Hello fellow fashionistas and tutu lovers!
Autumn is my favourite season for ballet. The crisp air, the changing leaves, and the chance to embrace darker colours and textures - all make for an inspiring time to play with style both on and off stage. As a dancer and fashion lover, I've always been drawn to the magical allure of the tutu, especially during this time of year. Today, I'm going to share some autumnal tutu fashion inspiration, exploring how we can channel those enchanting autumn vibes through our ballet looks, both in Cambridge and beyond!
Embracing the Earthy Tones of Autumn
Firstly, let's talk colours! Autumn whispers a palette of rich reds, fiery oranges, golden yellows, and deep browns. These colours perfectly translate into our ballet wardrobes, creating a beautiful contrast against the classic white of a tutu.
Burgundy: This dramatic hue brings a sense of elegance and sophistication to the dance studio. Imagine a traditional burgundy velvet bodice with a tulle skirt for an elegant twist on the classic. A deep crimson velvet leotard, paired with a black tulle skirt for contrast, is also a stunning choice.
Deep Greens: These earthy greens, reminiscent of forests and autumn leaves, bring a sense of calmness and grace to any ballet ensemble. Think a beautiful emerald green velvet leotard with a flowing tulle skirt in a slightly lighter green. You can also explore pairing different shades of green for an added dimension of depth and interest.
Rich Oranges: A pop of vibrant orange is perfect for injecting a little fire into your autumn ballet look. A fiery orange leotard with a brown tulle skirt creates a captivating visual that feels modern and energetic. Pair this look with black ballet shoes and some orange nail polish for an even bolder look.
Burnt Sienna: This earthy brown colour has a sophisticated charm, allowing us to play with layers and textures. Try a beautiful burnt sienna velvet jacket over a simple black leotard and tutu. The contrast is dramatic yet elegant and beautifully reflects the richness of the season.
Tutu Fashion: Beyond the Studio
But autumnal tutu fashion doesn't stop at the dance studio doors. I love exploring ways to seamlessly translate these ideas into everyday looks, especially here in beautiful Cambridge.
The Tutu Skirt: My go-to for an autumnal city look is a flowing tutu skirt in a deep colour like maroon or a dusty brown. Pair it with a black turtleneck sweater and some stylish ankle boots. This combination looks effortlessly chic, while the tutu skirt adds a playful element to an otherwise understated look. Don't forget to add a statement piece of jewellery, a delicate chain necklace or some chandelier earrings, to complement the vibrant tones of your skirt.
Velvet for Texture and Comfort: There’s nothing quite as cozy as velvet during the fall, and this luxuriously smooth fabric looks incredible with a tutu skirt. A vintage-inspired velvet blazer, a fitted velvet top, or a loose velvet dress with a flowing tutu skirt creates an elegant and timeless ensemble perfect for Cambridge’s cultural scene. For a casual daytime look, pair a velvet bomber jacket over a simple turtleneck and your trusty tutu skirt for a cool and comfy vibe.
Tutu & Trench Coat: No autumn look is complete without a timeless trench coat. I love layering a long, stylish trench coat over a midi tutu skirt, giving an ethereal and dramatic twist to this classic piece. You can play with contrasting colours and patterns, for example, a navy trench over a bright red tutu or a light brown trench over a dusty pink tutu. This look works flawlessly for a casual lunch or afternoon strolling through the enchanting King's College grounds.
Embrace the Playfulness
My advice for making tutu fashion work is all about embracing playfulness and individuality. Here are a few extra tips for putting together some winning autumn tutu looks:
Mix and match patterns: A patterned turtleneck with a flowing tulle skirt can add a playful touch to a more formal look.
Play with textures: Combine fabrics like velvet, lace, or leather for a richer and more dimensional feel.
Don't shy away from layering: Experiment with layering jackets, cardigans, or even a turtleneck over a simple tutu to add warmth and style.
Accessorised to Perfection: Don't forget about the finishing touches! A pair of delicate ballet flats in a contrasting colour, a stylish beret, a chain bag, or a colourful scarf can all enhance your autumn tutu look.
Tutu Fashion in Cambridge
Cambridge, with its beautiful historic architecture and quaint cobblestone streets, offers endless inspiration for autumnal tutu fashion.
Shopping at The Grand Arcade: Here, you can find unique pieces from independent shops, perfect for creating those statement autumnal looks. Keep an eye out for the stylish boutiques along the Arcade's pedestrian-friendly lanes, or pop into some of the department stores like John Lewis or Fenwick for an abundance of designer and high-street fashion.
The River Cam for Dramatic Photoshoots: The serene river and lush green foliage of the River Cam offer a breathtaking backdrop for any tutu-clad photoshoot. Embrace the romantic, whimsical, and dreamy aura of Cambridge.
Charming Cafés & Restaurants: Enjoy an afternoon coffee and a cake with a fashionable tutu ensemble at a cute Cambridge café, or grab dinner with your friends at a stylish restaurant with a captivating riverside view.
#tutufashion
I'm excited to see how you all style your autumn tutus! Use the hashtag #tutufashion and share your looks online. Let's inspire each other with playful fashion, embracing the beautiful colours and textures of this magical season. I'm off to explore the streets of Cambridge for some tutu fashion inspiration, and I can't wait to share what I find!
Until next time, happy dancing and styling!
Emma
