Leotard Style: A Barking Tale
Hey guys, it’s your girl, Ava, here! Welcome to another instalment of my little blog where I delve into the fabulous world of dancewear - specifically, the *Leotard*. As a ballet dancer, gymnast, and wannabe fashion icon, the leotard is not just a training outfit but a statement piece for me. Today, we're on a mission to explore leotard trends and discover just what makes this item so iconic, specifically in the charming town of Barking!
Barking, East London, is a bustling hub of creativity. There's a sense of "streetwear meets ballet" vibes. The blend of styles has definitely given me plenty of inspiration when it comes to finding unique and stylish leotards.
So, let’s start by celebrating why this staple deserves its place on the fashion scene:
- Freedom of Movement: First off, it’s all about practicality. Leotards allow for a full range of movement, making them perfect for all sorts of activity – be it graceful pirouettes or a high-flying gymnastic routine. Imagine that feeling when you're able to move freely and not worry about bunching up clothes!
- Fit: No matter what your body shape is, you can find a leotard that hugs your curves and makes you feel amazing. I'm all about celebrating diverse bodies. It's no secret that the fashion industry has its issues but leotards provide an incredible level of body positivity.
- Versatility: A leotard can easily transform into the star of a whole ensemble with the right accessories. Imagine this - A stunning velvet leotard paired with a flowing skirt for a fancy dance event or adding a chic blazer over a sleek black leotard for a more laid-back look.
- Accessorize It! And then, there’s the accessories! Think long, graceful necklaces or the edgy look of an asymmetric hair band to pull the whole outfit together.
Speaking of accessorising, let’s move on to those gorgeous, flowing skirts that can turn a basic leotard into an elegant ensemble: Tutus! Those tulle creations. You’ve got classic tutus, romantic tulle, and the super-stylish variations. It’s incredible to watch the creativity in tulle fabrics – think sparkle, floral details, and ombre colors - simply fabulous.
I’ve recently spotted a dance studio in Barking called "Step Into Style." The owners, Anna and Ben, are lovely! Anna's actually a fellow leotard-lover, she told me she designs her own leotards and customises tutus with fabric from a supplier down the street in Barking. She was sharing a trend: The colour-blocked leotard. I had to try it and now it's a wardrobe staple for me. Imagine navy blue with pops of red on the shoulders. You could also consider lilac with splashes of neon green.
Then we’ve got another trend making waves – The Asymmetrical Leotard - that's where one shoulder or neckline is slightly different to the other. I find that this look brings out a certain elegant edge to a leotard. You can find many varieties - a sweetheart neckline on one side, while the other is simply a sleek strap, a playful, asymmetric cut with a pop of color. Oh, I also find that some leotard designs now incorporate trendy "sleeveless cut-outs". Now, *that* is something.
When searching for those perfect leotard and tutu combos, Barking has several dancewear stores that offer excellent choices. Here's what I recommend:
- Barking Dance Studio: Great choice for those who love classic leotard designs and have that competitive edge - like a basic classic leotard for serious training or for those looking for the right fit for competition wear.
- Creative Threads: For those with an eye for details and originality. I've picked up some quirky pieces and quirky fabrics. It’s my go-to for bold colour patterns, funky prints, and even some really exciting embellished options – imagine sequins on a black leotard. It’s amazing!
- Dance Fusion: A gem of a shop tucked away in Barking. It’s run by this incredible woman called Susan – she’s all about customer service and has a collection of everything from elegant tutus and gorgeous fabric leotards for classical dance and more casual designs for modern, lyrical, or jazz.
For all you dancers out there, if you ever find yourself in Barking, make sure you venture out to find a leotard you love. Trust me - with all the dance studios, fashion boutiques and, well, the vibe of this little London gem, it’s not a chore, it’s a real adventure! So go forth, be stylish, embrace the leotard lifestyle - and remember, the only limit is your own creativity.
Until next time, #leotardstyle, #leotardfashion! Let's show the world how fabulous dancing, leotards, and Barking can be!