Tutus Take the Town!
Well, darlings, the latest fashion craze has hit the streets and let me tell you, it’s a real feather in the cap for our dear friends in the ballet world! On the 15th of October, 1998, it was almost as if the whole of Britain went *whirl*! Suddenly everyone was sporting tutus. Not the sort your average ballet dancer would wear, mind you. This was tutus for the masses!
Forget those stiff, restrictive numbers worn by prima ballerinas! We’re talking tutu tops, tutu dresses, tutu skirts, heck, there were even tutu handbags. I’m sure, in their little ballet slippers, our darlings at the Royal Ballet felt quite the smug feeling watching this spectacle. All I could think was, “Well, at least they won’t be going ‘en pointe’ anytime soon.”
Imagine my astonishment when, on my way to buy a rather lovely new cashmere cardigan (it’s getting chilly, dears!), I was suddenly bombarded with the most dazzling displays of tutus you could imagine! There was old Mrs. Higgins, famed for her penchant for knitting more than just the odd tea cosy, now rocking a bright pink tutu that wouldn't have looked out of place on the stage at the Bolshoi.
Next door to Mrs. Higgins’ knitting shop, there was Mr. Smith, who’s never even been inside a ballet theatre (although rumour has it he likes to tap dance at his niece's wedding). Now there he was, wearing a tiny black tutu paired with a checked shirt, looking like he was auditioning for a modern-day 'Peter Pan'. The audacity, darling!
Of course, no trend is complete without its high society stamp of approval. And what did I find gracing the cover of Vogue, you ask? Yes, a darling little fluffy tutu! The editor (and *not* just me, darling) had declared it “the perfect statement piece.” And I suppose, if it’s good enough for Vogue….
Now, while this trend has undoubtedly added some *whimsy* to our usually quite dreary streets, it’s time we took a little moment to pause, darlings. Because, a tutu is a very specific garment, and one needs to approach it with careful consideration. Here are my top tips, gleaned from years of observing the world of ballet (and watching Strictly Come Dancing, of course).
1. Timing is everything, darlings! It’s all well and good prancing around in a tutu during the annual village fete, but we must all remember that a tutu has a particular aura – one which does not mix well with dreary Monday morning commutes or a day at the local council meeting. Save your tutu for a party, darling, and let the world swoon!
2. Balance your tutu! Remember that a tutu is a strong and dominant piece, and the rest of your ensemble should be carefully chosen to ensure a look that is playful without becoming overbearing. No frilly tops, for example! Keep it elegant with a simple knit, and consider a pair of crisp white boots or pumps for added style. But *never,* *never*, darlings, *never* under any circumstances, pair your tutu with the following items:
- A scrunchie. It's a crime, darling.
- An old pair of Doc Martens.
- A slogan t-shirt that says, "Keep calm and carry on." You don't have to "keep calm," darlings! Celebrate!
3. Let’s talk about fabric! Remember, darling, a good tutu fabric can take your outfit from "whimsical" to "wow, she's got a *serious* fashion eye!" Opt for soft silk, net, or tulle. But when shopping for the material, always use your instincts. This is not the place for heavy fabrics, and those plastic "shiny-slinky" fabrics just won’t work. Not unless you are performing *Cats,* that is.
This isn’t just about fashion, it’s about a state of mind. It's about that fleeting moment when you know, in your very core, you are ready to leap out and dance! Even if it’s only across your kitchen to the kettle.
Now, as I say goodnight, I have no doubt you're all getting your little tulle skirts ready for that long-awaited cocktail party, right? Go forth, my dears, with grace, style, and *lots* of pirouettes.