Leotard Style 101

Paignton: Leotard Style & Tutu Trends Hello from Paignton! If you know me, you know I love a good leotard – I am, after all, a ballerina, gymnast and (as you’ve hopefully gathered from this very blog post) a fashion enthusiast. Paignton might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think “fashion capital” but let me tell you – it's got it going on. I mean, Paignton’s beach has got some pretty gorgeous scenery for fashion inspiration and it’s actually a really fab place for discovering stylish, unique leotards that you won’t find in every high street store. My Paignton Leotard Hunting Grounds I’ve found some absolute gems around the town! You might find it a bit unexpected but honestly, even the smallest independent boutiques often have hidden leotard treasures. Here are some of my favourite spots, where I find fabulous leotards and even the most beautiful, sparkly, frilly and fabulously outrageous tutus: - **That funky independent dance shop by the harbour?** I've found a few beauties in there. The staff are absolute angels too! You can always get great advice on picking the right cut and fabric, and they’re super knowledgeable about brands like Capezio and Bloch. (Seriously though, have you seen Capezio’s new colour collection? It's the bomb.com!). They’ve also got amazing tutus in a variety of styles from classic romantic ones to more modern, architectural numbers - definitely worth checking out for inspiration. - **Don't be fooled by those chain stores, either.** You’d be surprised what you can unearth there sometimes. I picked up a pair of incredible pink leotard and tutu combo the other week! - **A little-known tip: keep an eye on the charity shops too!** Okay, this might sound a little wild, but if you have time, a little snoop in those charity shop racks can actually yield some major gems. The other day, I found this divine black lace leotard for £5! Can you believe it?! I styled it up with some colourful ribbons for a statement look that could easily pass for a designer number, which makes me happy to be eco-friendly. - **For a special occasion look? It has to be online.** Of course, Paignton does not (yet, although who knows) have a flagship for all the major brands but we have access to those websites. For my recital, I bought the most elegant velvet leotard from a British brand online that sells everything from ballet wear to pole dancing outfits! So you see, this whole online-shopping thing actually works out great for Paignton as we have all the big brands literally at our fingertips, but what we need is some fabulous, independent boutiques! Beyond Paignton Of course, there’s more to life than just leotard hunting (though it might be my favorite part!) and Paignton's got this lovely coastal vibe. So after scouring the shops and finding that dream leotard, why not grab a coffee at one of those cute independent cafes with amazing views of the harbour? Perfect excuse to pose in your new leotard! Paignton’s Fashion Culture I feel like there’s this really unique style coming out of Paignton. You’ve got your classic dance looks with a twist of something bold and exciting that Paignton brings – the seaside. Maybe it’s because I just adore the place (though I might be a tad biased!) but this really is a town where individuality shines through in leotard style! It's fun to play with different fabrics and textures, add unique touches like a scarf, jewellery, a dramatic hairdo or an incredible make-up look to your leotard. That’s where it really gets interesting - making the leotard something more than just dancewear but your own individual fashion statement! **Leotard Fashion - Paignton style!** - Embrace the dramatic - Paignton's got that coastal glam. That’s why my favourite leotard look is a black velvet number with a pop of gold jewellery and maybe some statement earrings - always good for those post-class coffees by the harbour! - Try a classic black with a bold, playful tutu - a bit like wearing a little statement skirt and showing off your personality. You can mix and match styles! Don’t feel pressured by the rulebook, get creative and break those “leotard” boundaries! - Go for a print with colour! Who wants a plain boring leotard when you can have something eye-catching and make the street your catwalk?! A classic black with a touch of a fun print or a dash of colourful mesh goes a long way! **What’s #leotardstyle to me?** It's all about feeling confident in your own skin, expressing yourself through dance and style. And honestly? Paignton is just the place to unleash that inner confident leotard warrior - wherever you find yourself on the fashion journey! So what’s your leotard style? Let’s connect and inspire each other on the #leotardstyle journey! #leotardfashion And if you're ever in Paignton, let’s grab that coffee! I can’t wait to chat about all the leotard and tutu finds!