Hey ballerinas and fashionistas! Itâs your girl, Lily, back with another scoop from the world of ballet fashion â and this time, weâre diving deep into the delightful tutu scene right here in Saint Albans! I know, I know, youâre probably picturing tutus in your head, those fluffy, dreamy, super-classic ones, but trust me, thereâs a whole new world of tutu styles out there waiting to be explored.
Iâve always been obsessed with tutus. I mean, who can resist a skirt that literally screams "I'm a ballerina"? But even I have been amazed at how much tutu style has evolved, especially over the summer. Think sunshine, bold colours, and enough sparkle to rival the sun itself! And what better place to catch a glimpse of this amazing trend than in the heart of Saint Albans?
Iâve spent the last few weeks snooping around the local shops and spotting some serious tutu magic. Forget those stiff, predictable "just-for-the-stage" styles â we're talking tutus that are made for strutting down the street, chilling by the river, or even popping into a cafĂ© for a cheeky iced latte.
Where to find your perfect Tutu in Saint Albans:
Let's dive right in, starting with the absolute MUST-VISITS for any tutu aficionado. These are the shops where you can find the best tutu pieces and get expert advice on styling:
1. The Dance Shop Located on [Shop Address and Opening Hours], The Dance Shop isn't your average shop. Forget dusty old shelves; think of this as a colourful, swirling vortex of all things tutu-tastic. Here's why I love it:
- The range: This is the ultimate place to find everything from classic dance tutus (perfect for a photoshoot or even for ballet class!), to street-style tutus made with stunning fabrics.
- Friendly advice: The staff at The Dance Shop truly know their stuff. They'll happily help you find the perfect style for your body and personality, and are great at suggesting creative ways to rock your new tutu.
- Workshops galore: The Dance Shop also runs some incredible tutu workshops â imagine making your own tutu, learning all the tricks of the trade, and ending up with a piece unique to you. I've done a few workshops here and they're such a blast!
2. Boutique by Design Nestled on [Shop Address and Opening Hours], Boutique by Design is all about stylish femininity. Here, youâll find those dreamy, ethereal tutus perfect for a special event. Theyâve also got some incredible accessories that would look amazing paired with a tutu - think sparkly bags, statement jewellery, and those perfectly impractical yet stylish headbands!
3. Second-hand Wonders Remember, girls, it's not about new or expensive, it's about style! This town is home to some absolute treasures in the second-hand market. If you're looking for vintage tutus that have real character and style, check out these hidden gems:
- The Little White Shop: This charity shop is filled with fabulous finds! They get so much in and itâs truly a case of âif you donât want it, youâll never find it again!â
- The Saint Albans Thrift Market: This takes place on the first Saturday of every month and itâs truly a treasure hunterâs dream! Iâve found amazing vintage tutu pieces there for a few quid!
- Online Platforms: Letâs not forget about the amazing world of vintage clothing on online marketplaces. Try apps like Depop and Vinted, or online shops that specialise in vintage clothes. You never know what beautiful tutu bargains you might find!
Tutu Trends for Summer 2023:
Ok, now for the fun part â what tutu styles are actually trending this summer? Think beyond the basic pink and into a world of colour, texture, and personal expression. Here's my hot take on the summer's hottest tutu looks:
1. The "Bold and Bright" Tutu Goodbye, timid pastels! This summer's all about statement shades. Think electric blues, shocking pinks, fiery reds â the more vibrant, the better! Pair this with a classic white crop top, some gold hoops, and chunky white trainers for a street-style vibe. You'll definitely turn heads with this bold look.
2. The "Glitz and Glamour" Tutu Sparkle and shimmer are major keywords for this summerâs tutu style. Think layers of sequins, intricate beading, and embellishments that will make you glow from within. This style screams âglamour' â pair it with a satin camisole, strappy heels, and a sleek hairdo for a truly elegant evening look.
3. The "Floral Fiesta" Tutu We're channeling our inner flower child with this gorgeous trend. Think floral prints â bold and colourful or soft and romantic â paired with a vintage-style tulle tutu. Perfect for garden parties, picnics in the park, or simply rocking that sweet and whimsical aesthetic.
4. The "Layering Queen" Tutu Forget sticking to just one tutu; this season is all about layers! Try pairing a short tutu with a flowy skirt or a pair of culottes. Add a denim jacket for a casual vibe, or a chic blazer for an edgier look.
5. The "Classic Chic" Tutu Donât forget the timeless beauty of a simple, classic tutu! Choose a classic black, white, or ivory. These work beautifully with any look. Dress them up or down; you canât go wrong with a little timeless elegance.
Tutu Style Hacks:
Now that you're in the know about the best tutu trends, let's dive into some style hacks for taking your tutu fashion from âmehâ to âamazing.â
1. Think about the occasion: The occasion for which you're wearing your tutu will play a huge part in how you style it. Think: * Beachy Vibes: Embrace breezy fabrics like cotton or chiffon and pair with flip-flops or sandals. * Party Queen: Go all out with glam jewellery and heels, and consider a sparkling clutch. * Street Style Chic: Keep it cool and casual with denim jackets, t-shirts, trainers, and bold accessories.
2. The Art of Layering: Donât limit yourself to one piece! Play with layers to create interest and depth in your outfit: * Tutu with jeans or culottes: A classic combo that looks surprisingly stylish. * Layering Tutus: A shorter tutu under a longer one creates an intriguing and playful silhouette. * Layering with shirts:* Opt for a t-shirt, crop top, or even a classic white shirt.
3. Master the Art of Accessories: Accessories can elevate your tutu look: * Bold Jewellery: Go big or go home with statement necklaces, chunky earrings, or a pile of bracelets. * Chic Footwear: Experiment with everything from trainers and flats to sandals and heels. * Bags and Scarves:* Choose a tote bag, a crossbody, or even a scarf to complete the look.
Tutu Fashion Tips and Tricks 1. Embracing your Individual Style: I love tutus, but the most important thing is for you to find styles that YOU love, no matter whatâs trendy. Donât be afraid to experiment with colour, length, texture, and even personalize them with accessories and details that reflect your unique personality! 2. Find a Tutu Tailoring Genius: It can be a challenge finding tutus that perfectly fit. Luckily, there are great tailoring shops here in Saint Albans who can make those adjustments to ensure that your new tutu fits like a dream. 3. Donât Be Afraid to Mix and Match! Who says you canât pair a denim jacket with a floral tutu or a t-shirt with a sequinned tutu? Mixing and matching is all part of the fun of exploring style, so embrace your inner fashion rebel and play around until you find the perfect blend.
My Top Tutu picks:
This blog wouldn't be complete without showing off some of my fave tutu pieces that Iâve been seeing around Saint Albans lately. Get ready for a splash of colour and style inspiration!
1. The "Electric Blue" Tutu: I spotted this absolute stunner at the Dance Shop! Electric blue with intricate detailing, it screams summer fun and sophistication all at once. I plan to pair it with a classic white top, gold hoops, and comfy white sneakers for a look that's bold and playful.
2. The "Flirty Floral" Tutu: Iâve been seeing these everywhere and theyâre such a beautiful take on the summer floral trend. The floral print I saw at Boutique by Design is utterly enchanting â it's delicate and sweet, perfect for those relaxed summer events.
3. The "Glitter-Bombed" Tutu: Imagine sequins as far as the eye can see â this piece from the Dance Shop is all about glamour and dazzling elegance. This tutu needs a simple but striking outfit to showcase its incredible shine.
Final thoughts:
Saint Albans is quickly becoming a must-visit for those who appreciate the beauty of a tutu. With amazing shops, vintage finds galore, and so much creative potential for styling, the city is a wonderland for embracing that ballerina-chic aesthetic! So, let your inner ballerina shine! Iâd love to hear what tutu styles YOUâRE loving and how youâre rocking them. Letâs chat in the comments!
Hashtags: #tutustyle #tutufashion #balletfashion #saintalbansfashion #summervibes #stylishballerina
