2023 - Spring time Tutu and Ballet Fashion in Small Heath

Hey, ballet lovers! Emma here, back with another fashion fix. Autumn is here, the air is crisp, and those autumnal hues are calling out to us, just begging for a good tutu-fied makeover. Today we’re going on a stylish adventure through the vibrant heart of Small Heath, Birmingham, exploring ways to translate the elegance of ballet into autumnal chic. Buckle up for some fun, folks, 'cause we're about to dive deep into the world of tutus and twirls!

Let’s start with a little something classic. Navy, that gorgeous shade of blue, is synonymous with autumn, echoing the changing leaves and hinting at those starry nights ahead. For our ballet-inspired take, think about a deep navy tulle skirt, paired with a fitted cream-coloured cashmere sweater, that classic "ballerina meets autumn" combination. A little sparkly necklace adds that extra twinkle to your look. Don't forget about a good pair of ballet flats (think burgundy velvet or a warm metallic gold). And trust me, when the light catches that tulle, it will add a little magic to your everyday life.

Pink is my passion, and you know I can't resist adding some blush to our autumnal ballet look! This time we're incorporating those rich maroon tones you find in falling leaves. A beautiful maroon velvet top or a flowing burgundy silk blouse, tucked into a blush pink tulle skirt, creates an instant "autumnal ballerina" feel. Go for those statement ballet flats - think a gorgeous maroon pair or a pair with delicate embroidery in gold. Remember, when working with bold colour choices like these, you need the right makeup. Embrace soft, smoky eyes with a warm-toned lip, highlighting the natural glow of your face, perfectly matching those blushing leaves.

Who says a tutu needs to be an extravagant showstopper? This season, let's experiment with tulle layers. Imagine a delicate blush tulle skirt layered over a long black or navy maxi dress. Embrace the soft, flowy feeling of autumn by adding a worn, brown leather jacket over this. It's effortlessly cool, easy to wear, and oh so comfortable. Don't forget about your footwear - a pair of black leather ankle boots, perfectly tied in with a blush scarf around your neck, creates a simple yet chic autumn look with just a dash of ballet grace.

Autumn fashion isn't always about subdued hues, darling! It's about finding unique ways to mix things up. Bring the graphic elements of the ballet world into your autumn wardrobe. Think bold, black-and-white geometric print ballet-style leotards paired with black velvet leggings. A delicate tulle skirt in grey or even a rich burgundy would complete this modern take on ballet style, bringing those autumnal vibes. Keep your accessories simple - a pair of leather gloves in black or brown with a dainty gold necklace – a subtle touch of glitz that will tie it all together.

Of course, any ballet enthusiast knows that glamour is always an option. For an elegant evening out in Small Heath, we’re opting for the iconic white tutu. Now, this needs a bit of strategic styling, a touch of that autumnal sophistication. A soft cashmere jumper in black or a rich navy, with a black velvet bow tied around your neck, provides a simple yet dramatic touch, contrasting against that stark white. The perfect finish is a pair of glamorous black ankle boots and a sleek clutch bag. This look oozes elegance, with the perfect touch of ballerina whimsy.

Let's venture beyond those elegant interiors and explore the vibrant streets of Small Heath. Autumn in this charming neighbourhood is a visual feast. There's the gorgeous leafy green park with a cobblestone path, a must-have backdrop for any impromptu photoshoots in your tutu-inspired garb.

Speaking of vibrant, Small Heath's multicultural spirit spills out into its fabulous shops. You’ll find amazing treasures in independent boutiques, all with the potential for a ballet-inspired makeover. From gorgeous knitwear to luxurious silk scarves and elegant hats, you're guaranteed to find unique pieces to elevate your look. The charming tea rooms and cozy cafés around town offer the perfect setting to enjoy a post-shopping snack, embracing that cosy autumn feeling.

As always, when you're out and about in your autumnal ballerina gear, remember to capture it all! Share those photos on social media and make sure to tag #tutufashion so we can all bask in the creative brilliance of your styling. Remember, when it comes to ballet-inspired style, there are no limits! Have fun with it, explore, experiment, and let your inner ballerina shine this season.

Here's a list of places in Birmingham where you can get your ballet fix for all your tutu needs.

• The Dance Factory (Small Heath): This isn’t your average shop – It's the best place to source professional-grade balletwear, but you can find beautiful tutus in varying styles to incorporate into your daily outfit, perfect for bringing some “Tutu Fashion” to the streets. They're also known for great customer service – a little tutu-guidance never hurts, does it?

• House of Fraser: (Bullring, Birmingham) A great place to look for high street essentials that you can tutu-fy – it's also where you'll find designer tutus, perfect for an upscale ballerina look. Be sure to check out the amazing silk blouses and sleek knitwear in House of Fraser, just the right elements for incorporating the tutu into an outfit that works for you.

• Independent Boutiques (Small Heath and the city center): Remember those vintage and quirky shops that we mentioned earlier? This is where your tutu styling adventure begins! Seek out those one-of-a-kind accessories – think sparkling earrings, headbands, and of course, statement handbags that will complement any tutu look.

• Local Flea Markets and Second-Hand Shops (across the city): A little hunt for some vintage gems, be sure to get those old fabrics or repurpose old dance clothes into a new era. That unique one-of-a-kind item to elevate your autumn tutu look. It's a treasure hunt for that stylish ballerina look at a fraction of the price! Remember to check the quality and do a good scrub with a good detergent. This helps to give a fresh take on that vintage aesthetic!

Here's my personal, foolproof guide to help you master the art of Tutu fashion:

• It's All About the Layers: Don’t be afraid to layer tulle! Whether it's adding a tutu over a skirt, a dress, or even over leggings, you'll be embracing that unique multi-dimensional texture for your autumnal outfit.
• The Right Fit: Like a good ballet outfit, comfort is key, darlings. So choose your tulle with care and make sure you get the right fit, so you can twirl your heart out, with a sense of easy comfort.
• Accessorize to Impress: A splash of sparkle or a classic black velvet bow? Let those accessories tell the world about your inner ballerina and elevate the whole outfit with that elegant touch. Remember the smaller, delicate details, like pearl earrings, or even dainty gold charms.

I hope this tutu guide inspires you to find your own unique ballet-inspired style this autumn! Now go out there, explore, and have fun creating those ballerina-worthy looks. Until next time, Happy tutuing, my darlings! #tutufashion

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