Hello, fellow tutu enthusiasts! It’s your girl, Olivia, back with another dose of all things tulle, sparkles, and fashion-forward ballet. Summer's finally arrived, and let me tell you, Kensington's been buzzing with an electric mix of sunshine and tutu-inspired style. I mean, who doesn’t love a good swirl of pink tulle on a warm summer day?
As a dancer, I've always felt that there's a special kind of magic woven into a tutu's delicate fabric. It’s a feeling of strength and grace, of femininity and power, all rolled into one fluffy, perfectly-pleated package. And, believe me, Kensington is a hotbed of tutu fashion! I recently did a walkabout, scoping out the latest trends and the stores where you can snag yourself some serious ballet-inspired style.
From Ballet to High Street:
First stop, my all-time favourite – Liberty. It's a treasure trove of the most divine, delicate fabrics you could ever imagine. Just imagine, flowing, lightweight silk for your perfect summer evening dress – think flowing, romantic silhouettes in pastels with the tiniest hint of sparkle for a bit of ballerina magic. There’s an air of refined elegance that’s just begging to be paired with a soft, tulle overskirt – for that effortless ballerina chic.
Next, let's wander over to The Kensington Market. I swear, every corner of that market feels like an artistic masterpiece, brimming with independent brands and vintage gems. It’s a true fashionista's dream! The key to achieving the "tutu look" on the high street is to play with textures. This summer, it's all about mixing delicate chiffons, delicate tulles, and those statement vintage silk scarves that feel like they’re straight out of a bygone era of opulent ballet. And speaking of statement scarves – don't forget about the vintage stalls on Kensington Church Street. You’ll find an abundance of antique fabric, beaded embellishments, and stunning vintage pieces begging to be re-imagined.
The Pink Palette
Let's face it, my inner child has a soft spot for pink, and so does Kensington! The Pink Mamma bar, located on Kensington Church Street, boasts a dreamy blush aesthetic, blending flawlessly with the street’s general rosy vibes. It’s the perfect setting to get those Instagram shots – imagine you, posing gracefully, radiating confidence, surrounded by pink blooms and a soft pink tulle skirt!
If you’re a little bolder, embrace the ‘fiery fuchsia’ trend – think hot pink sequins paired with a vibrant tutu-inspired skirt. It's a dramatic contrast that really pops – a bold expression of your confident, summery self. If you’re like me and love to embrace the subtle, opt for those beautiful pastel shades: lilac, peach, or blush. And you’ve got to take advantage of Kensington's floral bounty! The streets are filled with pastel-toned flower shops bursting with peonies, hydrangeas, and other delicate blooms that echo the sweetness of the ballerina aesthetic. You’ve got to find the prettiest bouquets and add those flowers as embellishments – hair, or dress, you're good to go.
Ditch the Pointed Shoes
It wouldn't be a tutu-inspired summer look without those effortlessly chic flats. I'm talking those delicate ballerinas with satin ribbons – there's nothing that says "graceful" like a pair of pretty ballet pumps. For a relaxed look, the Birkenstock craze is still going strong. Those iconic, chunky sandals will bring that effortlessly chic vibe, with just a hint of edge.
Accessorize with Flair:
No ballerina look is complete without the right accessories! A sleek silver pendant necklace, dangling pearl earrings, or a pair of dazzling diamanté clips for your hair. And don’t forget the delicate tulle hair ribbons. A hint of colour is perfect, like a light, pastel ribbon to add a touch of playful colour to a sophisticated ballerina updo. The key is to keep it elegant and effortless!
Finding Your Perfect Tutu
You've got to admit, every fashion-loving girl has that secret yearning for a perfect tutu. Here in Kensington, you can truly indulge in your ballerina dreams. Head to Dancewear Central – it’s located on Kensington High Street – they offer a vast selection of tutus for every taste.
If you're after something a bit more unique, explore those fabulous vintage shops. Those vintage tulle skirts, with the exquisite detail and a story whispered from a bygone era, just make me melt! The best part about incorporating these finds is the unexpected element of individuality – you won't see everyone else rocking the same design.
Final Touches:
Keep in mind that there's an undeniable femininity and elegance that’s intrinsic to every tutu. Keep your makeup light, natural, and radiant – maybe a bit of pink blush to accentuate your features, or some sparkly, rose-gold eye shadow to amplify the inner diva!
There's nothing like a sprinkle of glittery magic to really make that "tutu" feeling complete. It’s about finding the pieces that bring out the inner ballerina in every woman. So embrace those playful frills and soft, delicate textures and get ready to feel beautiful.
And remember, you can follow me on Instagram – @oliviasballetstyle for the latest updates and more tips on how to work the ballerina aesthetic this summer. And remember, this is a fashion-forward exploration – embrace every element, but always add your personal flair to your ensemble!
Have fun exploring, and don’t forget, it's all about the way you wear it. After all, true fashion is all about the confidence and the story you choose to tell with your style.
#tutustyle #tutufashion
