Hey darlings! It’s Emma here, your resident ballet enthusiast and all things girly-girl guru. Spring is officially in the air, and that means it's time to ditch the winter blues and embrace the whimsical beauty of pastel hues, floral prints, and – you guessed it – tutus! 💖
Wembley is a vibrant hub with a surprisingly eclectic fashion scene, perfect for putting together a ballet-inspired outfit that screams springtime. Whether you're heading to a local park, catching a show at the iconic Wembley Arena, or simply strolling through the buzzing high street, let's channel our inner prima ballerinas and create some serious tutu-licious style!
A Little Bit of History (and Tutu Inspiration)Before we dive into the sartorial delights of spring fashion, let's take a quick trip down memory lane. You might think tutus are all about frills and fun, but they actually have a rich history! In ballet, tutus originated in the early 19th century and were initially used as practical attire, highlighting the dancers' movements. Over time, they became iconic symbols of grace, elegance, and artistic expression.
From the iconic, billowing Romantic tutu of the early era to the more streamlined, shorter tutu of today, they have become a timeless fashion statement. And what's not to love? Their light, airy silhouette effortlessly combines femininity and boldness, allowing us to express our playful and confident sides!
The Pink Palette of Spring: Finding Your Signature StyleWe all know pink is my absolute favourite hue, and springtime wouldn't be the same without its cheerful, blushing tones! From delicate baby pink to bold magenta, think of pink as your ballet canvas to showcase your unique personality.
Romantic Rose: Embrace soft hues like dusty rose, peach, and blush pink. Think flowy midi dresses with lace detailing, dainty cardigans, and delicate ballerina flats. For a touch of Parisian chic, add a wide-brimmed hat and a simple straw basket.
Bold Ballerina: If you want to make a statement, opt for hot pink, fuchsia, and coral! Try a bright pink jumpsuit, a ruffled mini skirt with a crisp white top, or a statement pink handbag. Bold lipstick and sparkling jewellery complete the look.
Spring Symphony: For a touch of whimsical charm, mix and match different shades of pink. A vibrant pink top with a flowing white skirt, or a pastel pink blazer paired with white jeans, creates a vibrant, spring-ready look.
Remember: There are no strict rules here. Embrace the mix-and-match spirit!
Tutus Beyond the Stage: Everyday Ballet-Inspired ChicThe magic of tutus isn’t limited to the ballet stage. There's a whole world of creative and wearable tutu-inspired styles to discover! Here’s my guide to taking ballet fashion to the streets of Wembley:
1. The Classic Tutu Skirt:
Forget what you think you know about tutus! These are not just for dancers! Today's tutu skirts are super versatile and come in various lengths, colours, and materials. From soft tulle to sequined fabric, you can find the perfect tutu to add a touch of whimsical magic to your everyday wardrobe.
Everyday Style: Pair a tulle skirt with a simple t-shirt, a blouse, or a sweater for a casual yet stylish look. Add sneakers, flats, or ankle boots for a cool vibe.
Party-Ready: Transform a simple tutu skirt into an evening outfit by adding a sequin top, heels, and statement jewellery. You'll be the centre of attention!
2. The Tutu Dress:
Think beyond traditional, flowing silhouettes! Modern tutu dresses come in a variety of lengths and styles. From playful mini dresses to elegant midi options, they're perfect for both daytime outings and special events.
Weekend Casual: Look for a cotton or linen tutu dress in a relaxed fit and pair it with sandals, flats, or Converse.
Evening Glam: Opt for a sleek satin tutu dress, and add stilettos, a clutch, and a bold lipstick for a glamorous and sophisticated evening look.
3. Ballet-Inspired Details:
Add subtle nods to ballet without wearing a full-blown tutu! Look for clothing with details like:
Ribbons and bows: Add a pop of colour and charm with ribbons, bows, and delicate details on tops, blouses, and dresses.
Pointed ballet flats: These elegant shoes offer both comfort and style, perfectly complementing a variety of outfits.
Soft tulle overlays: Layer tulle fabric over skirts, dresses, or jeans to create a whimsical, airy effect.
Sequined and shimmering fabrics: Let your inner star shine with sequined blouses, tops, or skirts!
So, now that you're buzzing with tutu-licious ideas, let's explore some of Wembley's best shops to help you bring those spring-time ballet vibes to life:
For a classic tutu skirt:
The Bridal Shop (180-184 High Rd, Wembley, HA9 6AU): Though this shop focuses on bridal wear, their stock of tutus for bridesmaids and prom wear makes it a hidden gem for finding versatile tutu skirts.
Freemans: This online retailer offers a surprisingly wide selection of affordable and trendy tutu skirts for all occasions.
For beautiful ballet-inspired clothing:
Primark (135-159 High Rd, Wembley, HA9 6AH): It’s no surprise that Primark offers affordable options for trend-driven clothing! Find pastel colours, pretty florals, and flirty feminine pieces to recreate the ballet-inspired look on a budget.
New Look (105-107 High Rd, Wembley, HA9 6AD): This store consistently offers stylish yet affordable options. Find ballet flats, flowy dresses, and blouses with feminine details – all perfect for channelling your inner prima ballerina.
For vintage finds:
- Retro Clothing Market (Various Locations, check social media for dates): This pop-up market offers vintage clothes and accessories, giving you the chance to uncover unique pieces with a timeless charm. It's an excellent spot for discovering authentic, ballet-inspired designs!
For handmade and unique pieces:
- Etsy (Online): Dive into the wonderful world of Etsy and find handmade tutu skirts, accessories, and other fashion finds from independent artists and designers. Support local talent while creating your signature style.
When it comes to completing your ballet-inspired look, don’t forget about the power of accessories!
Hair: Go for a whimsical updo with braids or a loose bun adorned with delicate hair pins, ribbons, or flowers.
Makeup: A fresh and natural look works best for a daytime look, while a dramatic, glamorous eye with bold lips works wonders for evening events.
Shoes: Ballerina flats are a classic choice. Experiment with a bit of colour or detail for a pop of whimsy.
Styling Tips:
Less is More: Embrace a minimalist approach when layering fabrics. One or two key items are better than a heavy layering style.
Be Colourful! Embrace pastels, bright hues, and cheerful patterns to celebrate the vibrancy of springtime.
Be Playful: Have fun with accessories, but choose one or two statement pieces rather than overwhelming your look.
Embrace your Uniqueness: Your personal style is the most beautiful expression of yourself. Remember to express yourself and have fun!
Wembley isn't just a fashion haven! With iconic landmarks like the Wembley Stadium, the SSE Arena, and the O2 Centre, this area is buzzing with a lively atmosphere perfect for enjoying a vibrant day of shopping and exploration.
Enjoy a Spring Stroll:
Wembley Park: Stroll through the beautifully maintained park, have a picnic under the cherry blossom trees, or capture Insta-worthy pics at the iconic Wembley archway.
The Broadway: Take a stroll down this bustling high street and browse the shops, enjoy a delicious lunch at a café, or watch a live performance at the open-air stage.
Celebrate Ballet in Style:
Royal Opera House (London): A little bit of a journey, but the ballet and opera performances here are truly worth it! Embrace the art of ballet while experiencing world-class performances.
English National Ballet (Various locations): Enjoy an inspiring ballet show at this exceptional company, known for its diverse repertoire and contemporary approaches to the art form.
So, there you have it! My guide to incorporating ballet fashion into your spring wardrobe. Remember, style isn't about following trends – it's about finding your own voice, your own unique style. Have fun with fashion, experiment with colour, and embrace the joyful energy of spring!
Don’t forget to share your tutu-licious outfits with me on Instagram, using the hashtag #tutufashion inspired. I’d love to see how you're making ballet-inspired style your own.
Until next time,
Emma
[Photo of Emma, wearing a stylish tutu-inspired outfit in Wembley, with a backdrop of a flower shop and colourful buildings. ]
