Hey loves! Emma here, your resident tutu fanatic and resident expert on all things pink and frilly. Spring is finally here, and that means one thing ā it's time to revamp my ballet wardrobe! But let's be honest, finding the perfect tutu, leotard, and tights for that spring feeling is no easy feat. So, grab your shopping bags and join me as I navigate Southampton's hidden gem boutiques and big-name stores, sharing my top picks for a wardrobe refresh fit for a prima ballerina (or just a girl who loves the feeling of a twirl!).
From Couture to Classics: Southamptonās Tutu Gems
Southampton has always been a city of culture and elegance, and our dancewear scene is no different! From small independent boutiques to larger stores, youāll find a delightful mix of styles and prices to fit any budget. Iām all about the perfect tutu, but Iāve been known to spend hours browsing for the most dazzling leotard or a pair of statement tights.
For the Princess Ballerina: Where Imagination Takes Flight
Letās start with The Dancing Feet. It's a shop that feels like a whimsical fairy tale! Owner Sue has a passion for dance and children, which translates into a haven for tutu-loving girls of all ages. From tulle tutus bursting with colour to graceful lyrical styles, Sue has a wide selection, with plenty of options for competitive dancers and those just starting out. The team at The Dancing Feet is fantastic too, happy to help find the perfect fit and make sure your young ballerinas feel confident and inspired. They also have a selection of cute ballet bags, headbands, and accessories for that extra touch of sparkle!
#TutuShop
If you're looking for something more luxurious, then Beyond The Dance in Southampton is definitely worth checking out. Their selection of tutus and leotards is top-notch, boasting well-known brands like Capezio, Bloch, and Wear Moi. But what makes Beyond The Dance special is their commitment to personalized service and expert fitting. You'll walk out with not just a stunning garment but expert advice on how to care for it, ensuring years of performance-ready style. They even have an extensive range of dance shoes, perfect for those serious pointe work sessions!
The Ultimate Dance Wardrobe Destination: Department Stores for All Things Ballet
Now, let's dive into the realm of department stores. For my everyday training gear and practical accessories, Debenhams in Southampton is always my go-to. While not as dedicated to dancewear as specialized boutiques, they still offer a surprisingly great range. You'll find basic leotards, tights, and shoes, all at fantastic prices, making them a great option if youāre just starting out or looking for some cost-effective basics to fill out your wardrobe.
The Fashion-Forward Dancer: Mixing Styles and Trends
But don't forget that tutus and ballet attire are no longer limited to the dance studio. These days, itās all about bringing the elegance and artistry of ballet into everyday fashion! Here are my favorite shops in Southampton for achieving that chic ballerina look:
H&M: Affordable and on-trend, H&M is my go-to for mixing ballerina staples with current styles. They're always coming out with new, fashionable pieces that are surprisingly affordable. Think simple cotton tanks, flowy skirts with subtle detailing, and stretchy fabrics perfect for everyday wear with a ballerina edge. They also offer some excellent ballet-inspired tights, both sheer and opaque, allowing you to achieve that delicate touch even in casual wear.
ASOS: ASOS is like a dance-wear wonderland. Think glamorous leotard-inspired tops, flowy tulle skirts, and the coolest leggings that can effortlessly transition from the studio to the street. Their price range is perfect for both splurging on statement pieces and grabbing those essential everyday pieces.
Topshop: Itās no secret Iām obsessed with Topshop, and their selection of chic separates is perfect for mixing and matching to achieve that "effortlessly stylish" look. Think delicate silk blouses paired with tulle skirts for a whimsical touch, or chic bodycon dresses for a sophisticated ballerina vibe. They always have those must-have statement pieces that add the perfect edge to a simple outfit.
Accessorizing for That Extra Flair
So, you've got your perfect tutu, your leotard, and your tights. Now itās time to take things to the next level with some killer accessories!
River Island: I love browsing through River Islandās jewelry section for those beautiful ballet-inspired pieces. Think delicate necklaces, earrings with pearls or sparkling stones, and even dainty anklets. Their range is so affordable, letting you add that extra touch of sparkle to your ballet look without breaking the bank!
Zara: Zara has a knack for making accessories that elevate any outfit, and their ballet-inspired pieces are no exception. I've found some incredible jewelry with sleek lines and minimal details, as well as delicate hair accessories and headbands that are just the perfect finishing touches to a dance look.
The Body Shop: Now, hear me out! While not entirely dance-related, The Body Shop offers amazing hand creams and lotions, essential for any dancer's routine. I love the Shea Butter body butters and their various floral hand creams, leaving my hands soft and pampered after hours of practice. Their beautiful fragrances also add a subtle but special scent that can make your entire day feel extra-special.
Final Touches for Spring: The Perfect Ballet Wardrobe Upgrade
Don't forget to accessorize! It's the little things that really make an outfit shine, and thatās where a little sprinkle of ballet magic comes in. A delicate ballet slipper charm, a statement hair band with a delicate bow, or even a small, glittering makeup bag will transform a simple dance outfit into a personalized style statement.
Spring is all about bringing new life and vibrancy into your world, and your ballet wardrobe should reflect that! Remember, every ballerina, whether seasoned professional or a budding newbie, deserves to feel empowered, graceful, and undeniably stylish. So get out there, explore Southamptonās amazing dancewear stores, let your inner princess shine, and create a wardrobe that truly embodies your passion for ballet.
#tutushop #Southampton #Ballet #DanceFashion #SpringFashion #EmmaāsBalletBliss
