Hey lovelies! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, back with another dose of fashion inspiration. And guess what? Autumn is officially here, which means it's time to dust off our favourite knitwear, cozy up with a hot chocolate, and… rock those adorable ballet-inspired looks, of course!
Oxford, with its cobbled streets, charming pubs, and the grand presence of the University, is the perfect backdrop for an autumnal ballet fashion spree. The city is buzzing with a youthful energy, and its historical architecture just begs to be paired with something pretty and twirly!
Think Parisian Chic meets Ballerina Chic: Let's bring the grace and elegance of the dance studio to the Oxford streets, blending those classic autumnal colours and textures with the effortlessly stylish world of tutu fashion. Ready to dive into a world of pinks, reds, and burnt oranges, and channel your inner ballerina? Let's get into it!
Outfit Inspiration: A Week of Ballerina-Chic
Here's how you can pull off the perfect autumn ballet-inspired look every single day of the week:
Monday: Balletcore Brunch with Friends
What to wear: Picture this - a warm morning in Oxford, the sun catching the leaves in the Botanical Gardens. You're meeting your friends for brunch at a cute cafe in Jericho, and you want your look to be both cosy and effortlessly stylish. Here’s how:
- Outfit: Start with a light pink knitted jumper – it's warm enough for the chilly morning air, but the pink adds a playful touch. Pair this with a flowing, slightly gathered midi skirt in a rich burgundy shade.
- Accessories: Think chunky brown leather boots that are comfortable but still fashion-forward. Add a black or grey beret for that Parisian touch, and complete the look with delicate gold earrings. A small pink handbag, perfectly matching your jumper, adds a pop of colour.
- Beauty Tip: Tie your hair in a low ponytail and add a single satin scrunchie for an extra touch of Parisian flair. Don’t forget some pink lipstick for a pop of colour.
Tuesday: Oxford University Stroll
What to wear: You’re exploring the stunning University libraries and wandering around the quads. Think academic but effortlessly chic, and ready to tackle the steep steps of the Radcliffe Camera.
- Outfit: Swap out the skirt for a pair of dark denim jeans. Choose a pair with a slight bell bottom, paying homage to classic ballet costumes. Opt for a light blush-pink knit cardigan – something with a subtle cable knit pattern is a timeless choice.
- Accessories: A simple crossbody bag in brown or black adds some practical flair, while a delicate gold necklace, perhaps with a little ballerina charm, complements the ballet theme beautifully. Choose ankle boots that are both stylish and comfortable for a day of walking around Oxford. Don't forget a cosy scarf for the unpredictable autumn weather!
- Beauty Tip: Let your hair down and go for a sleek, low bun, but make it effortless! You can even pull a few strands around your face to soften the look. A classic winged eyeliner finish keeps things sharp and stylish.
Wednesday: Library Study Session
What to wear: Comfort is key here as you immerse yourself in the hushed, academic environment. The library calls for a look that’s classic, elegant, and perhaps even a little bit mysterious.
- Outfit: This is your chance to go bold with colour! Try a beautiful terracotta-red cashmere jumper with an open back for an added hint of romanticism. Layer it over a simple black tulle top – think the underskirt of a classic tutu! This look plays on the beautiful layers that are quintessential ballet style. Pair it with black leggings or narrow trousers.
- Accessories: You’re still studying, so don’t overdo it with accessories. Opt for simple yet elegant accessories: a small black leather tote bag, and minimal silver earrings, possibly even with a cute ballerina charm. Choose your comfy footwear! Ballet flats are always an elegant choice, or perhaps go for a sleek pair of white trainers for a touch of modern street style.
- Beauty Tip: Keep your hair back and neat, perhaps in a French braid. A natural, dewy make-up look is best.
Thursday: Gallery Art Inspiration
What to wear: The Ashmolean Museum and other Oxford galleries call for a look that’s elegant, timeless, and sophisticated – just like the art itself.
- Outfit: Start with a long-sleeved, pale pink fitted dress that sits just above the knee – think Audrey Hepburn-inspired elegance. Layer a black, tulle capelet over your dress for a touch of drama. It creates a look reminiscent of ballet costumes while adding that extra touch of drama and personality.
- Accessories: Opt for minimal yet beautiful jewellery - delicate chain bracelets and small pearl earrings. Go for a pair of elegant, heeled ballet flats or chic loafers – a great way to inject a bit of contemporary chic.
- Beauty Tip: A timeless red lip adds a statement and contrasts beautifully with the pale pink dress. If your dress has a low neckline, a delicate necklace, like a pearl chain or something with a small, elegant pendant, can make your look stand out. Keep your hair pulled back in a loose, elegant chignon, showcasing the beauty of the outfit.
Friday: Night Out at a Cocktail Bar
What to wear: It's time to dress up and make a statement for a Friday night out. Remember to think about what venue you’ll be heading to – some cocktail bars in Oxford can get pretty packed! You need something flattering and a touch on the dramatic side.
- Outfit: Think red-hot glam with a silky, scarlet midi skirt – the drama here is a winning choice, as is the timeless appeal of red. Add a luxurious-looking ivory turtleneck jumper (think a classic ballerina sweater!), tuck it in, and make sure it hits just above your hips for a beautiful, slim silhouette.
- Accessories: Go for gold statement earrings and a small chain handbag, with either a black or red clasp for added detail. And what would a ballet-inspired look be without a touch of sparkle? A touch of shimmery gold eye shadow to really complete your red-hot look! Heels are perfect here, and a ballet-style pointed pump with a stiletto heel can be both elegant and glamorous.
- Beauty Tip: Style your hair with a deep side parting and loosely curl the ends for a classic, yet glamorous look. And don’t forget the lipstick – pick a colour that compliments your skin tone. Red, burgundy, or a light nude lip would work beautifully here.
Saturday: Afternoon Shopping on Cornmarket Street
What to wear: Shopping day! You need an outfit that's comfortable but still trendy, able to take on the busy Cornmarket Street shoppers. And most importantly, let’s get that twirling action going!
- Outfit: Go for a timeless black A-line skirt (mini, midi, or maxi depending on your preference) and pair it with a bright, bubblegum pink knitted jumper – this combination is pure, feminine elegance. The pink adds a pop of fun and perfectly embodies that ballerina spirit.
- Accessories: This is where you can play with colours and patterns! Think bold patterned tights in warm autumnal colours, such as burnt orange or rust. Or perhaps try some quirky black or brown socks, perfect with a pair of lace-up ankle boots, which will offer a contrasting, stylish edge to your outfit. Add a cute, bright pink crossbody bag and let it be the main focus for your look!
- Beauty Tip: Go for a casual half-up half-down hairstyle to complement the relaxed style. Consider bright pink or peach blush, adding a fun touch.
Sunday: Afternoon Tea at a Classic English Tea Room
What to wear: A classic English Tea room experience calls for elegance, vintage-inspired flair, and a touch of romanticism! This is the time to play with those elegant tulle fabrics again.
- Outfit: Think of a sweet pink blouse, perhaps something with lace details, that fits well but has loose, flowing sleeves – just imagine a beautiful, romantic ballerina dancing under the soft lights of an English tea room. Wear it with a simple, black pencil skirt, hitting just above your knee.
- Accessories: A small, chain handbag is ideal here. Choose a pearl chain or perhaps something in a black or red tone. Go for simple silver jewellery and an elegant, minimal pair of black ballerinas, keeping the focus on the romantic flair of your outfit.
- Beauty Tip: Go for a classic, yet glamorous hairstyle - think side-swept, curled hair or a simple updo. Soft, pink blush adds that final touch of romantic charm!
Tips and Tricks to Elevate Your Ballet Fashion
Here are some top tips that will take your tutu fashion to the next level:
Invest in the Right Fabric: This is key! Tulle is always a winner, giving you that classic ballerina silhouette. But try silk or velvet for a luxurious twist, especially for colder days. Don't shy away from experimenting with fabrics like satin or organza, which add a bit of glam to the everyday.
* Embrace Layers:* Think of the different layers of a ballet tutu – and try to recreate that with your clothing. Add a soft tulle skirt over your jeans, or a delicate, tulle top under a cardigan. It creates an instantly whimsical, ethereal feel.
* Play with Textures:* Combine knitwear with smooth, flowing skirts, lace with smooth silk. Texture plays a huge role in the beauty of an outfit – it adds visual interest and gives your outfits a dynamic edge! Don’t be afraid to mix different textures! A knitted jumper with a soft tulle skirt is always a beautiful combination.
Experiment with Colour: Pale pink is my go-to for an instant feminine flair, but don’t forget about the colour palettes that evoke those classic autumnal tones: reds, burgundies, golden yellows, deep greens, and rich browns.
The Ballet Detail: Go for details that instantly evoke the spirit of the dance studio! A tiny ballerina charm, a flowing, satin ribbon, or even a graceful brooch.
Where to Shop in Oxford:
Oxford has some incredible boutiques and shops offering up the perfect pieces for your ballet fashion needs.
The Covered Market: A vintage haven, perfect for finding unique gems and eclectic pieces – you can always find the most incredible tutus in this place!
Queen Street: Here you’ll find some of the coolest independent boutiques in Oxford, many showcasing exciting designs. Look for elegant pieces like satin skirts and stylish sweaters that can easily be dressed up or down.
Banbury Road: This street is packed with independent fashion retailers, from designer boutiques to those with vintage-inspired flair – it's perfect for those with a taste for something unique. Here you can find delicate blouses and chic black trousers to compliment your tulle skirts and dresses.
Tutu Fashion Insiders
The world of ballet-inspired fashion is getting bigger by the day, and there are some fantastic accounts worth checking out!
- * @balletfashionblog* – an account filled with stunning, modern ballet-inspired fashion looks
- @theballerinaacademy - dedicated to celebrating dancewear as a form of fashion
@balletfashion_paris - a Parisian chic take on ballerina looks
The Final Twirl:
Remember, your autumn style doesn't need to be fussy – it's about feeling comfortable, confident, and adding that signature ballet grace to your everyday wardrobe. Whether you’re exploring the university, grabbing coffee with friends, or attending an evening event, these outfits are a delightful way to channel your inner ballerina and rock an unforgettable, chic autumnal style in Oxford. And remember, most importantly, have fun with it! Let me know what you’re wearing this season.
Until next time,
Emma 💖 #tutufashion
