Leotard Fashion 59

Leotard Fashion in Bath: A Dancer’s Guide to the Hottest Trends #leotardfashion So, the other day, I was popping into the local ballet shop, as you do, and was blown away by the selection of leotards. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like they suddenly had holographic leotards in stock or anything, but they’d gotten some new lines and, well, I felt like I needed to tell everyone. Because leotard fashion is so much more than just a practical piece of kit. Think of the sheer variety, the beautiful colours, and let’s be honest, it’s one of the few items of clothing where it’s completely acceptable to flash a bit of skin. No, don’t worry, not literally. That’s the great thing about the modern leotard – you’ve got all the coverage you want! Anyway, here are a few trends that I think are seriously hot in the leotard game right now and that are sure to be bringing all the good vibes to the barre: • **The Bold Colour**. We’re seeing a real shift from classic black leotards (which of course will never truly go out of fashion) to bright, saturated colours like coral, royal blue, and sunshine yellow. A pop of colour is really gonna give your outfit the confidence boost it needs, which in turn can definitely improve your performance – just ask anyone who’s felt the benefit of a little "lucky dance shoes" magic. • **Mesh and See Through**. Yes, leotards are having a moment with mesh, and you can now get leotards in all sorts of see-through fabrics that just give the whole “athleisure chic” aesthetic another level of elegance. They are quite literally like, "Oh yes, I'm in an artfully styled mesh leotard...and I know it. And it makes me feel *amazing*. Look at me, I’m rocking it!" Now that’s the type of confidence that really elevates a performance. • **The Cut-out Leotard**. The cut-out leotard is a classic and the modern styles are more elaborate, and you’ll find interesting, daring cutouts that accentuate the back and the shoulders, all whilst keeping your physique in focus. But let’s be real – if you're rocking a leotard you've got that dancer physique, and we love it! • **The Floral Leotard**. It’s fair to say that florals are very in, even in leotard land. We’re seeing floral patterns splashed across leotards – and even on tights too! A floral leotard is a must-have for your collection, giving a fresh, playful vibe and really softening the usual, sleek image of the dancer. Accessorise Like a Queen: Tutus & Leg Warmers But no leotard outfit is truly complete without some killer accessories. • **The Tutu**. Don’t be afraid of the tutu. The classic, Romantic tutu is very on-trend now, but, for a more modern look, a contemporary ballet tutu can really help complete the modern look. If you want to create a super cool style, maybe ditch the ballet tutu and try a little gymnastic style one instead. A tulle skirt over your leotard is another great, less obvious alternative. They're so easy to layer, and instantly create a gorgeous silhouette. • **Leg Warmers**. If you are a dancer or gymnast who's worried about keeping warm, leg warmers are definitely something you’ll need! They also come in all sorts of styles, colours and patterns so you can go as matchy-matchy with your leotard as you like, or add a contrasting pop of colour or print to spice up your look. • **Footwear**. You can’t talk about leotards without talking about footwear, of course, especially as shoes make a huge difference to any leotard outfit. Ballet pumps for classic ballerina looks are still absolutely essential but you’ll also see lots of dancers wearing sleek, fashionable trainers. Shopping Local Personally, when I'm in Bath I love browsing the shelves at **[Shop Name]**, a gem of a dance shop just down the road, they have an incredible selection of everything from leotards and tutus to dance shoes, warm-up wear, and all the accessories you could ever need. And if you’re new to leotard fashion, don't be afraid to try something new. A good dancewear store should always have a helpful and friendly team who’ll give you all the advice you need to pick out the perfect leotard. Plus, it’s important to remember that feeling comfortable and confident in what you wear can really boost your mood and make a huge difference to your dance experience! It’s about self-expression, having fun with your style and making leotards feel less “uniform” and more of a statement. Let’s see you rocking the leotard trend – I wanna see all your fabulous, fashion forward leotard selfies – tag me on Instagram at [Instagram handle] and don’t forget to use #leotardfashion