Hey there, fashionistas! It's your girl, Amelia, here, bringing you all things tutu and totally rocking this summer's fashion scene. Living in Ilford, you'd think I'd be drowning in floral prints and beige linen, but my love for ballet and a touch of pink has me embracing a unique, tutu-inspired aesthetic that's as vibrant as the sunshine!
Forget those frilly, oversized tulle tutus that are more "fairytale princess" than "summer chic" (although, we do love those for a classic look, right?). We're going for sleek, modern, and totally wearable. It's about embracing the fluidity of dance, the playfulness of a tutu's shape, and injecting that into your everyday outfits. Letâs dive into some serious summer fashion inspiration, all whilst keeping those tutus centre stage!
From Pointe to Party: The Tutu-inspired Outfit Evolution
My life revolves around ballet, so itâs only natural that my love for tutus translates to my wardrobe. Youâd think Iâd just live in leggings and leotards, right? Wrong! There's so much more to tutu fashion than youâd think, especially when you start to weave the essence of the look into casual and elegant ensembles. Hereâs my take on transitioning from the dance studio to a night out, embracing tutu styles all the way:
1. The Daytime Dream: Ballet Basics in the City
Letâs start with a look that screams âI love ballet but I donât want to wear a literal tutuâ. A classic, versatile and comfortable approach would be to embrace the elegant silhouette of a leotard or a bodysuit.
The Leotard: Your Versatile Staple Imagine a black or white leotard â they are so chic and understated, they work perfectly as a foundation for different looks. I pair mine with a simple pair of denim shorts (with a touch of vintage charm, naturally), a statement jacket (think biker style for an edge, or a pastel coloured linen blazer for a breezy summer vibe) and, of course, trainers or a pair of stylish sandals. A touch of playful, pink accessories, such as a little tote bag or delicate gold earrings with a pearl accent, just completes the look. Itâs understated ballet style with a modern twist!
- Body-Con with a Twist
We love a good bodysuit! Think lightweight cotton with interesting straps or cut-out details. I love to wear them tucked into high-waisted skirts, or even tailored wide-legged trousers â it gives off those elegant lines, almost like the fluid motion of a dancer's arabesque.
2. Dinner & Drinks: Ballet meets Cocktail Chic
- Body-Con with a Twist
Here's where we take a playful step towards evening style. We want something elegant and feminine that flows with our body â enter the maxi-skirt. It's all about those swishing layers, mirroring the fullness of a tutu.
The Swishing Maxi: Go for a printed maxi-skirt that makes you feel like youâre stepping onto a ballroom stage. The key is finding a skirt that drapes beautifully, in either silky fabrics like satin, chiffon, or even something more playful like a whimsical floral pattern. A white tank top (think âballerina readyâ), paired with this maxi skirt, elevated by sleek gold sandals, makes for a sophisticated outfit. For a pop of color, why not add a scarf or a little sparkly clutch in a pink shade?
The Power of the Peplum: We can't ignore the playful peplum - it's like a miniature, structured tutu that adds a whimsical flair to any dress or blouse. Peplums can add volume and movement, mirroring the essence of a tutu's twirl. I love wearing a simple, black peplum top with skinny jeans for a chic date night outfit. The key is finding a top thatâs made in a flowy material for added movement, and playing with contrasting colours and textures, just like a dance costume.
3. The Weekend Vibes: A Tutu-Inspired Party-Goer's Guide
Now, it's time for full-on summer fun. Itâs the season for rooftop parties, barbeques, and casual hangs. Hereâs where we unleash our inner dance party princess, channeling the energy of the stage for casual outfits:
Tutu as Top: For the brave ones, thereâs the possibility of incorporating actual tutu fabric into a top or even as a stylish skirt! Look for a tulle panel, a cute tutu skirt for kids that you can âborrowâ and repurpose into a quirky top, or even get creative with scraps of fabric! Itâs all about layering, mixing and matching: a tulle top layered over a simple white tee, for instance, adds a touch of sparkle and playfulness.
Playing with Patterns: Floral, animal print, polka dots... We love incorporating all the fun summery patterns that remind us of ballet costumes. For example, think of a printed flowy dress with delicate layers (itâs the tutu vibe!), paired with strappy sandals and statement jewellery. This is perfect for festivals or a picnic in the park!
A Pop of Pink: Let's face it: pink is pretty much synonymous with tutus. Think of pink and ballerina outfits â that delicate shade has always been a part of the world of ballet. Inject a little pink into your summer looks, like a bright pink statement bag, a touch of pastel pink lipstick or even a pink oversized sunglasses!
Where to Find Your Tutu Inspiration in Ilford:
Itâs no secret that I love all things fashion, especially anything with that ballerina aesthetic! Luckily for me, Ilford has been stepping up its fashion game in recent years, making it a fantastic spot for finding everything you need for the perfect summer outfit with a touch of tutu-inspired magic:
1. Independent Boutiques: The Heart of Ilfordâs Fashion Scene
Lily & Me in Cranbrook Road is one of my favourite spots. Theyâre a haven of unique fashion finds, including an array of independent brands with unique fabrics and a variety of feminine and stylish options. They're great for finding statement pieces for special occasions. I found a beautiful blush-coloured, flowy maxi-skirt there for a recent party that reminded me of a ballerinaâs twirling dress.
Repertoire Boutique: Also in Cranbrook Road, Repertoire offers everything from trendy streetwear to feminine vintage finds. They're an absolute dream for browsing and finding pieces that can be styled with a tutu touch!
2. Ilford Market: For Fashion Bargains
Ilford Market has an array of stalls, each bursting with individuality. Youâll find everything from vintage treasures to the latest high street trends, offering a great chance to hunt down unique fabrics or accessories that can give a unique, vintage-inspired touch to a tutu outfit. Plus, itâs always great for bargain hunting, which is especially welcome when trying to build your wardrobe with fun, seasonal pieces.
3. For the Ultimate Tutu Inspiration: London's Dance Shops
Okay, let's head out of Ilford for a bit, but hear me out, these stores are worth the trip. If you're looking for real tutu inspiration, heading to a dedicated dancewear shop in central London is essential:
Dancewear Central near Covent Garden is my personal favourite! I spend hours browsing through the huge selection of leotards, dancewear, shoes and accessories â and, yes, they even have a fabulous array of tutus in all shapes and sizes! I find their selection of âEveryday Ballerinaâ basics great, offering styles that can easily transition into your everyday wear.
Harlequin Dancewear: Also located in central London, Harlequin Dancewear offers quality and a fantastic selection, making it the perfect stop for professional dancers and beginners alike!
Remember to be Bold and Have Fun
My favourite part of fashion? Having fun! Weâre always trying new things and seeing how we can use different colours, fabrics and textures. Experiment with different shapes and sizes, try out those colour combinations and, most importantly, make a statement.
So go ahead, let loose your inner ballerina, unleash your own personal style and have fun with your #tutustyle, girls. And if you spot me strutting down the streets of Ilford rocking my tutu-inspired outfits, give me a wave â I love meeting other like-minded fashionistas.
