BALLETCORE: BACK WITH A BANG!
The trend, which screams feminity and comfort and allows you to move freely, just like a dancer, is indeed here to stay
This summer, the trend of balletcore is out in full force. A term coined in 2015, balletcore draws inspiration from the grace and elegance associated with ballet, and this ongoing trend seems to be here to stay!
ABOUT BALLETCORE
The aesthetic of this style is characterised by a focus on soft, pastel colours, delicate fabrics like tulle and lace, and feminine silhouettes like full skirts and fitted bodices. These elements are now contrasted with sportier details like mesh panels, sweat-wicking fabrics, and chunky sneakers to create a unique blend of styles. Fashion designer Supriya Munjal says, “By merging athletic and streetwear features, such as sporty leggings, crop tops, and sneakers, it produces a contemporary and versatile appearance that can be worn both within and outside of the dance studio.”
The key element of balletcore is tulle fabric, which is often blended with streetwear styles like the usual, cool and oversized silhouettes. On this, celebrity stylist Isha Bhansali says, “It is an interesting blend because ballet can be so feminine, poetic and extremely dreamy, while streetwear, on the other hand, is cheeky and spunky. So, it kind of softens the whole mood of the attire.”
A LOOK BACK IN TIME
Though balletcore has been trending on TikTok recently, the trend can be traced back to the 1940s. Munjal says, “Balletinspired fashion has been a recurring theme in the world of high fashion for decades, with designers incorporating elements of ballet into their collections, in the 1940s and 1950s.”
THE SOFT GIRL CONNECTION
Social media is currently obsessed with the ‘soft girl era’, a popular subculture among young women. Munjal shares, “The feminine soft girl trend shares many similarities with the balletcore aesthetic which also majorly emphasises on pastel colours, babydoll dresses and other delicate details.”
STYLE IT UP
Summer is the right time to experiment with this trend. Stylist Natashaa Bothra says,
“Go the Carrie Bradshaw (character from the series Sex and the City) way! Flaunt your off-white tulle skirt with a simple baby pink top for lunch or a sundowner. Tights are a good option for athleisure wear. Even ballet flats would fit in any look — formal, daily, lunch, party.”