Sorry Quiet Luxury, In My Opinion This Will Be 2024's Defining Aesthetic

When defining the balletcore look, there are a few things to remember. The first is that a major part of the overall aesthetic is about tapping into things that are “pretty” or traditionally “feminine,” which manifests through the color palette, textiles, and silhouettes chosen. Typically, you’ll see ballerinas or anybody aspiring towards this look donning a muted pastel color palette of pale pink, light lilac, baby blue, and sage green, with pops of neutrals, including white, black, gray, and shades of nude. Occasionally, a brighter color will be thrown into the mix, like saffron red, but overall, most of the color palette is demure.

In terms of the textiles, you’ll see a mix of materials that will either be “performance-ready” or “off-duty casual.” For example, while ballerinas are on stage, they typically wear textiles made from tulle or chiffon (the material that makes the iconic tutu) embellished with crystals, ruffles, or any other form of appliqués. While off-stage, you’ll typically find that ballerinas are all about comfort, which is reflected through the adoption of more breathable materials that are easy to dance in, like jersey, cotton, and cashmere. 

The same can be said for silhouettes, as the dancer’s schedules often inform them. Traditionally, you’d find a ballerina’s onstage look silhouette to be a dress with a form-fitting bodice and voluminous skirt. But designers have expanded that silhouette to include bubble hems, drop-waists, puff sleeves, and even looser-fitting ruffled frocks. In terms of off-duty silhouettes, you’ll see more of the traditional workout gear in the form of leotards, tights or leggings, and boleros. Overall, these are the things that have informed what we now consider “balletcore.” But ultimately, the key to nailing this fashion aesthetic is all about finding clothing that feels like it could be worn by ballerinas on the dance floor but incorporated into daily life effortlessly. So, what key pieces can ensure you embody this aesthetic? Find out…