Tutu Tuesday in Hastings: A whirl of tulle and triumph
It's Tuesday, which can only mean one thing - Tutu Tuesday! I'm buzzing about it, to be honest. It's not every day you get to rock a tutu in public without judgment, but that's the joy of Tutu Tuesday - a whole town embracing the delightful whimsy of dancewear.
This week, however, I'm not just doing the usual "throw on a tutu and twirl" routine. Today's Tutu Tuesday adventure takes us to Hastings, the historic coastal town in East Sussex that's a haven for vintage boutiques and, now, tutu enthusiasts. It’s got this charming mix of seaside chic and traditional charm, making it the perfect setting for a day of tutu-clad escapades.
Here's how my day unfolded, captured in all its tutu-tastic glory:
11:00 am: Coffee and Chat (and a sprinkle of tulle)
My Tutu Tuesday mission starts with a delightful breakfast at The Seagull Cafe in Hastings Old Town. Nestled amidst quaint cobbled streets, this quaint cafe is brimming with local charm. The smell of fresh coffee and pastries draws me in, and I grab a window seat to soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
I'm wearing a classic, single-layered tutu in a rich emerald green, paired with a crisp white blouse and ankle boots. It’s a subtle tutu-centric outfit - not too over the top, but enough to announce that I'm on a Tutu Tuesday adventure!
Sipping my cappuccino, I start observing other locals enjoying their morning routines. I see a family stroll by - dad in a tweed jacket, mum in a floral dress, and their little girl twirling with a sparkly pink tutu. "Aw, how sweet," I think, and realise that I'm definitely in the right place.
12:00 pm: A Tulle Tour Through Vintage Shops
From The Seagull Cafe, I make my way to the heart of Hastings’ vintage shopping scene, the “Old Town.” These are hidden gems, stuffed with everything from vintage clothing to quirky antique finds. There's a special energy in these little shops – an air of history, of treasured finds waiting to be discovered.
This vintage shop spree was an exciting part of the day. My outfit for this leg was my favourite multi-tiered tutu with layered net and sequined detailing, topped with a fluffy white cardigan, and boots with intricate embroidery - a dash of fairytale mixed with edgy street style! I'm trying to get a feel for different looks that suit my personality as much as the event. I have so many great tutu options, but I try not to pick the same one too often. It’s all about mixing it up, you know?
1:00 pm: Tutu Tuesday Lunch at “The Lobster Shack"
You can't have a day in Hastings without sampling their fresh seafood. So, for lunch, I head to “The Lobster Shack," an eatery on the coast that serves up the most delicious local catch. It’s right by the pebbly beach, overlooking the sea and the beautiful pier. I grab a table by the window, basking in the warmth of the sunshine and watching people strolling on the promenade.
It’s time for another outfit change. This time I'm opting for a “flowy-tutu” look. My choice is a light, airy tulle tutu in a soft coral colour. The light fabric moves with the wind like a beautiful ribbon as I stroll along the beach to "The Lobster Shack". I'm getting looks of admiration as well as curious stares from other visitors - the thrill of turning heads while you're wearing a tutu on a sunny Tuesday in Hastings is truly something else!
2:00 pm: Hastings Castle and the Spirit of “Tuturial”
After a filling and delightful seafood feast, it’s time for a little cultural exploration - I make my way to Hastings Castle. This historic site is a truly fascinating reminder of Hastings' rich past.
I chose a simple yet stylish ballet-style tutu in ivory, complete with a black velvet ribbon belt and a touch of sparkly gold accents. This gave me a more "ballerina meets historical site" look. It’s a timeless choice - graceful and elegant! I want my tutu look to complement the historic architecture rather than clash. It's a perfect example of Tutu Tuesday’s potential for fashion synergy, and I'm definitely going to post a photo for the #tututuesday tag!
3:00 pm: A Tutu Stroll Along The Seafront
The wind’s got that bracing seaside edge to it, perfect for whirling around and giving my tulle skirt a dramatic kick! My choice is a romantic black and ivory tulle tutu layered in tiers with a floral applique. This one looks a bit like a fancy dress costume with its vintage appeal. But it's the perfect look for an elegant walk by the sea.
Hastings has a really unique character: the blend of old and new is just beautiful, and I really enjoy the people-watching opportunities along the pier. This whole “Tutu Tuesday” mission was a really great way to explore this historical place, discover vintage boutiques, and enjoy some great local fare, all while embracing a little bit of playful fashion flair. And there’s a real feeling of community here. Lots of locals come out to embrace the day's spirit - it's amazing to see that they're embracing Tutu Tuesday, too! I was definitely making lots of people smile.
4:00 pm: A "Tutu-licious” Sun Set
The day’s coming to an end with a view of the beautiful Hastings sunset. It’s something special. I'm perched on the steps of the “beach huts” in the Old Town, the sun painting the sky in shades of pink and orange. My outfit? Well, let’s say, "Less is More". A single-layered tutu in a dusky pink paired with a comfy, chunky knit sweater - my way of adding a cosy, casual touch to my Tutu Tuesday adventures!
A Day to Remember...
There’s no denying that Tutu Tuesday in Hastings was a day of delight and exploration, embracing the spirit of "tuturial" - where the power of a single garment can make a day truly unique and unforgettable. As I bid farewell to Hastings, I realise that a tutu is more than just an article of clothing – it's a reminder that life's too short to be serious all the time, a reminder to embrace your inner child and let yourself be a little whimsical.
Hastings, you have been delightful! I'm so grateful to this lovely town for offering such a welcoming atmosphere, a setting where creativity can truly thrive. If you're looking for an unforgettable Tutu Tuesday experience, add Hastings to your list! You’ll thank me for it.
And to my fellow tutu lovers out there – go on, embrace your inner ballerina, have fun, and spread the joy of #tututuesday!
Tutu Tuesday Inspiration & Tips:
- Embrace the vintage charm! The multi-layered tulle tutus and those styles inspired by a classic 1950’s fairytale look really add a touch of that nostalgic elegance that suits this seaside town’s vibes perfectly.
- It’s all about having fun with your Tutu Tuesday style – let your personality shine through in your outfit choices. Go for colour, try an interesting mix of patterns, get bold!
- And remember: confidence is your best accessory! Embrace every turn and twirl in your tulle with an attitude, make every “Tutu Tuesday” an amazing fashion statement!
Follow me on Instagram: @theballetblonde (because life’s too short for boring fashion, right?) and use #tututuesday