Ballet fashion police

If you are a teen or adult female ballet dancer, it can be a little difficult to put together the perfect outfit for class, especially if you are relatively new to dance.  Some combinations look great, and others are just . . . off.  Some things look cute on the rack, but unflattering or immature when tried on.  I always encourage dancers to wear what makes them most comfortable as long as it follows the dress code, so if you like wearing something that I advise against in this post, feel free to ignore me and keep on groovin’.  However, I know that sometimes things look “not quite right” and it can be tough to put your finger on just what needs to change.  This post is meant to help you put together outfits that are age appropriate, stylish, and contribute to confidence.

--Choose pink, black, or gray convertible, footless, or stirrup tights.  Avoid nude or skin-tone tights for ballet.  They make you look like you have bare legs, which tends to be a no-no in ballet.  Full footed tights are usually only worn by young children.

--Pink tights can be worn over or under a leotard.  I recommend wearing black or gray tights over a leotard.  Wearing them under a leotard can look kind of “80s aerobics.”

--If you wear tights over a leotard, wear the waistband lower on your hips rather than pulling it all the way up, which can make you look shorter and torso-less.  Also, don’t wear your convertible tights over your feet—keep them rolled up and “footless.”  Wearing convertible tights over your leo and tucked into shoes can make you look like you are wearing waders. 

--Try not to match the color of your leotard to the color of your tights (however, all black is always acceptable).  Pale pink leotards with pink tights looks young, and all-gray starts to look like you are trying to be monochromatic.

--Only tuck convertible tights into flat ballet shoes if they are the same color as the shoes.  Black tights tucked into pink shoes look a little funny, and the combination makes legs look short.

--When choosing a leotard, simple camisole and ¾ sleeve options are effortlessly stylish.  Tank, short sleeve, and long sleeve leos take a little more work to elevate because young students are often required to wear them as a uniform.  Any leo with a v-neck or v-back, a pinch at the neckline, or lace or mesh detail is usually a grown-up and stylish choice.

--If you are wearing a skirt or shorts, don’t match the color of your skirt or shorts with the color of your leotard.  It brings to mind dresses and unitards, both of which are not big in grown-up ballet fashion.  However, it is super spiffy to pair things in the same color family, like a light blue leotard with a royal blue skirt.  Contrasting colors look good too, but avoid clashy combos like a red leo and orange skirt.  Some people say that light pink chiffon skirts are babyish, but I disagree if they are styled right.  Don’t pair a pink skirt with a pink leo, but it can look really nice with colors like navy blue.

--If you are apple shaped (wider in the tummy), wear higher-waisted shorts and pull your skirt up to your natural waist.  This creates a more defined waistiline.  If you have an hourglass figure (narrowest at the waist), wear low-rise shorts and tie your skirts around your lower jeans-waist.  This will make your hips appear narrower and your torso more streamlined.  If you are pear shaped, any option will work for you.

--If you want a little more coverage on top, add a thin ¾ or long sleeve solid-colored top.  Make sure the sleeves are tight enough that they don’t hang away from your arms.  Avoid wearing a tank or short-sleeved top over a longer sleeved leotard; it looks kind of funny.

--As far as legwarmers go, choose warmers that are in the same shade range or darker than your tights.  Light pink tights can take warmers of any color, but black tights look best with black, dark gray, or other deep-colored warmers.  White or pale pink warmers with black tights looks 80s aerobics again.  Avoid warmers that are too matchy or too clashy with any other piece you are wearing.

--When styling your hair, stick to hair accessories like flowers, clips, and simple bows in colors that complement your dancewear.  Avoid super poofy bows, scrunchies, and cheap-looking plastic “kid” accessories.  Use “invisible” or neutral colored hair nets to make neat buns.  Crocheted bun covers and snoods in colors other than black lose their cuteness after age 11 or so.