Hello everyone! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood ballet enthusiast and fashionista. Autumn is my favourite time of year – the air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and everything feels so wonderfully romantic. It's the perfect season to embrace my love for tutus and create some truly unique and captivating outfits.
This month, I’m taking you on a tour of Stevenage, my beloved home town, to showcase some of the best ways to rock tutu fashion this fall. Think lush browns, golden yellows, and pops of jewel tones, all paired with the ethereal grace of a tutu. It's a symphony of textures, colours, and styles that perfectly embodies the magic of this season.
Let’s dive in and explore some must-have autumn tutu styles, perfect for exploring the town or catching a ballet performance.
Where to Shop:
Before we get into the looks, let's talk shopping. Stevenage has some gems for finding those perfect tutu pieces to complete your autumn wardrobe:
Primark (The Forum Shopping Centre): Primark is always a fantastic option for affordable and trendy basics. Their selection of tulle skirts in earthy tones or black can be used as a base for your tutu look. Don’t forget to check their accessories section for hats, bags, and scarves to add a touch of autumnal charm!
TK Maxx (The Forum Shopping Centre): This retail haven is a treasure trove for unique finds, including quirky tutu-inspired items. Look out for patterned tights, sparkly tops, and velvet jackets for a touch of glamour.
The Clothes Shop (Stevenage High Street): This independent boutique offers a wide array of clothing, jewellery, and accessories for a more individual look. Their vintage and pre-loved collection is great for finding unique and eco-conscious tutu pieces.
John Lewis (The Forum Shopping Centre): While this department store is more for those on a larger budget, it has a beautiful range of classic ballet wear that could be effortlessly styled into everyday looks. They have a wonderful selection of high-quality tights in various textures and colours that are perfect for a tutu outfit.
Tutu Styles for Every Autumn Occasion:
Now, onto the fun part: creating your very own autumn tutu looks.
1. Casual Day Trip:
Imagine strolling through Stevenage's beautiful Fairlands Valley Park or enjoying a picnic in the gardens. A casual yet stylish tutu look for this occasion is:
- Tulle Skirt: A simple black or beige tulle skirt, layered for fullness.
- T-shirt or Jumper: Layer with a cosy knit sweater in a vibrant autumn hue like burgundy or rust, or a graphic T-shirt for a playful vibe.
- Knee-High Boots or Loafers: Opt for comfy knee-high boots or suede loafers to complement the outfit's relaxed vibe.
- Accessories: A beanie in a soft colour or a colourful scarf will add a pop of personality, while a satchel or crossbody bag adds practical convenience.
2. Coffee Date in Style:
Nothing beats grabbing a latte at the independent coffee shop in the town centre, "Coffee at Nine." For this chic café date, try:
- Tutu Skirt: A mini tulle skirt in a deep, jewel-toned colour like emerald or sapphire will add instant elegance.
- Sweater Dress or Bodycon Top: Layer over a fitted sweater dress or a snug bodycon top for a refined touch.
- Tights: Wear patterned tights for an extra splash of personality.
- Heels: Finish with delicate ankle boots or stiletto heels for a statement.
- Accessories: Opt for delicate jewellery like a necklace or earrings to elevate your look. A statement clutch adds to the evening charm.
3. Theatrical Evening:
Going to the theatre for a night of classic ballet at the Gordon Craig Theatre? This is where you can fully embrace your inner ballerina:
- Tutu Skirt: Choose a fuller, traditional ballet tutu in white, blush, or a striking colour like navy.
- Blouse or Turtleneck: Layer with a silk blouse or a simple turtleneck in a complementary shade.
- Heels or Ballet Flats: Stilettos or platform heels give a theatrical edge, while chic ballet flats keep the look grounded.
- Accessories: Add a delicate hair scarf or headband and complete with a statement piece of jewellery.
- Statement Coat: A dramatic coat, either tailored or with a playful touch, adds the final touch.
Tutu Fashion: Going Beyond the Traditional:
One thing I love about tutu fashion is how versatile it can be. You can embrace the essence of ballet while expressing your own unique style. Experiment with unexpected pairings:
Denim and Tutu: A classic denim jacket thrown over a tulle skirt creates a perfect casual yet sophisticated look.
Layering: Tulle skirts can be worn with a plain T-shirt and blazer for a contemporary twist.
Accessories: Play with colour and texture – add a fedora, patterned tights, statement earrings, or even a beret for a chic finish.
Inspired by Ballet:
Of course, you don't need a traditional tutu to embrace a ballet-inspired aesthetic. Here are some styling tips:
Structured silhouettes: Think form-fitting pencil skirts, fitted trousers, or midi-length dresses with sleek lines. These can mimic the elegance and control associated with ballet.
Monochromatic ensembles: Embrace a tonal look, focusing on a single colour family, creating a sense of fluidity and balance.
Delicate details: Think lace inserts, ribbon embellishments, or intricate beading to add a subtle hint of ballet glamour.
Colour Palette Inspiration:
Warm Hues: Think rich brown, burnt orange, ochre, mustard, and deep burgundy. These earthy tones create a sense of warmth and coziness, perfect for fall.
Cool Tones: Play with jewel tones like sapphire, emerald, amethyst, or ruby for a pop of vibrancy against the autumnal backdrop.
Neutral Elegance: Classic black, navy, grey, or beige can provide a canvas for bolder colours and textures, allowing your tutu to shine.
Embrace the Autumn Spirit with Tutu Fashion:
Stevenage is the perfect town to embrace autumn's charm while embracing the graceful magic of tutus. Remember to embrace your individuality and have fun with it. Create a wardrobe that feels uniquely YOU!
Don’t forget to share your looks with me on social media. Use the hashtag #tutufashion and let me see your autumnal ballet style!
And now, with my own Tutu fashion guide complete, I'm off to explore Stevenage with a little added sparkle and a whole lot of inspiration. See you in my next post!
