2024 - Spring time Tutu and Ballet Fashion in Arnold

Hey everyone! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-obsessed blogger, back with another fashion fix! With spring finally springing, the air is thick with the sweet scent of blossom, the sun is shining, and I’m itching to ditch my winter woollies and get back into something a bit more whimsical. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a touch of ballerina chic, right?!

Now, I know what you’re thinking. "Tutus? Seriously, Emma?" But hear me out. You don't need to be a professional ballerina to embrace this trend, or to rock the ballet aesthetic. We're talking about the spirit of the tutu. It’s about twirling, it's about flowing fabric, it's about feeling confident and joyful. It’s about playing with fashion and letting your inner ballerina shine!

And guess what? Arnold is a total gem when it comes to sourcing the perfect pieces for your spring tutu-inspired wardrobe. Whether you’re looking for that iconic tut-tastic piece or just want a dash of ballerina flair, I’m about to share my secret haunts and styling tips.

Alright, let's get down to the real deal – the tutu. No springtime ballerina style guide would be complete without a nod to the original, right? Now, Arnold's hidden treasures go beyond just the traditional shop windows, you have to think outside the box, get creative, and embrace the hunt for a real gem!

Here are my fave hunting grounds for the perfect springtime tutu in Arnold:

• Vintage Shops: Arnold has some truly amazing vintage shops that house treasures from yesteryear, often including tutus from theatrical productions or old ballet costumes. These are seriously unique pieces, just bursting with character and perfect for creating a statement look. Check out the likes of “Threads of Time” and “The Attic”, these places have got serious potential for a tut-tastic vintage find!

• Theatrical Costume Hire Shops: You’ll find a treasure trove of possibilities hidden away in these shops. Often with a more theatrical feel, you’ll be sure to find tutus that will take your look to another level. Try “Arnold Theatrical Costumes”, a haven of colour, creativity and a treasure trove of tutus to make your spring fashion dreams come true. They may not always have a whole range of sizes, but trust me, the experience alone is worth it!

• Online Marketplaces: Sometimes the best deals on amazing tutus are to be found online! Etsy, eBay and Depop are your friends here and often home to individual sellers offering one-off, unique, vintage or upcycled tutus. You might find yourself bidding on a beautiful handmade tut or landing yourself a stunning piece that is perfectly unique and ready for some spring-time styling!

My Top Tips for Choosing the Right Tutu:

• Colour: This is HUGE for spring. Think about your wardrobe and pick a shade that complements your other pieces. Pale pink is my personal go-to, it’s a total classic, but there are some fab lavender, peach, and soft blue tutus floating around in Arnold's stores if you want a change of pace!

• Length: Play around! Do you want a short, flirty look or a full, dramatic statement? The perfect length really comes down to what you're going for.

• Fabric: For spring, you want something light and breezy! Tulle and chiffon are ideal – they’ll flow perfectly as you twirl and create a magical look!

• Embellishments: Feather trims, delicate beads, or a bit of shimmer can take your tutu to another level. Keep it elegant and remember, less is often more!

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. While the tutu might be the ultimate statement, you don’t need to wear one to embrace a ballerina inspired vibe. Springtime fashion is all about mixing and matching and creating your own unique looks.

Here's how to bring that ballet elegance into your everyday wardrobe:

• Go for Flowy Fabrics: The ballerina aesthetic is all about movement, so soft and flowy fabrics are key. Look for dresses and tops made from materials like silk, chiffon, and satin – think "swishing as you walk" vibes! I always try to add in a little bit of sparkle or shine to really take a piece to the next level. You’ll find plenty of sparkly details in Arnold's boutiques.

• Embrace Ribbons: Ribbons are your new best friends! They can add a touch of ballerina elegance to anything! Use them to tie your hair back, accent your wrist with a dainty bow, or add a little extra sparkle to a dress. There's a whole world of ribbons to discover!

• Pick Your Pointed Toes: Now, ballet flats are a staple, but for a real twist, why not opt for a pair of stylish pointed pumps? They are perfect for adding an air of elegance to any spring outfit! There’s something about the way pointed shoes make legs look longer and give you that elegant walk that is oh-so- ballerina inspired! There’s an amazing shoe shop in Arnold, “Chic & Poised”, with a killer selection of pointed shoes, trust me you’ll want to treat your feet!

• Monochromatic Moments: Nothing screams elegance like a beautiful monochromatic look! A crisp white dress, black pants with a sleek white top, or a dreamy pastel outfit… these will all be complemented by the sparkle of your chosen ballet jewellery and your hair adorned with delicate hair flowers. And let’s face it, it’s seriously easy to create! My tip: keep your palette in the pale tones! It’s definitely an effortless, chic look that you can wear anywhere.

• Play With Prints: This is a fun area to explore, and one where the lines blur between ballet inspiration and modern fashion trends. Florals and delicate patterns are so spring-friendly. You could add a whimsical polka dot skirt, a print that echoes ballet tights or even a dress with a gentle floral pattern – this is where the ballet element comes in! You can always add a tulle tutu or even a classic leotard and tights as a base!

Hair and Makeup: Okay, now that you've got your clothes sorted, let’s move on to the finishing touches:

• Hair: This is a chance to channel your inner dancer. Think: romantic updos, intricate braids, delicate buns, and maybe a beautiful flower accessory or headband. But let's be real, sometimes a sleek low bun just works - that's where the real ballerina elegance lies.

• Makeup: For a day-time look, keep it light and fresh – a sheer foundation, soft pink blush, a bit of mascara, and a nude lip - a hint of color is enough to tie in with your overall ballerina style. At night? Time to bring on the shimmer! A sparkly eyeshadow, some mascara, a defined lip with a nude gloss, or a bolder red or berry colour, depending on your mood – it’s all about accentuating your natural features with a touch of glamour!

Arnold is a bit of a hidden gem for this kind of fashion! Here’s my guide to the top spots:

• Boutiques: For that truly unique ballerina-inspired look, Arnold's independent boutiques are a MUST-visit. You can often find quirky little stores tucked away down side streets, with vintage finds or local designers' work that you won't see anywhere else. These are your secret weapons for discovering some true one-off finds!

  • "The Button Boutique": This place is fantastic for beautiful embellishments, trims, buttons – the perfect spot to jazz up any tutu, leotard, or dancewear outfit with that added personal touch.
  • "Made with Love": A local designer crafts exquisite hand-knitted dresses and skirts with a modern ballet flair. If you’re looking for something truly special and made with love, this shop is a definite must!

• Secondhand Stores: Don't underestimate these treasure troves! I always find amazing ballet-inspired pieces here.

  • "The Clothes Horse": You'll find loads of amazing vintage pieces at great prices, often with an elegant, timeless feel. You can definitely find that vintage dress or statement scarf that would complete your spring look.

• Department Stores: These can offer a good mix of brands and trends. If you're after classic ballet-inspired styles at accessible prices, Arnold's Debenhams, John Lewis and House of Fraser have everything you need to put together a stylish, ballerina-inspired wardrobe.

  • House of Fraser: It’s got a good selection of elegant skirts and tops that fit in with the flowy silhouette. Plus, look out for their ballet flat selection – I swear, there’s a new pair every week!
  • John Lewis: They’re amazing for everything "classic but with a twist". It’s one of those stores that you can walk into, knowing you can find the perfect mix of everyday styles with some unexpected surprises – you could end up finding the perfect spring tutu without even intending to!

Right, let’s get real! How can we style this in the real world?!

• Spring Brunch: Think a pale pink tutu skirt paired with a white shirt, some delicate ribbon jewelry and comfy, sleek ballet flats. The perfect touch of twirl for a day filled with laughs, delicious food, and springtime vibes.

• Afternoon Picnic in the Park: Pair a ballet-inspired flowy skirt with a pastel-coloured crop top, and add some sparkle with a gold headband and ballet flats. Grab your basket, your friends, and get ready for a blissful day out!

• First Date Outfit: You can’t beat a timeless, monochrome outfit with a little bit of sparkle – think a black midi-skirt and a crisp white blouse paired with a gorgeous necklace and those classic ballet flats. Complete the look with your hair styled in a sleek low bun and a bright red lip. This look will effortlessly embody confidence and elegance – two must-haves for a perfect first date!

Remember, fashion is about experimenting and finding what makes you feel confident and fabulous! This spring, don't be afraid to unleash your inner ballerina, embrace the graceful flow of tulle and ribbons, and let your unique style take the stage. Whether you're twirling around Arnold or simply rocking the look on the daily, always have fun with fashion, explore, and remember: you can always add a bit more glitter!

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