Darlings, the New Year has just begun, and as all you seasoned dancers know, this means its time to embrace the fresh, crisp feel of January! It's time to reimagine our ballet wardrobe, a chance to unleash our creativity, a fresh expression of ourselves. We're going for that effortless elegance this month, and nothing says "effortlessly elegant" more than the perfect tutu or leotard. Here's what you need: **Step One: Inspiration! ** * The world of fashion is full of inspirational looks, darling. Go for that effortlessly stylish street-chic vibes but with a refined ballet twist. * Don't be afraid to mix and match fabrics but don't be afraid to go a little "extra" on the detail: * **Consider your silhouette:** A flowy, elegant leotard might work better for your personal look than a tight, form-fitting style. The world's your oyster darling! **Step Two: Fabrications: Finding that Perfect Mix** * For your leotard: * **Lycra and Cotton:** Essential for both comfort and performance. Seek out stretch cotton to help you dance with ease. The most beautiful colours come from Italy darling. Go for a soft peach for something sensual and light. Or a soft blush for something feminine. * **Lace:** **Yes, you heard me right!** I'm a fan of delicate lace panels along the back, or a peekaboo sleeve for that special something. This month is all about elegance and sophistication so I'd stick to delicate patterns and avoid something too gothic or black. If you're going black, ensure there's a shimmer and a sparkle. * For your tutu: * **Tulle:** You can't go wrong with a good, high quality tulle. You might also love adding layers for texture. A simple cotton or lycra base gives a beautifully natural finish that lets your graceful moves be seen. The more layers you have, the more dramatic. And who doesn't love a bit of drama, eh? **Step Three: Adding That Extra Spark** * **Beads and sequins:** * A little bit of sparkle never hurts! * Choose beads in colors that will compliment your base colours. Add a few sequins to your leotard - just to give that touch of playful fun - but make sure they are flattering and complement your silhouette. If you're using sequins and beads go for high quality, otherwise they just end up falling off before the first performance. We want them sparkling for as long as possible! * **Feather trims:** The real diva touch! Just a touch of a feather around the bodice or at the back hemline can give a leotard a chic touch. **Make sure the feathers are natural, the only ethical choice darling. ** **Step Four: The Final Touches ** * It’s about your signature and the story you’re telling with your garment: * **Matching shoes:** Your pointe shoes (or your ballet flats, depending on your chosen look). They need to compliment the colors you’ve used in your garment. A delicate silk satin or soft pastel velvet are a timeless and graceful choice. **Think blush and ivory, or dusky pinks and greys.** You can never go wrong with a matching shade of nude and a gentle glitter on the sole. This creates a sophisticated look which gives a very chic edge to the entire ensemble. * **Hair:** A simple bun or a low chignon is always a classic. For something more contemporary you can always do a simple french braid which looks stunning with that lace panel! It adds just enough edge while looking elegantly understated. **Here's what I'd recommend for your shopping list:** * **Lycra/cotton Leotard Fabric:** Fabric World (various shops), or Liberty’s is a great place for a beautifully tactile cotton. * **Lace Fabric:** Liberty’s has some fantastic vintage inspired lace patterns * **High-Quality Tulle Fabric:** Look for "Dance Supply Shops" such as Dancewear Solutions * **Sparkly Sequins and Beads:** A shop dedicated to high quality crafts and fabric - I'm very partial to Cloth House * **Natural Feathers:** Etsy.com will have an array of beautiful natural feathers! * **Gorgeous Ballet shoes:** There is a fantastic choice out there now - dance shops like ‘Freed of London’ and the iconic "Capezio" in Covent Garden have wonderful options * If you're a ballet newbie - try ‘Bloch Dancewear’. They make gorgeous pointe and demi-pointe shoes. You'll feel the magic. **Don’t be afraid to experiment, darlings, and have fun creating your dream tutu or leotard this January. Embrace your creative energy and most of all, let the world feel your magic.**
