Ballet Aesthetics Took Over Fashion
Fashion has always borrowed from the stage, but in recent years, no performance art has inspired designers and TikTok feeds quite like ballet. The balletcore aesthetic, with its ribbons, leg warmers, and dainty flats, has leapt from rehearsal studios to everyday wardrobes. What started as a subtle nod to ballerina uniforms has become one of the defining fashion moods of the moment, balancing femininity, nostalgia, and effortless elegance.
Ballet fashion was originally about functionality: leotards that allowed freedom of movement, wrap skirts that floated with every turn, and pointe shoes designed for discipline and performance. Yet these very elements carried a natural grace that soon caught the eye of the fashion world. In the mid-20th century, designers began borrowing directly from the ballet stage. The ballerina’s tulle skirt was reimagined as a symbol of romance and femininity, while Chanel introduced ballet flats as a stylish, everyday shoe. What once belonged to the rehearsal studio was now part of mainstream fashion.
Photo: https://www.instyle.com/chanel-ballet-flats-8741391, https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/a43918173/chanel-ballet-flats/
The early 2000s saw ballet fashion twirl back into the spotlight, thanks in part to Hollywood and pop culture. Films like Black Swan (2010) gave ballet a darker, more dramatic edge, inspiring runways to experiment with sheer fabrics and delicate tutus reimagined in black. Off the screen, celebrities like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen popularized soft ballet-inspired layers and, most notably, ballet flats, suddenly the must-have shoe for every “It-girl” of the decade. The revival set the stage for balletcore’s current dominance.
Now, balletcore is everywhere. On the runway, on social media, and in street style. Designers such as Miu Miu have reintroduced the ballet flat as a key piece, while Simone Rocha incorporates bows, ribbons, and sheer layers into their collections, capturing the ethereal and romantic essence of ballet. On the runway, Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2024 Haute Couture celebrated tulle skirts and leotard-inspired silhouettes, while Dior Men’s Winter 2024 brought balletcore into menswear with sleek, dance-inspired tailoring, ballet flats, and soft pastels. Accessories play a pivotal role in completing the aesthetic: satin ribbons, delicate bows, tulle hairpieces, and sheer gloves evoke the grace of ballet, while minimalist jewelry and scarves add refined touches. With its seamless blend of femininity, elegance, and versatility for all genders, balletcore has solidified its position as one of today’s most influential and widely adopted trends.
Miu Miu Ballet Flats On The Runway.
Photo: https://www.manifesto.asia/post/2167/MAKE-A-POINTE-IN-THESE-Miu-Miu%E2%80%99s-Ballet-Flats
Simon Rocha Flower Embellished Mesh Ballerina Kitten Flats.
Beautiful Hair Accessory from Simone Rocha
Chanel Couture Spring 2024
Dior Men’s Fall 2024 Collection
Photo: https://wwd.com/fashion-news/shows-reviews/gallery/dior-mens-fall-1236139193/dior-mens-fall-2024-5/
Balletcore’s rise is about more than just nostalgia. In a world dominated by oversized streetwear, it offers a return to softness, elegance, and romanticism without giving up practicality. Its comfort comes from performance-inspired pieces like leotard tops, wrap sweaters, and flexible skirts, while its beauty is in the small details of tulle layers, satin ribbons, sheer gloves, and simple jewelry. The trend also fits with other hyper-feminine styles popular with Gen Z, who enjoy bows, lace, and pastel colors as playful self-expression. Balletcore works for men too, with fitted knits, tailored pieces, and subtle ribbon accents. Today, it bridges performance and everyday wear, nostalgia and modern style, creating a look that feels elegant, approachable, and relevant.
Photo: https://aesthetics.fandom.com/wiki/Balletcore, https://cat-putnam98.medium.com/dear-fashion-industry-enough-with-balletcore-f34e045715a3, https://www.whowhatwear.com/balletcore-trend
Balletcore might seem like a trend, but its foundations are timeless. From stage costumes to street style, the aesthetic has proven it can last and evolve. Whether slipping on ballet flats, tying ribbons in your hair, or wearing a soft tulle skirt, balletcore is more than a mood board. It’s a reminder that grace and refinement never go out of style.
XOXO, The Fashion Stock Market
Cover Photo: https://www.racked.com/2017/2/15/14462108/dancewear-ballet-fashion
Editor: Felicity Field
