Tutu Tuesday in Hampstead: A whirl of tulle and twirls
Ah, Hampstead. A haven of cobbled streets, quaint cafes, and leafy avenues - and now, a hotbed for tutu-clad fashionistas on the first Tuesday of every month. The air buzzes with the infectious energy of #TutuTuesday, and it's truly something special. Let's take a look at the whirlwind of tulle and twirls that is this monthly gathering, inspired by my fellow ballerinas, and fuelled by my absolute love of tutus. I'll tell you what I wear, where I shop and most importantly how to rock this iconic look! 🩰
The idea for Tutu Tuesday sprang up organically from our dance community - we needed an outlet for our passion for this delicate yet bold style, a chance to revel in the graceful lines and delicate flourishes of this ballet-born fashion statement. It's a chance for all of us, ballerinas and admirers alike, to put on a tutu and unleash our inner dancer - be it a graceful arabesque or just a joyful pirouette in the local bakery. There are no rules, only smiles and the feeling of joyful freedom. This isn't about perfectly executing fouettés; it's about expressing ourselves in a way that feels feminine and fabulous, and with an abundance of tulle! 💃
Now, I wouldn't be me if I didn't delve a little deeper into the tutu styles. Let's talk tutus!
Tutus on the Scene:
Imagine my delight when I first stumbled across the iconic Romantic Tutu – think ethereal layers of tulle cascading to the floor. Perfect for swirling through Hampstead's picturesque avenues and creating a dreamy look. Picture me: a frothy, ballet-inspired confection in pastel pinks and whisper-soft lilacs, strolling down Holly Walk, and leaving a trail of tulle dust in my wake. It's enough to make you believe in fairytales.
But of course, a ballerina knows there's more to the story than just a dreamy tutu. That's where the **Bell Tutu** comes in, perfect for showing off some graceful moves. Its short, bell-shaped form creates a fluid, streamlined silhouette that makes for a fantastic evening look, whether I'm grabbing dinner at the famous Flask pub, or taking a stroll through the ancient Hampstead Heath. I wear my bell tutu in a rich shade of emerald green for a bold and whimsical look, because Hampstead’s got a distinct vibe – and let’s just say my wardrobe follows suit. It's more about embracing the magic of tutus and showcasing how they can work with all sorts of occasions, you see.
The **Layered Tutu**, a truly regal tutu for the most fabulous of evenings, is a modern classic and definitely a #TutuTuesday favourite for a reason. Think flowing, graceful layers, giving a more dramatic look – think Princess Griselda of England if you can imagine. The layered tutu is about expressing your personal style and showing off that confidence you know you have. But, be careful – this tutu isn’t for the faint of heart! This tutu makes a bold statement and makes people do a double-take (as do I sometimes). It is my ultimate confidence-booster because I love how the layers create this dynamic play of volume and form - and don't even get me started on the swirling! I'm still getting used to all those twirls! 😉
There are always new styles of tutus coming out, but these are just some of the ones I feel work best for #TutuTuesday in Hampstead. Don't forget to consider what your own personal style is and find a tutu that speaks to you!
Where to Find the Perfect Tutu
Now, where do we get all this beautiful tulle magic? This is my area of expertise, so let's dive in. 😉
I tend to be a bit of a retro fashion fanatic so vintage shops and charity stores are my go-to spots for tutu treasures. There’s always a good chance of finding unique one-offs or a designer vintage treasure - which is part of the thrill! A little rummaging is often a perfect prelude to #TutuTuesday – especially on those crisp autumn days with a cup of hot chocolate. A few places to look in Hampstead for a treasure hunt:
- The Vintage Showroom: This store boasts a selection of gorgeous dresses – some that I’ve been eyeing for the ultimate #TutuTuesday statement piece. Plus, it's just a stone's throw from Hampstead tube station, so you can grab that cup of hot chocolate en route!
- The Hampstead Clothes Exchange: This charity store is a great way to support a good cause, find unique pieces and maybe score an incredible tutu.
- The Vintage Outfitters: An excellent place to find that little extra touch for a themed #TutuTuesday look. Maybe I need a headpiece for a fairytale-inspired evening on Hampstead Heath, you see. The owner here is also full of fabulous fashion tips, so it's great for a bit of creative inspiration!
If vintage isn't your thing, there are lots of online options to discover as well. I find myself scrolling through Instagram pretty often and sometimes come across tutus from independent designers, and sometimes even get a discount if I’m lucky. Of course, the ever-reliable Etsy never fails to delight me with all sorts of unique pieces from around the world.
But when it comes to the classics and when I want to try something out of my comfort zone I always head to London's famous West End. For everything from professional performance pieces to tutu-inspired fashion for a fun night out, there’s no place quite like Dancewear & Fabrics , located in the heart of Covent Garden.
The Tutu Tuesday Ritual
What would a day dedicated to tutus be without a touch of ritual? We gather near Hampstead’s busy village, all clad in our tulle finery, and exchange smiles. It’s a welcoming atmosphere - a real sense of community - and a great reminder of why we love tutus and the joy they bring us! I'm usually surrounded by my fellow ballerina friends, all of us with our own unique flair – I love the fact that it allows everyone to be creative and to put their own twist on the trend! Some of the tutus are quite simple, some are exquisitely decorated, and there are always some surprises too. For a special occasion, I like to get a bit creative and pair a vintage tutu with a stylish blouse, and maybe even a chic beret for a touch of Hampstead-inspired chic! It's all about playful confidence! It's a true testament to how a piece of clothing can be more than fabric; it’s a conversation starter, a celebration of dance, and most importantly, an expression of joy! We all just want to spread that joyful feeling around, which makes #TutuTuesday an event to look forward to! 😉
Whether it's whimsical swirls on the Hampstead Heath or dancing through the cobbles in a fairytale mood, #TutuTuesday in Hampstead is more than just a fashion trend. It's an opportunity to celebrate our shared love for dance and fashion and to embrace the freedom that comes with expressing ourselves. You can feel the energy on that Tuesday morning. We can’t all be dancers, but it's an awesome way to channel that inner dancer and make that statement on #TutuTuesday. 😉