Hey, fellow tutu lovers and ballet babes! Autumn is officially upon us, and you know what that means? It's time to unleash your inner ballerina and embrace the beautiful season with a sprinkle of tutus and a whole lot of autumnal style! đ As a Londoner living in Hanwell, Iâve noticed a surge of gorgeous tutus, ballet inspired outfits, and fabulous people showcasing autumnâs colours, fabrics, and textures with grace and panache!
I know what you're thinking - can tutus really be an autumn trend? Oh yes! This year, the ballet world has collided with fashion, with tutu skirts finding their way from the dance studio onto the street! Theyâre now appearing in shops and even featured on the runways. For this reason, thereâs a perfect tutu waiting for every type of ballet inspired look you want to create! So, grab your favorite ballet slippers (or a pair of comfy boots) because weâre going on a tutu-tastic journey through Hanwellâs autumn fashion scene!
Finding Your Perfect Tutu for a Hanwell AutumnThere are so many awesome spots to find amazing tutus in Hanwell:
- Charity Shops: Honestly, these hidden treasures are the goldmine for tutu-loving fashionistas! I love browsing the shelves at [Mention a few local charity shops with good fashion], where you can unearth vintage gems and even some beautiful tutus for less than a tenner! I snagged a gorgeous silk chiffon tutu from a charity shop on the Uxbridge Road last month, and it's become my go-to for everything from a day at the market to evening drinks at The King's Head.
- Local Craft Shops: Weâve got some real gems in Hanwell â the [Mention a specific local shop on the high street] for example, where they sell everything from pretty fabric trims and ribbon to stunning tutus and leotards. Itâs a treasure trove, with everything a girl needs to put together a totally original, show stopping outfit.
- Etsy: My online go-to! The creativity and individuality on this platform never ceases to amaze me! If you want something unique, check out [Give specific Etsy Shop Names of shops youâd recommend to Hanwell readers]. You can get anything from bespoke tutus in vintage styles to beautifully made tulle skirts that look just right for autumn and that crisp winter air!
Ok, so now you have your tutu â but how do you actually wear it? Hereâs where it gets fun! This is the part where you add your personal touch and style to turn your Hanwell look into something magical!
Tutu Look 1: âHanwellâs Classic Ballerina Chicâ
Think simple, elegant, and easy.
- Outfit: A pleated, full-length tulle tutu (try the "Sweet Dreams" tutu from [ Etsy shop]) is ideal â or, you can mix it up with a shorter tulle tutu, the kind of "mini tutu" that stops at mid-thigh. Paired with a cosy and stylish chunky knit jumper or a slouchy white oversized shirt. Opt for soft autumn colours like rust red, burnt orange, olive green or creamy beige, then layer with a camel coloured cashmere cardigan, or, for the braver fashionista, try a chunky, vintage leather biker jacket!
- Shoes: Pointed toe ankle boots in brown, grey, or black work perfectly to create that contemporary ballerina aesthetic. Donât shy away from boots that have a thick sole or that feature laces â it's the contrast that gives it that urban edge. Black ballet flats (look out for affordable styles in Hanwellâs Shoe Market) also add a classic elegance to the look, or, if you are looking for something bolder, some sleek heeled ankle boots in burgundy or dark green are fabulous for evening outings.
- Accessories: A pair of delicate, silver earrings is a good option for this look. If you really want to pull the whole ensemble together, add a matching beret (grey or brown) for a chic, artistic touch. You can find the most beautiful handmade, artisan-made berets in The Little Knittery just off Boston Road â they also sell adorable patterned tights, just what you need to elevate your whole look.
- Hair: A simple, loose braid (like a Dutch braid), a messy bun, or, for a touch of ballet elegance, a bun with a soft, fluffy topknot and a beautiful silver or rose gold bobby pin is my go-to for autumn.
Tutu Look 2: âHanwellâs Bohemian Ballerinaâ
Go for effortless elegance with a relaxed vibe!
- Outfit: Swap the pleated tutu for a softer, flowing maxi skirt or a full midi skirt â youâre going for a slightly bohemian flair, so the more texture and detail the better. Look for tulle skirts that feature delicate embroidery or vintage-inspired detailing! Paired with a simple cotton, black vest top (I found some cute ones at a sale in [name of local shop]) and layer with a crocheted cardigan (maybe one in deep terracotta) or a vintage embroidered blouse!
- Shoes: Brown suede ankle boots or lace-up brogues, again in brown or grey, can be the perfect match for your look. A pair of simple flatform sandals also works well to give it a slightly boho vibe. For evenings, opt for velvet ankle boots in deep autumnal tones like oxblood red.
- Accessories: A floppy, wide-brimmed hat in brown, cream, or rust is your statement piece, plus a vintage-looking scarf in a soft pattern (either brown/red/ cream) or a scarf in pale pink is amazing for autumn, giving it an art student, carefree vibe.
- Hair: Loose waves with a side part â try a headband with some autumn leaves printed on it, a gorgeous finishing touch to a dreamy look!
Tutu Look 3: âHanwellâs Tutu Rock Chickâ
For the ballerina whoâs a bit more edgy and daring!
- Outfit: Black is the name of the game. Start with a black tutu or tulle skirt. A longer tutu, with multiple layers or even feathers is good to add that glam rocker touch â try looking for it in charity shops. Combine with a black cotton crop top, or go for a statement vintage oversized leather jacket (you can check out some of Hanwell's vintage clothing shops for gems!) for that cool and edgy look.
- Shoes: Black platform boots â the higher the better â give an incredible rocker attitude! If you want a touch of playfulness, a pair of studded black Converse with a fluffy ankle boot sock worn on top can give a fun take on street style! If you want a touch of elegance, a black pair of velvet ankle boots with buckles or laces is perfect for evening wear!
- Accessories: Go all out on accessories â try a statement gold necklace, some bold earrings and a thick, braided black headband. To complete this rocker look, try some vintage gold chain bag â again, the best places for these are Hanwell's independent shops, just keep your eye out for the treasures tucked away!
- Hair: Bold, high ponytail! You can mess it up slightly for an effortless yet edgy look. I recommend some strong-hold hairspray to stop it getting frizzy in this unpredictable weather!
Ok, now that we've got your Tutu fashion style down â itâs all about giving your look that perfect Autumn vibe. Hanwell, with all itâs gorgeous streets and vintage charm is a fantastic backdrop for adding the last details:
Colour Palette: Itâs about working those earthy colours in! Think dark greens, warm rust browns, creamy whites, burnt oranges, ochre yellow, burgundy red and, my personal favourite â shades of pink â it can look amazingly autumnal and sophisticated.
Textures: Think velvets, chenilles, chunky knits, tweed â autumn is the perfect time for textural delights, especially when mixed and matched to create those super cool, layered looks!
Florals and Leaves: A great touch for an elegant and trendy autumn look is incorporating floral prints â try a floral beret, floral boots, or even a blouse in a deep brown/red/cream combination with tiny floral details! And, for a bold statement, find a piece of clothing with a large, leaf print â Iâve spotted some super cool sweatshirts, and jumpers at [Name a clothing store with great autumn designs] on the main high street! It gives that real "we're ready for the seasonâ vibe!
The Great Outdoors: This is it - the part that brings it all together, with the right attitude! Make the most of Hanwellâs open spaces and green areas â walk through Boston Manor Park, with those crispy autumn leaves falling down around you. The beauty of the colours adds that perfect touch to a magical day, as if youâre living your own tutu fairytale!
Tutu-fying Your Autumn In Hanwell
As you head out into the Hanwell autumn weather, embrace the change, experiment with different styles and have fun with the new trends! The magic is in the details. Keep your eyes open â a beautiful autumnal tutu outfit could be waiting around the corner! đ
Don't forget to share your #tutufashion creations on social media and let me know how youâre rocking the autumn season. Remember, my friends â confidence, grace, and your own personal touch is all you need to create your own Hanwell tutu story this autumn. Have fun, stay fabulous and enjoy the journey!