Leotard Fashion in Andover
Hello everyone, and welcome back to my blog! Today, I'm going to talk about something close to my heart - the ever-evolving world of leotard fashion. For those who don't know, I'm a dancer (ballet and contemporary), a gymnast, and a lover of all things sparkly and stretchy! Now, we all know the importance of a good leotard, not just for performance but for training too. I love the confidence it brings - feeling powerful, graceful and in control.
Andover has some seriously stylish shops, don't you think? I recently spent a fabulous afternoon exploring them, searching for the perfect leotard to complete my new dance routine. And let me tell you, there was an abundance of amazing leotards and dancewear that'll make you feel like a star, whether you're a professional or just starting out. From the classic and chic to the modern and bold, you can find everything in Andover!
First up, I was blown away by the variety of cuts and colours. For example, one of the shops I visited stocked all sorts of beautiful styles: ballet leotards - perfect for the classically-trained dancer, in pretty colours and fabrics like delicate tulle or lace, or the practical stretch cotton. They're always such a stylish statement for dance. The classic 'bodice' styles, which make a good foundation, and some have cute and unique necklines like scoop, boat, halter or square necks, to compliment every body type.
Another type of leotard that was everywhere in Andover is the gymnastics leotard. These styles are designed with flexibility and movement in mind. So, think tight-fitting leotards in stretchy, vibrant materials and interesting patterns. It was great to see the modern gymnastics styles which look amazing in a leotard – like the handstand or a handspring - a bit of movement is all that’s needed to see how amazing the design is.
For my ballet and contemporary routines, I was searching for leotards that really enhance and complement my dance moves. A leotard is so versatile – a key piece in any dancer’s wardrobe, it can be worn for class, rehearsal or performance. The leotard is often layered with a dance skirt, and depending on the mood and look of a dance routine it might be a simple and stylish dance skirt, or a more theatrical skirt like a tutu – which is an essential piece of any ballerina’s wardrobe! It’s fantastic to see the wide range of tutu styles, such as the Romantic tutu, which has the beautiful layers of tulle for the soft flowing movements of classical ballet. The tutu styles always look dramatic and help create such magical performance moments. Another style, the Demi tutu, with its shorter layers, is classic and stylish and looks beautiful in many dance routines.
Speaking of ballet, the classical style is so stylish when it’s enhanced with an extra bit of detailing – in the leotard’s design that is, and not necessarily sparkly, but subtle touches such as the addition of beautiful mesh sleeves. There was so much amazing detail in the dancewear that I came across in the shops of Andover. I felt inspired just trying them on!
It’s easy to see why leotards and dancewear have become so much more than just training apparel, they’re fashion statements in their own right. The world of dance has evolved dramatically, and so has our dancewear, for good reason. A comfortable, breathable and flattering leotard is an essential item to encourage body confidence and make you feel confident to explore different dance styles. Plus, there’s just no better feeling than stepping out on stage in an outfit that looks and feels amazing. It’s great to know there is a shop on my doorstep in Andover that has such a vast selection. If you're looking for your next dance outfit, a visit to Andover's shops is a must. What better place to experiment with different styles? After all, trying a leotard on, is as good as being a style blogger.
Before we wrap this up, I have some important fashion tips for all you #leotardfashion lovers, from a ballet dancer’s perspective.
Here are my #leotardstyle top tips:
- Always try it on. A leotard should be snug and comfortable but never feel too tight or restrictive. A leotard that fits correctly will help with your moves, as well as feeling more confident in your movements, so always choose your fit with careful consideration. And be sure to try out a few sizes to see which one fits best.
- Choose the right fabric. It should feel luxurious. Leotard fabrics are so much more versatile these days, and depending on the leotard’s style the fabric can range from the stretchy, to smooth, silky, or even embellished fabric – perfect for special occasion dances.
- Express yourself! Let your leotard reflect your personal style. Think about colour, design and embellishment. Do you like a subtle look, a splash of colour or even some shimmery detail? What ever you choose, I say – embrace it! There’s such a vast array of leotards available that will bring your unique style to life. And don’t forget a great outfit can’t exist without accessories! Whether it’s earrings or a simple necklace, the right accessories will help complete your outfit – don’t underestimate their importance.
- Think outside the box, or the dance studio in this instance. Why not consider a leotard for everyday use? There’s a real trend with this at the moment and with the vast range of styles to choose from it can add that stylish element to your look.
- Have fun!
I hope you found this leotard blog post informative. Happy styling everyone and remember, whether you're at the ballet bar or in the gym, make sure to embrace your style and let your personality shine through in the way you choose to dance in a leotard.
That's it for now! But, don't forget to follow my Instagram feed.
#leotardstyle