Plymouth's Tutu Tuesday: A Whirlwind of Colour and Style
Ah, Plymouth! My beloved city by the sea, where the salty air whips my hair and the cobblestone streets hold centuries of stories. This past Tuesday, however, was no ordinary day. Plymouth wasn't just beautiful, it was bursting with the vibrant colours and delicate lace of Tutu Tuesday!
For the uninitiated, Tutu Tuesday is my little passion project. A movement, if you will. Every Tuesday, I encourage everyone and anyone to embrace their inner ballerina and step out in their own unique interpretation of tutu chic. Think tutus for everyday, for going to the shops, for brunching, for pub quizzes. We're talking about defying expectations, turning heads, and bringing a sprinkle of magic to the mundane.
I, being a humble, albeit sometimes very fashionable, ballerina, I know a thing or two about tutus, and let me tell you, the Plymouth turnout for Tutu Tuesday was something special. We had a real melting pot of styles. From the classic romantic tutus, swirling like spun sugar in a breeze, to the more playful, edgy tutus, with leather and lace - the imagination really ran wild. There was even a bloke in a bright pink tutu, which just shows you there’s no rule book to Tutu Tuesday.
So, what did I wear? My favourite tutu, of course. It’s a pale blue, with a touch of hand-sewn sequins - just a hint of glamour, you know. I paired it with a crisp white shirt and a chunky knit cardigan, to create a balanced, slightly boho look, perfect for wandering around the Barbican. And the best part? It was the perfect ensemble for my planned photoshoot by the Mayflower Steps, a perfect backdrop for a bit of ballet-inspired, impromptu movement. I love capturing the essence of Tutu Tuesday - the laughter, the self-expression, the joy in just being silly!
But Tutu Tuesday is more than just fancy dress, it's a social experiment in challenging the boundaries of fashion. A celebration of self-expression, of stepping out of our comfort zones. In Plymouth, the response was overwhelming! It's as though the people of Plymouth felt liberated. Maybe it’s the bracing sea air or maybe it's the warmth of the Plymouth community, but whatever it is, they really got behind Tutu Tuesday, with enthusiasm and humour.
Tutu styles galore!
- The Classical Romantic: This tutu embodied elegance and grace with soft layers of tulle cascading down in a symphony of flow. We spotted it in the vibrant hues of blush, lilac, and powder blue. There was a gentle, ethereal feel to it, a timeless elegance that seemed to whisper of a bygone era of romantic ballerinas.
- The Modern Day Tutu: Think statement tutus. The ones that whisper ‘I’m a force to be reckoned with’. These tutus came in a range of bold colours like electric blue, hot pink, and even an emerald green that screamed ‘look at me!’. Many sported unconventional textures, incorporating velvet, lace, and even sequins that gleamed with the sunlight. They paired beautifully with leather jackets, crop tops, and chunky sneakers – a bold fusion of modern day fashion with a splash of ballerina flair.
- The Street Style Tutu: We’ve come to expect the unexpected, right? These tutus embraced a utilitarian flair and incorporated the practicality of street style, with minimal embellishments, a streamlined design, and an emphasis on everyday wear. Some paired the simple, classic silhouette with a plain t-shirt and sneakers, creating a minimalist statement that was all about effortlessly chic. Others went bolder, adding chunky knitwear, funky jewellery, or even a statement hat.
- The Whimsical Tutu: This was our favourite, if we must confess! Tutus made to make you giggle. The whimsy! These were the tutus with a touch of fun – like the one adorned with fluffy bunny ears, the tutu paired with a sparkly unicorn headband, or the tutus with colourful confetti trailing behind them.
Of course, there was the usual bustle of Plymouth’s Tuesday, but woven through the crowds, a constant shimmer of tulle and the happy sounds of laughter. We found tutus at the local market, a small coffee shop, a bookstore – the enthusiasm was contagious.
One lady, perched on a bench, reading a book, caught my eye, and we started chatting. She confided in me that Tutu Tuesday gave her a much-needed boost. It was her “mini-celebration,” she said. “It reminded me that a little joy can make a world of difference.”
That’s the essence of Tutu Tuesday for you: a small, joyful act that spreads ripples of positivity, encouraging people to let their inner ballerinas loose. It’s about owning our style, embracing individuality, and celebrating the everyday with a little bit of sparkle. And to my dear Plymouth, you have truly embraced the spirit! So, until next week… #tututuesday #Plymouth