Balletcore

While growing up, we at The Edge bet you once dreamed about being a ballerina. We remember going to our first dance class and watching the older girls leap across the stage with — what looked like — no effort at all. We wanted to look like them. We wanted to feel elegant. 

Ballerinas have been a cultural fascination for centuries. The poise, beauty and sophistication of the art have always captivated audiences. And with the recent surge in popularity on TikTok, the #balletcore style is now taking the main stage with over 9.5 million views.

Balletcore is an emerging fashion trend that captures your inner ballerina and brings it to life. The style blends traditional ballet elements with modern streetwear looks, combining what we love into perfect pieces that can be worn throughout the day. 

What balletcore means to us  

The balletcore style consists of soft pastels (especially pink) and light neutrals, as well as an array of fabrics including tulle, satin, sheer, knit and nylon. Layering these fabrics allows for a unique interplay of textures, giving depth and dimension to any outfit. And to complete the look, delicate prints such as flowers, bows, lace and ruffles add a touch of enchantment and femininity. The style is a harmonious fusion of different colors, fabrics and prints, inviting us all to explore the world of ballet-inspired fashion with our own creativity.

Take a look at some of our most-loved pieces

Dresses:

Ballet-inspired dresses are simple, elegant and comfortable; they have the power to make us look like we spent hours getting ready. Ballerinas aim to be comfortable but also wish to stand out in the crowd. With these dresses, you are sure to move freely and look good while doing so.

What’s not to love about this En Saison Felice Mini Dress from Urban Outfitters? The most flattering look is an outfit that's tight around the waist with a flowy bottom. The skirt and puff sleeves add elegance to the dress, and the bows top it off. It’s the perfect pick for many occasions.

This Kimchi Blue romper perfectly transforms a ballerina’s outfit into streetwear. The nylon material makes the dress comfortable yet still form-fitting. The high-neck design mirrors the sleek appearance of a leotard, and the flower ruching adds a flattering detail.

This satin House of CB dress is in the most ballerina-esque color. Besides that, the square neckline and shape of the dress give such a clean and effortless look. The dress is cupped and lined for comfort and is perfect to dance the night away in.

Bottoms:

Bottoms make or break an outfit. You can effortlessly create a ballet-inspired look by pairing any basic top with the appropriate bottoms. Bottoms set the stage for your style. They are designed to provide comfort and freedom of movement. Skirts add a feminine flair to any outfit, and dress pants make any look more sophisticated. Choose one of the bottoms below to achieve the balletcore look.

Imagine this Kimchi Blue midi skirt paired with a high-neck black top — to die for. The length, detailing and material of this tiered skirt are the perfect combination to make this skirt a staple for many occasions.

You can’t go wrong with satin. This Free People maxi skirt and these Reformation trousers will make any outfit look elegant whether they’re paired with flats, heels or sneakers.

Tops:

Ballerina-esque tops should draw inspiration from the graceful art. Soft, lightweight fabrics with small and charming details are true balletcore. The neckline and sleeves are often designed to evoke a sense of poise, reminiscent of the classic leotard worn by ballerinas.

This first top from Abercrombie is a strong example of a leotard-inspired look. The neckline is beautiful, and the ruching makes this choice a flattering staple that you should put in your wardrobe.

The detailing of this Valentino top could not be better. The bows and lace tie the look together to create the dreamiest silhouette look.

This mesh top from Urban Outfitters is the epitome of ballerina. The fabric, with its delicate texture and subtle ruffles, gently drapes over the body, creating an elegant look. This top can be worn with a variety of bottoms to show off your new balletcore style.

Look for styles you love:

The balletcore trend is meant to give those who have always aspired to look and feel ballerina-esque a chance to express themselves. Whether you have always been a ballerina, have taken a few classes or just want to create your own fantasies, this look is for you.

The trend is growing and will continue to be in the spotlight for quite some time. Some brands have even gone so far as to create a “balletcore” line on their websites for customers to choose from. Take a look at Urban Outfitters to find even more pieces you’ll love.

We hope you take some inspiration from these looks! Pair some of our favorites with a pair of ballet flats to elevate your wardrobe, and let us know what you think of your new outfits. Tag us at @theedgemag so we can check them out!

FashionEmma Petrosino