Hey fashionistas! Itâs Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood ballet dancer with a passion for all things twirl-worthy. As the crisp autumn air begins to sweep across London, the cityâs fashion scene comes alive with a kaleidoscope of colours and textures. For me, that means one thing â itâs tutu season!
But wait, you might say, âEmma, itâs autumn. Surely you wouldnât wear a tutu now, would you?â Oh, my dears, youâd be surprised!
Think of it this way â tutus arenât just for the stage. Theyâre versatile, adaptable pieces that can be incorporated into everyday style with a touch of whimsy and elegance. We just have to be a bit more creative with the styling!
This autumn, London is blooming with a plethora of pink and rosy hues, the perfect compliment to the vibrant shades of golden leaves cascading from the cityâs ancient trees. Here are some of my favourite ways to wear tutu fashion in a quintessentially autumnal London, without sacrificing a single bit of sparkle:
1. The Chic Balletcore Look
Letâs kick off with a trend thatâs taking the fashion world by storm â Balletcore. Think minimalist elegance with a touch of ethereal drama.
- The Hero Piece: Start with a blush-pink tulle skirt, a true testament to the timeless allure of the ballerina. I adore those with multiple layers, each one offering a whisper of romance with every twirl.
- The Layering Game: Layer your tulle skirt with a luxurious cashmere sweater, a slouchy knit cardigan, or a chic trench coat. The contrast in textures will add depth and dimension to your look.
- Footwear Frenzy: Donât forget your footwear. Pair your tutu skirt with ankle boots, sleek loafers, or even those statement knee-high boots for a touch of fierceness.
- The Finishing Touches: Complete the ensemble with a statement earring, a delicate necklace, and a classic tote bag. Think of a sleek black clutch for evenings and a spacious shopper for day-to-day outings. A pop of colour on your lips (think soft berry shades!) will complement the look beautifully.
2. The Tutu-on-Tutu Fusion
For the fearless fashionistas among you, a tutu-on-tutu ensemble is a truly head-turning choice. And yes, I do mean another tutu!
- The Foundation: Start with a plain, streamlined dress, ideally a slip dress or a midi-length skirt, to act as the base for your playful layers. Opt for shades of cream, brown, or navy to create a harmonious base.
- The Tiers of Tulle: Next, add layers of tulle over the base, starting with a full-bodied, opaque tutu in a dusky rose, deep burgundy, or even a richly toned plum. Experiment with varying lengths to create movement and a touch of theatrical drama.
- Texture and Dimension: Play with different types of tulle â try combining smooth, soft tulles with textures like sequins, embroidered tulle, or even a layer of feathers.
- The Finishing Touches: Pair the look with heeled ankle boots for an edgy yet feminine feel, or go for a bohemian vibe with heeled suede sandals and delicate beaded necklaces. A headband or a beret adds a Parisian chic touch.
3. The Casual-Chic Ballerina
Autumn neednât mean sacrificing comfort for style! This casual chic approach allows you to bring your inner ballerina out even when youâre running errands.
- The Statement Piece: Opt for a pink tutu with an unexpected silhouette â think a shorter length, an asymmetric hemline, or even a more textured, less-structured tulle.
- Everyday Layering: Layer a loose-fitting button-down shirt, a classic denim jacket, or a simple t-shirt on top of your tulle skirt. The juxtaposition of textures will create a uniquely captivating look.
- The Perfect Footwear: Choose comfortable footwear! Go for classic white trainers with a hint of sparkle, suede loafers, or chunky ankle boots.
- The Accessories: Add a bold chain necklace, a floppy beret, or a pair of chunky knit socks to round out the outfit.
The London Autumn Itinerary for Tutu Fashion Lovers
Here are some locations around London perfect for showcasing your tutu style and catching the autumn vibes:
1. The Royal Parks: Richmond Park, Hyde Park, or Regentâs Park, with their carpets of golden leaves and picturesque autumn colours, are perfect backdrops for twirling and photography in your autumnal tutu ensembles.
2. The Victoria & Albert Museum: London's famed V&A Museum holds some incredible costume exhibitions showcasing historical and contemporary design, and their Fashion & Textiles collection has beautiful displays featuring the craftsmanship of tutus. Theyâre a perfect source of inspiration.
3. Borough Market: The vibrant hustle and bustle of Borough Market provides the ideal atmosphere to experiment with a more edgy, street-style tutu look.
4. The Notting Hill Gate Area: Notting Hill is a haven for chic and trendy boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. Itâs the ideal spot for exploring high-end tutu fashion options or putting together a unique layered tutu look with the latest trends.
5. The Covent Garden Piazza: The enchanting cobblestone streets of Covent Garden create a magical atmosphere for ballet-inspired looks. Be sure to grab some festive drinks at one of the areaâs many cafes, while admiring your reflection in the windows.
Tips for Choosing Your Tutu This Autumn:
- Fabric is Key: Autumn fabrics like velvet, corduroy, or lace beautifully complement tulle.
- Embrace Layers: Tutus are wonderful for layering! Experiment with different lengths, textures, and colors to create unique and dynamic ensembles.
- Accessorise: Autumn calls for cozy accessories: think chunky knit beanies, cosy scarves, and those iconic knee-high boots.
- Footwear Flexibility: Experiment with different shoe options â loafers, ankle boots, sneakers, and even flatforms add personality and a touch of cool to the tutu look.
Conclusion:
Autumn is the perfect time to let your inner ballerina shine through! So, grab a tutu or two (and maybe some leaves for an added touch of fall!), find your own favourite autumnal corner of London, and embrace the magic of ballet-inspired fashion. Donât forget to tag me in your autumnal tutu creations on Instagram â I can't wait to see your unique styles! #tutufashion
