Balletcore is the latest fashion trend taking over in 2022

WORDS Sonia Blair PHOTOGRAPHY Instagram PUBLISHED Wed, 30 Mar 2022 - 4:15 pm

The balletcore fashion trend is the latest catnip to the annals of Tiktok fashion, capturing the essence of femininity with a practical slant. No, this doesn't mean you need run to the local dancewear stores and purchase a tutu... unless that's piqued your interest. Balletcore is more than its literal name sounds, not limited to the world of dance but rather inspired by it. Gather round, let's learn about balletcore and how it can be incorporated into your wardrobe.

What is the balletcore fashion trend?

Embodying hyper-femininity, balletcore is inspired by the performance costumes of dancers and their rehearsal attire. It is influenced by the colours, fabrics, textures and details found in the attire. Many are viewing the trend as a natural progression in the athleisure space through its melding of practical materials and shapes with stylish undertones, yet it has been seen in ready-to-wear dress and sprinklings in couture. Like all trends, balletcore is what you make it and can be reimagined in a plethora of ways.

There are iconic images in fashion etched into our collective consciousness which we may not even identify as leaning into balletcore fashion trend, namely Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw walking the streets of New York City in a white tulle skirt and pink tank top. Giambattista Valli’s career is focused on enveloping is clients in voluminous, tulle gowns evocative of the same skirts worn by ballerinas, yet taken to the extreme. Even Audrey Hepburn embraced the trend, with ballet flats a signature accessory.

While balletcore aesthetics are not new, post-pandemic dressing has seen us bring sexy back with midriffs laid bare and many forgoing oversized, minimalist attire. It’s all about returning to the quintessentially elegant fabrics and colours alongside easy, wearable garments.

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What are the origins of balletcore?

Much like all fashion trends, the origins of balletcore date back further than the inception of TikTok. Dating back to the 1930s, Chanel crafted tulle gowns inspired by the Cotillion Ballet production in 1932. In the 1960s, the ballet flat was coopted as a staple piece of footwear from youth to Mod and society figures, like Twiggy and Jackie Kennedy. Looking forward to the 2010s and Vivienne Westwood immersed itself wholeheartedly in the world of ballet, crafting costumes for the Vienna State Ballet in 2013 in what was an eclectic interpolation of tartan with ballet costumery.

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What garments are considered part of the trend?

Typical balletcore garments include wrap tops, bodysuits, ballet flats, leg warmers, and abundance of tulle and mini wrap skirts. The balletcore fashion trend comprises of anything that screams femininity and comfort, allowing you to move freely, just as a dancer would.

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Ballet flats in 2022 take their inspiration from the 1960s iteration of the shoe rather than the 2010s. Thankfully, this means toe cleavage has been abandoned for a higher rise on the top of the shoe.

Where have we seen balletcore in 2022?

Balletcore has slid into the runways and psyche of brands and celebrities across the globe, whether a conscious decision or not. At Miu Miu, we saw leg warmers make an appearance paired with baby blue ballet flats. Zimmermann’s flouncing garments at New York Fashion Week evocative of a similar overall aesthetic to the balletcore fashion trend.

For the edgier, abstract iterations of the trend, it is Simone Rocha and Molly Goddard leading the charge on taking balletcore to ready-to-wear and couture heights. Rocha and Goddard are the current-day matriarchs of tulle, sitting alongside Giambattista Valli yet working on creations distinctly different. What Rocha does infinitely well is add a punk sensibility to her collections while not straying from the obvious homage to ballet motifs. Goddard is the darling of British fashion, bringing whimsy to her creations through considered colour palettes and silhouettes cultivating the balletcore aesthetic.

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Alexa Chung is a ballet flat revivalist pioneer, and never one to shun embracing a trend as they cycle through the zeitgeist, as pictured below donning a Molly Goddard gown at the British Fashion Awards last November. Sydney Sweeney in Euphoria embraced the trend through dressing in a powder blue wrap top. Olivia Rodrigo transformed almost completely into an edgy ballerina in a music video, and an honourable mention goes to Harry Styles for the ballet flats featured on the cover of Harry’s House.