2024 Spring time Tutu Shopping in Abingdon

Hey darlings! It’s Emma here, and spring is officially in the air! The weather's finally warming up, the birds are singing, and you know what that means? It’s time to ditch the chunky winter knits and embrace the joy of colourful tutus, bouncy ballet shoes, and a whole new season of twirling!

Speaking of tutus… if you're anything like me, you’ve been itching to refresh your ballet wardrobe and get your hands on some brand new dancewear. And lucky for us, Abingdon is a total haven for tutu-loving souls like us!

Let's face it, finding the perfect tutu can be like finding the right shade of pink – it’s an adventure, a treasure hunt, a journey to discover that one special piece that makes your heart sing! 🩰 💖 But don’t worry, I’ve done the legwork (pun intended!) and mapped out the ultimate guide to Abingdon’s most fabulous tutu-tastic shops, so you can skip the stress and get straight to the twirling!

Let's start with the staple, shall we? Dance Academy is an Abingdon institution, a place where seasoned ballerinas and budding dancers alike can find all their essential dancewear needs.

They’ve got it all: the elegant leotards in every colour imaginable (I’m personally obsessed with their new range of rose gold and lilac!), the stretchy tights, the supportive ballet shoes… but it’s their selection of tutus that truly sets them apart. They have the classic, romantic styles for the purist ballet dancers, like the delicate, single-layered tulle skirts with graceful pleating that make me feel like I’ve stepped into a ballet recital straight out of a storybook.

But if you're feeling a little bit more adventurous, they also have some more contemporary pieces, like the layered tulle tutus with interesting patterns and textures – think bold geometric shapes and shimmering metallic accents – which are perfect for those who want to add a bit of their own personality to their look.

Top Tip: They’re currently running a fab spring offer on leotards, so you can snag yourself a gorgeous new one and a pair of comfy tights to match – perfect for layering under a breezy spring tutu!

Now, let’s move onto the boutiques! I absolutely adore "Whimsical Wishes", a little gem tucked away in a cobbled alleyway – I always seem to stumble upon it when I’m lost in thought, pondering which tutu would be the best for my next photoshoot! They're not afraid to go all out on the cuteness factor, and their selection of tutus is truly fantastical. We’re talking sparkly tutus in neon colours, tutus with feathered details, tutus that are so outrageously fabulous they’re guaranteed to make you grin ear to ear.

Think of it this way: if you're a princess who wants to be both glamorous and playful, this is your dream spot. They also stock some whimsical ballet accessories that’ll add a bit of sparkle to your dance life - I picked up the most darling pair of shimmering pink ballet shoe clips here for my last recital - just be prepared to fall in love with every single item!

Top Tip: Pop in and tell the owner about any dance themes you have – from Swan Lake to the Nutcracker, she’ll help you pick out the perfect tutu for any occasion!

For a more grown-up, refined look, I suggest a visit to Atelier Bloom – this little boutique is full of elegance and timeless style. Think flowy silk fabrics, subtle textures, and graceful lines.

Their tutu selection is all about the refined look. You won’t find a lot of tulle, more of the soft and ethereal fabrics – think layered chiffon in pastel shades like blush pink and mint green, with a subtle sheen and soft pleating, and delicate, floral embroidery that brings to mind ballets like “Giselle” and "Sleeping Beauty." It’s all very romantic and delicate, and it definitely gives a bit more of a “serious ballerina” vibe if you’re heading to a workshop or a performance.

They also sell the prettiest ballet wraps - which, by the way, look amazing paired with their delicate tulle tutus – and some stunning jewellery, perfect for adding a touch of extra elegance to any ballerina look.

Top Tip: Check their website for the latest arrival – they often feature collaborations with up-and-coming ballet designers!

Now, every tutu-lover has a special place in their heart for vintage pieces! "Vintage Finds", which sits next to “Whimsical Wishes” – talk about a dream duo! They sell absolutely everything, including clothes, furniture, and… you guessed it… tutus! They have a great selection of second-hand tutus from different eras, each with its own unique history. You’ll find delicate tulle tutus with vintage lace trims, and even some pieces from the 1960s with those bold geometric shapes.

The hunt for the perfect vintage tutu is all part of the charm!

Top Tip: Make sure you browse their racks and shelves – you never know what vintage gems you’ll uncover!

Okay, darlings, let’s chat about style! After all, what good is a new tutu if you can’t strut your stuff, right? I love a touch of pink for spring. I mean, what's more fitting for a ballerina than a touch of pastel pink? A little bit goes a long way - pair your bright pink tutu with a simple white leotard and delicate pastel-toned jewellery to give your look that ballerina chic vibe.

If you're not one to be subdued, think bold! Embrace a bright pink tulle tutu and let the colours take centre stage - go for a contrasting colour combo like navy and fuchsia for a striking look – don't be afraid to accessorise with bright, quirky hair clips.

Remember: Ballet is about confidence and individuality, and that translates to your wardrobe. It’s all about finding your style and feeling fabulous, so rock those tutus and let the sunshine in, my fellow ballerinas!

I hope this guide has given you some inspiration and has filled you with that spring-in-your-step energy that we all crave. But the best part about this amazing shopping adventure? The opportunity to connect with fellow dance lovers, share your passion, and unleash the magic of tutu shopping! So, get ready to sparkle, let loose, and enjoy the spring dance, my lovelies!