Tutu Tuesday in Twickenham: A Whirlwind of Tulle and Tutus
Okay, Twickenham, let’s talk tutus! You know how much I love #tututuesday and today I’m going to delve into the wonderful world of ballet and share some fashion tips from a dancer’s perspective. If you thought ballet was just about tutus and tights, think again! This Tuesday I'm bringing the sunshine (well, almost… London’s never too far from a drizzle!) and injecting some much-needed sparkle into our wardrobes.
So, where do we start? There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to tutus. Whether it’s a romantic, flowing, soft tulle for the ballerina, or a sharp, precise, harder material for a more contemporary look, you’ve got to embrace the tulle. Today, I'm all about tutus being worn with personality, attitude and style. So forget the stereotypes of ballerinas being all delicate and fragile. Think of a fierce woman in a beautifully crafted garment; an expressive, powerful figure!
Here’s the low-down for every girl’s #tututuesday:
Tutus on the Dance Floor
- The most basic, and quite often my favourite, is the classic ‘Romantic Tutu’. Think of something airy and delicate – think *Swan Lake* or *Giselle*. This usually has soft tulle that layers from a shorter bodice, to create a longer, dramatic shape. This works perfectly with contemporary style as you can throw on a leather jacket, boots or your favourite jeans to create an off-duty dancer look. Or, get super feminine and wear a soft oversized sweater or knitted jumper and ballerina pumps.
- The **‘Classical Tutu’** – or the tutu *par excellence*– is a little different. It’s stiff, layered with many rows of tulle, and comes out for the *Nutcracker*, *Sleeping Beauty* and *Don Quixote* - basically, if it's a big, grand production it will often involve this stunning style of tutu.
- And then we have the **‘Modern/ Contemporary Tutu’**, a totally different design from its classical counterparts. It's smaller in design, usually made from harder fabric and doesn't go all out on tulle. There’s more emphasis on sharp, precise movements, with a bit more modern feel.
Tutus on the High Street
Let’s get this straight, a tutu, even if it’s on a T-shirt, isn't just a Halloween costume. It’s all about celebrating this beautiful form of art. So, get ready to turn some heads with these tips for a #tututuesday in Twickenham:
Look 1: Romantic and Chic
- For that ethereal look, we'll be going with soft tulle. I think you should ditch your fears of anything looking childish, and instead lean into this delicate softness with a flowing white tutu skirt, combined with an elegant grey roll-neck knit. I like to add my own flair to things so throw on a belt to cinch it at the waist and pair with ballet pumps for an effortlessly chic look, ready to go for coffee and cake, or just for a stroll through Twickenham's parks.
Look 2: Statement Maker
- There's no denying the striking nature of the 'Romantic Tutu', especially if you’re bold enough to choose a contrasting colour – black on white, blue on black, pink on grey - so have a go! The colour-blocking helps bring out that striking attitude. I find black jeans, a crisp white T-shirt and your signature bright statement lips a really cool combination with this one. This would work with both an elegant black and white tulle, and if you prefer a more statement colour like deep red, or even an unexpected metallic silver or gold. The choices are endless, just add your personality.
Look 3: Rock Chic
- Tutus aren't just for girly-girls, believe me! If you love grunge and rock and roll, then you can use a tulle skirt in a rock and roll outfit. Let's get rockin' with an oversized white, grey or black top - think vintage 90s, with some leather for texture and edge. Black biker boots, or a rock n’ roll pair of trainers will finish the look. Just keep in mind to get a slightly smaller-sized tulle skirt, otherwise it'll end up too pouffy. Make sure you add a strong eye look to really seal this style with an added layer of coolness.
Tutus On a Night Out
- To really make a statement at the next social gathering in Twickenham, use a classic, delicate 'Romantic Tutu', paired with a high neck, black sequinned top. It’s super stylish and you're good to go with anything. Maybe some red lipstick and sleek heels - what do you think?
How to choose the perfect Tutu:
As any ballet dancer knows, tutus are like any other piece of clothing - there are different shapes, different sizes, and most importantly different qualities. Don’t buy something because it's cheap or trendy, just for the sake of saying you’re doing #tututuesday - unless you like to see a garment falling apart right before your eyes (and, I'm just putting it out there, it happens!)
So, when searching for your ideal tutu, whether for a special occasion or your every-day #tututuesday wear, just think about your style and your personality, but always look for something that's not going to be a quick fashion disaster!
And lastly, always keep the ballet aesthetic in mind - a little sparkle, a hint of romance, a dash of rebellion and, as they say on the dance floor, always try to hold the *arabesque* and go out there and make a statement.
Let me know if you have any favourite #tututuesday looks or if you have tried any of these. Leave a comment below! I'd love to hear what you think about this #tututuesday!