”

Make It Minimal

Rather than donning LBDs, fashion designer and stylist Leah Taylor points out that fashion lovers are now gravitating toward statement-making power coats that serve as a major focal point with a simple outfit underneath.

“Some are just wearing printed tights, some even dare to just wear only undergarments,” Taylor says of the dancer-inspired aesthetic. “This ensemble can be paired with leg warmers or ballet flats to finish up your balletcore look. The perfect combo of fashion statement, sexiness, and comfort.”

Wear Ballet Flats With Everything

Personal stylist Allie McKenna tells InStyle her go-to nod to the balletcore trend is styling ballet flats (her favorites are by Miu Miu) with everything from a pair of black leather trousers with a light pink wrap top and a sleek bun or a skinnier leg black pant. It’s an easy way to get the look without having to reimagine your entire wardrobe in the process.

Add Bodysuits to Your Wardrobe

As far as West is concerned, bodysuits are a balletcore mainstay (and we agree). “Luckily, there is no shortage of options to find the perfect style—turtleneck, cut-out, deep V-neck, scoop, boat neck silhouettes, or a classic crew neck,” she tells us. “A well-fitting bodysuit is very flattering to any figure, creating beautiful lines on the body. Style it under a blazer with your favorite denim and a satin ballet flat.”

Our Favorite Balletcore Staples

Jeffrey Campbell Aurora Flats

These ballet flats are as classic as they get. Including the darker shade of dusty pink shown above, you can choose from 14 different colors and even a cheetah print. Pink, black, and beige are your best bet for harnessing the power of balletcore, but there's no reason you can't spice things up with a pop of color or a bold pattern.

Zara Satin Effect Midi Skirt

It's key to add some movement to your outfit to resemble the flow of a ballerina. This ivory skirt from Zara is perfect for that since the satin-like material is lightweight and moves along with you. Plus, it's also a regular closet staple in addition to a pillar of balletcore. Read: It's a versatile garment.

Alo Goddess Leg Warmer

We love that these Alo leg warmers go all the way up to your thigh because it makes them more versatile. For instance, you can wear them at mid-thigh or you can scrunch them up and make them calf warmers. Another plus of these leg warmers is that they're available in four colors: dark and light gray as well as dark and light pink.

Banana Republic Corset Body Suit

Available in three different colors—white, black, and teal—this corset bodysuit from Banana Republic is similar to the Zara midi skirt in that it's a closet staple in its own right. You can match it with pretty much anything: a pair of jeans, a maxi skirt, or patterned pants. You can also pair it with a satin skirt to give the body suit its proper ballerina moment.

Reformation Cashmere Wrap Sweater

One balletcore staple that no one should go without is a good wrap top, like this one from Reformation. It's made of super soft cashmere and the cropped fit is incredibly versatile. So if you're trying to channel your inner ballerina, then look no further.

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