Grab your ballet flats, because we’re breaking down the fashion aesthetic that’s currently sweeping us off our feet: balletcore! Inspired by the iconic dance form, this trend is perfect for anyone who has ever dreamed about being a prima ballerina (hi, it’s me!).
From balletcore fashion essentials to affordable ways to recreate this aesthetic, we’re answering all your must-know questions about this dreamy trend. So if you’ve been waiting for an excuse to wear a pink tutu in public, keep scrolling for our complete balletcore fashion aesthetic guide — plus a few ballet-inspired outfit ideas to take for a twirl!
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Everything You Need to Know About the Balletcore Aesthetic
Balletcore is so much more than adding ballet flats to your everyday outfits (although this is the first step!). So if you’re ready to embrace your inner prima ballerina, we’re sharing everything you need to know about the balletcore fashion aesthetic, from the ins and outs of this viral trend to the best ballerina-approved clothes. Let’s get into it!
What is balletcore?
Balletcore is an ultra-feminine fashion aesthetic that’s inspired by the outfits, beauty, and lifestyle of a professional ballerina. Similar to other recent aesthetics and viral fashion trends (such as the coquette aesthetic and clean girl style), balletcore leans into all things feminine and girly. Think: flowy skirts, cute ballet flats, pretty bows, and pastel pink everything.
Unlike traditional ballet fashion, balletcore outfits have a more ballerina off-duty style. They combine everyday fashion with iconic ballet-inspired pieces, like a pink tutu with a classic white tank (a la Carrie Bradshaw). Just imagine the outfits a ballerina would wear from home to the ballet studio — that’s the key to balletcore.
If you love the feminine fashion of balletcore, then prepare to fall head over heels for the coquette aesthetic. Our guide shares all the must-know info for achieving the look.
Is balletcore still popular and in style in 2024?
While the balletcore aesthetic first went viral a couple of years ago, it’s maintained its status as a top fashion trend for 2024. In fact, it’s actually taking ~center stage~ in the fashion world, with brands like Reformation releasing ballet-inspired collections and designers like Chanel and Sandy Liang sending balletcore outfits down the 2024 runways.
And if you ask us, the balletcore fashion aesthetic isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. After all, ballet fashion is nothing new — the dance form has been around for centuries, and designers have been using it as inspiration for decades. Elegant and flattering, it’s a timeless look that will always be in style.
Is the balletcore trend for you? Is it worth embracing this style?
If you love feminine fashion that’s cute, classic, AND comfortable, then the balletcore trend may just be your new favorite aesthetic!
What makes this style so covetable (besides the adorable footwear) is the fact that anyone can incorporate it into their current wardrobe. While the world of professional ballet doesn’t have a great history of diversity, the balletcore aesthetic is changing the conversation with outfits and styles that are made for everyone, from comfy ballet flats to size-inclusive dresses.
And don’t worry — no actual ballerina skills are necessary to rock this style. Instead, this aesthetic is all about channeling the romance and grace of the dance form, as well as reclaiming your girlhood. If your younger self ever dreamed about being a professional ballerina, then consider this your sign to dip your toes in the trend!
The Primary Colors in the Balletcore Fashion Aesthetic Palette
If the balletcore fashion aesthetic had a color palette, it would consist of pastel hues, such as pale pink and baby blue, as well as soft neutral shades like grey, nude, white, and black (perfect for embracing your inner Black Swan!).
While you don’t have to stick to these colors for your ballet-inspired outfits, they are the primary hues that the balletcore fashion trend is known for. There’s just something about pink ballet flats and pretty white dresses that scream ballerina!
Fabrics and Materials That Embody the Balletcore Aesthetic
When you think of ballet outfits, you probably picture tulle tutus, satin ballet shoes, and spandex leotards — and all of these do apply to the balletcore aesthetic.
In addition to these classic fashion styles, many balletcore outfits also feature romantic fabrics like chiffon, silk, and lace (such as lace tights or a silk mini skirt). Dreamy and ethereal, these materials perfectly capture the statement on-stage style of a professional ballerina.
If you prefer balletcore workout outfits versus performance fashion, comfortable materials like jersey, cotton, and soft knits will also give you that iconic ballerina look. Think: cozy leg warmers, cute baby tees, and stretchy bodysuits.
GWS Pro Tip: When putting together balletcore outfits, we suggesting mixing and matching these classic fabrics to achieve that dreamy off-duty look. A silky dress + knit socks + satin ballet flats = the ultimate ballerina style. Which brings us to our next FAQ…
The Essential Fashion Elements Of Balletcore Outfits
If you’re ready to embrace your ballerina era, these are the essential fashion elements of any balletcore outfit — down to the best accessories to complete your dance-ready look.
- Cute ballet flats: No balletcore outfit would be complete without some signature ballet flats — it’s in the name! Keep it classic with a simple pair of pink or black flats, or elevate your outfit with a trendy metallic style or rad studded design. There are no wrong answers here!
- Dreamy dresses and skirts: Similar to ballet flats, a feminine skirt or dress is an essential part of balletcore fashion. If you don’t want to rock a full-on tutu, opt for a dreamy skirt in a pastel color or romantic fabric (like chiffon or silk) instead. Definitely ballerina-approved!
- Fitted bodysuits: While traditional ballet outfits are designed to be beautiful, they’re also made for functionality. Fitted bodysuits (aka, leotards) will give you a streamlined look that’s perfect for dancing or just running errands. Layer them with all your other balletcore fashion staples for a cute and comfortable look.
- Cozy socks and leg warmers: Take fashion inspiration from a ballerina’s warm-up outfits by styling a pair of slouchy knit socks or leg warmers with your balletcore outfits. They add a cozy finishing touch to your look, almost like you just stepped out of a dance studio.
- Feminine accessories: If you want to achieve prima ballerina style, cute and feminine accessories are a must. Tie your hair back in a bow, add a rosette choker to your look, or rock a pair of simple but sparkly earrings for a balletcore outfit that’s worthy of center stage.
How to Incorporate Balletcore Into Your Wardrobe Without Having To Spend a Ton On New Clothes
We get it: with a new viral aesthetic popping up every few months, it can feel like a ploy on the part of fast fashion to get you to buy an entirely new wardrobe with each trend. That’s why we wanted to share a few tips for incorporating the balletcore fashion aesthetic into your current closet, without spending a ton of money on new clothes. Saving money AND being sustainable? Say less!
- Repurpose your existing clothes: The balletcore aesthetic is all about timeless basics and functional fashion — so chances are you already have a few ballerina staples sitting in your closet. Creating cute balletcore outfits can be as simple as styling your favorite slip dress or classic bodysuit in a whole new way. (We’ve included cute outfit ideas down below to use as inspo!)
- Switch up your beauty routine: Ballerina style is so much more than just tutus and ballet flats. For an easy (and totally free) way to channel the balletcore aesthetic, try out a ballet-inspired beauty look, such as a classic ballerina bun, a shimmery eyeshadow, or a natural milky manicure.
- Make the most out of accessories: Sometimes the smallest details can make the biggest difference. If you don’t want to reinvent your entire wardrobe, you can still try out the balletcore fashion aesthetic with smaller accessories, like cute jewelry, a ballet-inspired bag, or a versatile pair of ballet shoes.
- Thrift new balletcore outfits: Where are our fellow thrift lovers?! Since ballet fashion has been around for decades, you can easily find cute balletcore outfit pieces at your local thrift store. Keep an eye out for iconic ballerina colors and materials. Who knows, you may even find the perfect tutu!
Want to rock a ballet-inspired manicure? Look no further than the milky nails trend — we’ve rounded up our favorite milky manicure design ideas, plus a step-by-step tutorial to help you get the look at home!
Our Favorite Balletcore Outfits and Fashion Inspo
If you want to raise the ~barre~ on your current wardrobe, we have the perfect balletcore outfits for the occasion! As we mentioned above, balletcore fashion is equal parts whimsical, elegant, and comfortable. And these outfits definitely understood the routine!
From romantic pink dresses to ballet-inspired workout clothes, read on for the best balletcore aesthetic outfits for every fashion style and occasion. Plus, we’re also linking the accessories you need to bring these ballerina ensembles to life — including allllll our favorite ballet flats!
1: Ballerina Off-Duty Balletcore Outfit
For balletcore fashion ideas approved by real-life ballerinas, look no further than this dreamy outfit. It’s part of Reformation’s iconic collab with the New York City Ballet, which blends statement ballerina silhouettes with everyday street style. OBSESSED.
To get that ballerina off-duty look, style a classic pair of ballet flats (we love these lace-up ones!) with a silk mini skirt and cashmere wrap sweater. Complete with a cute ballerina bun, it’s the perfect balletcore outfit for cosplaying a professional ballerina. We can pretend!
2: Formal Tulle Skirt + Bow Top Outfit Inspo
We LOVE this balletcore twist on a formal outfit. After all, there’s nothing more high-brow than a night at the ballet, and now you can channel that into your special occasion attire!
Swap a traditional formal gown for this flowy pleated skirt and trendy strapless top instead. With ballet core touches like the oversized bow detail, dreamy tulle fabric, and metallic ballet flats, it’s a trendy outfit to wear to a black tie optional fashion event or formal occasion.
3: Balletcore Workout Outfit
Ballet fashion isn’t just about looking pretty — it’s also designed for serious training. Case in point: this balletcore workout outfit!
With a stretchy sports bra and ballet-inspired skort, this outfit is functional, comfortable, and WAY cuter than your typical workout gear. Finish the look with cute ballerina accessories like tights, leg warmers, and a stretchy headband — perfect for hitting the gym, running errands, or catching up with friends over brunch.
4: Cute Ballet Inspired LWD
If we could describe the balletcore fashion aesthetic with a dress, it would be this one. With a trendy drop waist, a tutu-inspired skirt, and cute feminine details (peep the lace trim!), it perfectly nails the ballet style.
And made with a soft knit material, this balletcore aesthetic dress is also super comfortable. We can just picture a prima ballerina wearing this to warm up — styled with pink ballet flats and cute tights, of course!
5: Whimsical Pink Balletcore Dress
Speaking of the prima ballerina, this balletcore outfit is giving us ALL the main character energy! It’s a literal take on balletcore fashion, with whimsical clothes that definitely belong center stage. From the ethereal pink dress to the romantic lace tights, it’s a ballerina dream come true.
P.S. If you’re looking for more iconic balletcore aesthetic dresses, Selkie has the best in the biz. With ethereal fabrics, pastel hues, and ballet-inspired silhouettes (like the famous Puff Dress), they’re perfect for embracing your inner ballerina. Plus, Selkie’s dresses are all size-inclusive, with sizes XXS to 5XL!
6: Office-Ready Balletcore Aesthetic Fit
As much as we love trying out new aesthetics, they’re not always practical for wearing day-to-day — especially if your work calls for business casual attire. While you may not be able to wear a tutu to the office, you can channel the balletcore fashion aesthetic with this cute and classy outfit.
Just trade a tutu for a silk midi skirt and a leotard for a long-sleeve bodysuit, and voilá: you have a balletcore outfit that will take you from the boardroom to happy hour.
7: Trendy Edgy-Meets-Glam Balletcore Aesthetic Clothes
One thing we love about the balletcore aesthetic is that you can customize it to suit ANY fashion style — from professional workwear (like the previous outfit) to trendy going-out clothes. And that brings us to this cute ‘fit!
For balletcore outfit ideas that feel modern and wearable, mix your ballet-inspired pieces with other current fashion trends, like these metallic silver shoes or this faux leather blazer. It’s what a ballerina would wear for a night out on the town, and we. are. in. love.
8: Casual Balletcore Workout Fashion
Let’s be honest: ballerinas spend more time in comfortable workout clothes than they do wearing whimsical and romantic fashion — and that’s the inspo behind this casual balletcore outfit.
Live out your best ballerina life by styling a chic sports bra with these comfy cargo pants, which are made with lightweight fabric that’s designed to move with you. It’s the perfect balletcore outfit to wear as you practice your pirouettes!
9: Black Swan Inspired Silky Mini Dress
If you’re anything like us, then Black Swan had a major impact on your fashion sense in the 2010s. And now that balletcore fashion is officially in its comeback era, we can’t wait to relive our black swan style!
For an outfit that’s equal parts sexy and sweet, style a black mini dress (the balletcore vibes of this one are SO GOOD) with cute fashion accessories like satin ballet flats, pink slouchy socks, and a rosette choker. Dramatic black eyeliner isn’t required, but it IS recommended!
10: Pink Tulle Tutu Skirt + Classic Tank
Last but not least, we’ll leave you with one of the most iconic balletcore fashion ideas of all time: a pink tulle tutu!
Give the classic ballerina look a grown-up makeover with this floor-length tulle skirt from LoveShackFancy. It’s a balletcore wardrobe staple — style it with an embellished top for a formal wedding, or tone it down with a simple tank for your Carrie Bradshaw moment!
Complete Your Prima Ballerina Look With Our On Pointe Fashion Guides
If you’re looking for more ways to incorporate the balletcore aesthetic into your current wardrobe, these fashion and beauty guides will ensure your ballerina outfits are on pointe (pun intended!).
For a classic ballerina beauty look, don’t miss our round-up of milky nail ideas, including a step-by-step tutorial to recreate the look at home. We’ve also ranked the best perfumes for women — aka, the perfect finishing touch to your balletcore outfit!
Want more outfit ideas? Then be sure to check out our guide to the coquette trend. Feminine and girly, it definitely overlaps with the balletcore fashion aesthetic.
For ballerina lovers who are tying the knot this year, we also rounded up the best pink and blush wedding gowns for every style. Complete with these wedding updos, it’s a gorgeous way to incorporate the balletcore aesthetic into your big day!
What aesthetic are you currently obsessing over? Let us know in the comments below!
