The Ultimate Guide to Balletcore: How to Wear the Dancer-Inspired Aesthetic in 2024

If your childhood dress-up bin was filled with tulle tutus, silk ribbons to tie around your legs, and all the pink clothing your heart could desire, the balletcore trend will feel familiar! 

The basics of the ballet core aesthetic are simple: wear soft pastels, soft and airy materials, and simple, feminine silhouettes. Adjacent to trends like Barbiecore and romcom core, Balletcore fulfills a fantasy while still feeling functional. Balletcore encourages accessorizing with comfy pieces while choosing elegant fabrics and finishes to keep the look elevated. 

Whether or not you spent years training in a dance studio, Balletcore at least gives you the chance to look like a prima ballerina!

Balletcore Styling Tips

There are some obvious essentials to the balletcore look, like leg warmers, ballet flats, and tulle skirts. These pieces go beautifully with a literal interpretation of balletcore or can be used sparingly to create a ballet-inspired look. You don’t always have to look like a ballerina about to step on stage—a huge aspect of balletcore is comfort, and dressing as you would if you were trying to stay comfortable while training and living as a dancer. 

Remember, balletcore doesn’t always have to look perfectly polished! We love to see balletcore outfits that incorporate distressed pieces, layered and mismatched fabrics, and casual details like sneakers, wrap sweaters, and messy buns. Balletcore can also lean sexy, with sheer details, pieces that feel like lingerie, and soft feminine details. 

Here are a few quick tips for styling your own balletcore look:

• Layer up! Layers add that dreamy, feminine vibe—try layering tops (like a bustier over a light knit), adding sheer layers, and playing with what you wear under your skirts.

• Keep it solid. Simple prints may work in some cases, but sticking to solid colors will help to keep you in the balletcore vibe.

• Wear bodysuits to emulate the look of leotards!

• Balance voluminous skirts, sleeves, etc. with tailored silhouettes.

Balletcore Essential

Cream Swiss Dot Ruffled Midi Dress

Long, flowy, romantic—this is definitely a prima ballerina-worthy dress!

Mauve Pink Tie-Strap Bodysuit

This bodysuit feels like the nude leotard’s sophisticated older sister.

Rose Pink Knit Faux Wrap Sweater

Can’t you just imagine a glamorous ballerina cozying up in this super-soft sweater after a long day of rehearsing?

Black Asymmetrical Skort

Chic and sporty, this skort is the essence of balletcore: glamorous and comfortable.

Beige Ribbed Long Sleeve Bustier Crop Top

The structured, fitted shape of this top makes it feel like a bustier without feeling confining. 

Rusty Rose Satin Tie-Back Midi Slip Dress

Slips and satin dresses are an essential part of the balletcore wardrobe and are the perfect piece to layer with other items. 

Ivory Satin Rhinestone Pointed Toe Mule Slides

These ballet flats are so gorgeous you could wear them to an event, but comfortable enough to wear every day.

Champagne Velvet Buckle Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats

These Mary Jane-style ballet flats are chic, minimalistic, and the perfect alternative to traditional slip-on ballet flats. 

Pink Oversized Hair Clip

We love the classic sleek ballerina bun, but the slightly messier hair-clip bun feels a little more whimsical. This giant pink hair clip is perfect for holding even the thickest locks securely!

We want to see your ballerina-inspired looks! Show us how you’re rocking the balletcore aesthetic on Instagram or TikTok @lulus and shop more in our Balletcore Shop!

This post was originally published in March 2023.