It’s no secret; I’m a singer and a dancer and I LOVE my rehearsal clothes and dance wear. Rarely do I feel as glamorous as I do when I’m trying the ribbons on my point shoes or stretching in my yoga pants and comfy sweater. I often get asked if I’m a dancer, and while the answer IS yes, most of the time it is not because I am doing something “dancer-ish,” but because I carry over those little ballet and dance inspired dressing and accessorizing feelings into my day-to-day life. No one says you can’t feel like a pretty ballerina every day! Here are my five favorite ways to channel my inner ballerina, on or off the dance floor. So take one, two, or all of these ballet inspirations and build them into your wardrobe, whether in the exercise room or a weekend brunch with the gals (after all, ballerinas like mimosas too!)
Post earrings
Ballet dancers usually don’t wear earrings at all, but if they do, petite posts are it. No dangling earrings, you don’t want to get a big hoop stuck on your partner’s shirt during that pas de deux. Opt for simple studs of pearl or a nice pearl and crystal mix.
Tights and leg warmers
We all know tights are essential for any good ballerina and often to keep warm before class begins, we layer on leg warmers. Leg warmers if worn in black or pretty pinks are soft and simple, not 1980s feeling, leave the neons for Halloween. Plus, if you’re wearing think tights and leg warmers, you can wear those cute flouncy jersey skirts or even a tutu tulle inspired one regardless of the weather outside. Need to wear those rain boots? Let your tall leg warmers peek out the top.
Shoes with ribbons
This one is a no brainer, ballet pointe shoes have beautiful ribbons that wrap around the ankle. Thankfully ballet flats and shoes with ribbons are in fashion, so finding a pair shouldn’t be tricky. Looking for a dressy pair? I love these ballroom inspired heels by Angela Nuran, Starletta, available in black and silver patent leather.
Feathers in the hair
Channel your inner Swan Lake, or Natalie Portman a la Black Swan depending on the day, and add some feathers into your hair. Thanks to the royal wedding, fascinators and petite hair wraps are in the spotlight and easier to find than ever. Lots of local twenty something shops like Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe carry feather inspired hair pieces, or check out bridal shops. Lots of bridal designers create feathers in peacocks, blacks, and other colors in addition to the traditional bridal white and ivory. A piece I love, this chic hairpin from Sara Gabriel, Izzy.
Buns and hair spray
Don’t forget to pull your hair back.! The rule for ballet…Chic, slicked back buns and not a hair out of place. There are tons of online tutorials for creating that perfect bun, but nothing is easier than making a pony tail and wrapping the tail around itself. Add some bobby pins to secure, invest in some quality hairspray, and voila!
Where to Shop: Discount Dance, Forever 21, Agaci, H&M, Ragstock Chicago, American Apparel
Don’t forget thrift, second hand, and vintage stores too!