Leotard Fashion in Harrow: It’s Time To Embrace Your Inner Ballerina!
Hey everyone! It's your girl, Amelia here, bringing you the hottest news in the world of dancewear and leotards!
Living in Harrow has definitely given me some fab fashion inspiration, but you already knew that right? I mean, think about it – from the grand halls of the Harrow Arts Centre to the sleek studios of local dance schools, there’s an amazing scene. But forget what you thought you knew about leotards - 2023 is bringing us a whole new world of leotard fashion that's actually pretty damn exciting. It's not just about being practical and comfortable – it's a style statement!
I’ve been dancing since I was a kid, and back in the day, the options were pretty limited. You had your basic, black leotard, maybe with a few ruffles, and then you had your competition leotards, which were basically just glorified swimwear. But things have seriously changed. It’s not just about getting to grips with new, trendy leotard fabrics and cuts anymore. It's a world where even the classic styles are being revitalised! And as I have been spending hours in my local Dance shops trying them on I have been learning everything there is to know!
So what are the hottest trends in #leotardstyle right now?
Leotard Fabrics That Have You Covered:
- Mesh Mania: Mesh panels are popping up everywhere! It's not just for ballet anymore – even gymnasts are getting on board. Mesh can add a little peekaboo edge to your leotard, or be totally sheer. Plus, it's incredibly breathable, which is crucial for all of us sweat-inducing dancers. I love it in the back!
- Spandex Supremacy: This is no surprise, spandex is like the Beyoncé of leotard fabrics – it just keeps on giving. The stretch, the shape retention… I'm just a big fan of it! However, the fabrics themselves are becoming more complex now and more “body hugging”. One day you will find me rocking the ultra tight second-skin look. The next it will be the gorgeous sculpting and figure enhancing body contoured material of some brands that I have recently discovered.
- Luxe Velour: Let's get one thing clear – velour is a classic for a reason. There's nothing quite like feeling that velvety smooth fabric on your skin, it’s like dancing in a cloud! We are now seeing amazing mixes of fabrics like velour with mesh or spandex too. The colours also make this fabric sing! From dusky rose to rich emerald green, it's a look that is just begging to be seen on stage!
Leotard Shapes: Bringing Sexy Back
Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all leotards. There is a whole rainbow of choices!
- High Neck Glamour: Okay, this one is definitely channeling my inner ballerina. A high neck leotard is elegant, stylish, and seriously sophisticated. I’m all about that little peek of skin at the front, with some ruched details at the top and maybe a a beautiful statement strap or ribbon at the back! #leotardfashion
- Strappy and Stylish: Strappy leotards have a real playful feel about them – great for contemporary classes or stretching. They’re more body conscious. Some will go super low at the back and others will come up higher with the added feature of interesting patterns in the strap, creating geometric shapes and artistic vibes. The design can even cross to create beautiful patterns.
- One Shoulder, You Got This! The one-shoulder leotard is a new kid on the block. They are seriously on trend right now. I mean, let’s face it - one shoulder leotards are just *gorgeous*. It adds a little drama to your dance look and, with the right cut, they can flatter a wide range of figures. Be careful not to go for an over tight fit – keep your leotards fitting well! #leotardstyle.
Don’t Forget Your Tutu: Tutu-ally Fab
You just can’t go all the way into leotard mode without a classic tutu! There are so many options and styles now. I have become quite the tutu expert, and with so many options, it really can depend on the style of dance that you do and whether it’s for practice, performance or competitions.
- Romantic Ruffle Tutus: When you want to evoke a certain level of romance or drama and flow, then the romantic ruffle tutu is a winner! These are typically more full, with layers and layers of fabric creating that lovely cascading effect. The soft, delicate fabrics, like tulle and netting, can look utterly magical. The best way to get the most of this kind of tutu is to work on the shapes you make with your body!
- Simple and Chic Tutus: There’s a certain elegant style you can get from a classic tutu. Imagine a ballet class tutu or one for a contemporary performance – these have a much shorter skirt made from very specific fabrics. Some will be tight at the waist while others will hang off it just slightly. These skirts look perfect on athletic figures.
- Short and Sassy Tutus: If you want something to complement your leotard with an effortless flow and a bit of swagger, you can’t go wrong with a shorter, layered tutu. If you find the right design, it can feel more youthful, or with a great fit, even feel quite edgy!
The Perfect Pair: Leotards and Shoes
If you have got a killer leotard then you need the right footwear to complete your dancewear look. The classic is, of course, the pointe shoes.
Pointe Shoe Magic:
- The Ballerina's Dream: If you want to embrace your inner ballerina, then the pointe shoe is a must! From a dance enthusiast to the most seasoned professional dancer, you know what we mean! This iconic footwear symbolises grace, power and technical proficiency. It’s no wonder these beautiful shoes make a ballet dancer’s whole dance wardrobe and look come together.
- Bloch vs Capezio? : There’s been a real resurgence in pointe shoes - you will see the different types of pointe shoe and brands popping up at a lot of different local stores in Harrow! But when it comes to getting the right look it really does matter! This can depend on how advanced a dancer you are, or what kind of classes you take. But I have to say that both Bloch and Capezio offer some killer shoes that come with amazing padding and a lot of other features too.
- Getting the Fit: For every ballet dancer, getting the right fit for your pointe shoes is absolutely essential, if you want to find your own dancing groove. And I know – fitting for pointe shoes can feel intimidating. It takes time to get to know your feet and understand the nuances of how to look for that perfect shoe and how it can fit the different parts of your foot, such as the arch, platform, shank and the vamp.
Dance Shoes for a Style Boost:
- Jazz Shoes: I'm pretty obsessed with jazz shoes – for good reason! If you are thinking of going into dance or looking for something versatile then Jazz shoes offer everything! Their versatility makes them a must-have, as you can move with ease! They are so fun and offer an amazing feel on the floor – I love that you can pick them up from some great shoe brands and stores.
- Bloch Leather Shoes: Leather jazz shoes offer an unparalleled level of comfort, and let's not forget style! They give you support as well as flexibility when it comes to those more challenging dance steps. They are a staple in my wardrobe – because the range of colors really means that there's always a pair that goes with your leotard.
- Gymnastic Footwear: They’ve really come a long way haven't they? This doesn’t just include trainers – you can even get great looking dance shoes from top gym wear brands that really give your workout wardrobe the perfect boost!
Shopping Local for Leotards in Harrow
Right, now we know that the dance scene is seriously strong here, so it’s a must that you get yourself a shopping trip in the area! Here’s my list of fav stores to find those on-trend pieces:
- The Dance Shop: If you haven't checked this place out yet, you are seriously missing out! The Dance Shop is a Harrow fave for good reason! They offer the most gorgeous range of leotards. They have got something for everyone! I've always loved this store for the expert knowledge they give when you go in, their amazing service and friendly staff.
- Simply Dance: If you’re going to the Arts Centre, make sure you visit Simply Dance – this store has everything you need from leotards, tights and accessories – to pointe shoes. They are a one stop shop!
- The Harrow Dance Centre: The Dance Centre is not just for dancing - you’ll find that they are really good with everything dancewear - including the latest in leotard fashion.
So go on, my Harrow fam! Show the world what leotard fashion is all about. Channel that inner ballerina and look gorgeous in that leotard – from class to stage, these pieces are a style essential for every dancer. Now get out there and rock it! #leotardstyle #leotardfashion