Tutu Tuesday in London: A whirlwind of tulle and twirls
Oh, London, you sassy, sophisticated city, you’ve done it again! Tutu Tuesday, the glorious, girly occasion that sweeps the capital’s streets in a flurry of feathers, sparkles and, of course, tutus, has once more surpassed itself. As a ballet dancer and an avowed fashionista, this day is my personal holy grail, and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint.
The air buzzed with excitement. Every corner I turned seemed to burst forth with a kaleidoscope of colours. A vibrant, vintage-inspired yellow tutu swished past me, followed by a cascading cascade of ivory, punctuated with glittering sequins. There were romantic, frothy ballerina tutus, like ethereal clouds, along with cheeky, short-and-sweet versions that were all about confidence and playful sass.
Now, I’m no stranger to tutus. I live in them, dance in them, even sleep in them (don’t judge, they’re ridiculously comfy!). But on Tutu Tuesday, even my inner prima ballerina felt a surge of thrill. This wasn’t about just the dance, this was about embracing the spirit of ballet’s glorious artistry, translating it onto the urban stage. And London, my dear, played along perfectly.
It wasn’t just the tutus themselves that caught the eye, but the way people embraced the theme. Guys in skinny jeans sported bright pink tutus with cheeky grins, mothers pushed prams decked out in dainty tulle, and groups of girls laughed their way down the street, their tulle skirts billowing in the breeze.
A fashion parade that stole the show
The first place I had to be was the Harrods. I’m talking iconic London shopping haven. They’d put together an extravagant tutu display in the window. Forget window shopping – this was a window-swooning spectacle! Every colour of the rainbow had a tulle presence, each one perfectly poised with delicate flowers and sparkling fairy lights. Inside, it was just as impressive. It was like stepping into a magical fairytale. From chic, minimal tutus to full-on, dramatic, ‘black swan’ creations, there was a style to suit every taste and personality.
Then, I wandered towards Covent Garden. The energy was palpable. Musicians filled the air with charming melodies while vendors hawked a dazzling array of handmade jewellery, vintage accessories, and of course, more tutus. The highlight had to be the flash mob. Imagine my delight! In a whirl of swirling skirts and graceful movements, the troupe of dancers spun their magic, filling the courtyard with the magic of ballet, leaving everyone smiling. And I joined in! Tutu Tuesday was an open invitation, and it didn’t take much convincing for me to ditch my daily bag and throw my hands in the air with the best of them. It was an impromptu flash mob filled with joy and laughter.
Top tips for rocking your own Tutu Tuesday
Let’s be honest: if you’re not a ballerina (or you are, but don’t want to be dressed in your workwear!) you may be feeling a bit unsure about rocking a tutu on the street. I say, jump in, sister! This day is all about breaking out of your comfort zone. Here are a few tips for embracing Tutu Tuesday with flair and confidence.
- Find Your Tutu Tribe - The beauty of Tutu Tuesday lies in its community spirit. So ditch any lingering apprehension, get your girl squad together, and dive head-first into the tulle extravaganza.
- Mix & Match – Remember, your tutu isn’t limited to the ballet studio. Throw on a sleek, leather jacket over a pale pink tutu, combine a denim jacket with a vibrant green tutu, or let your tutu pop against a bold, patterned blouse.
- Embrace Your Inner Diva - Put on a red lipstick, some killer heels, and let your confidence shine! Forget those 'rules'. This day is about fun and embrace your inner ballerina (no matter how clumsy your twirls are!), because confidence, in a tutu, is your superpower.
- Let's Get Social - No tutu? No problem! This is the day for throwing your arms up to the sky, throwing on your best glitter, and spreading the Tutu Tuesday joy online with #tututuesday. Post pictures, videos, whatever it takes! It’s a celebration of creativity and a reminder to always dance to the rhythm of your heart, whether it be on the streets of London, on the stage, or simply in your living room. Let’s fill the world with twirls!
Tutu Tuesday is about so much more than fashion.
Yes, the outfits are undeniably charming, and yes, London’s style game always raises the bar. But there's something so uplifting about the entire atmosphere on Tutu Tuesday, a potent reminder that life is far too short for being serious, and there's power in finding joy and laughter in the everyday.
I saw little girls holding onto their mother's hand, their eyes shining with pure glee, each tiny skirt swishing like a happy bubble. I saw colleagues bonding over a shared laugh, united in their tulle rebellion. I saw grown men, normally stuck in their tailored suits, let loose, their steps as clumsy as they were endearing. It was, to put it plainly, magical. And every single person involved in the festivities, whether it was their first tutu foray or their annual Tutu Tuesday pilgrimage, were glowing with that very special kind of inner joy. The world just seemed to get a little bit brighter for a day. And that's a magic that doesn't come from any kind of fashion trend. It comes from people remembering to let loose, to smile, and to twirl!
So, as we bid adieu to Tutu Tuesday in London (but not forever!), let it serve as a gentle reminder: always dance, always smile, always remember to embrace the spirit of whimsy. After all, the best outfits are always worn with a happy heart, and life, my dear friends, is best when you live it in full tutu. #tututuesday