When Nancy emailed with this month’s theme of ballerinas I wondered how on earth I would interpret it. To my surprise, “balletcore” – which has been described as a “refined take on athleisure” – has been gaining traction on TikTok. Think wrap tops, tulle skirts, bodysuits and of course, ballet flats…mostly in delicate hues of white, cream and pale pink. “Ballerina Chic” isn’t exactly my style, but, you know, I love to experiment and try different aesthetics.
So, where to start? Well, I don’t own a tulle skirt, which surprises even me given how many clothes I own! But pink seemed an appropriate colour theme. My first Sindy doll was a ballerina with a pink tutu. I was mad on dolls and dressing them up from a very young age. The ballerina Sindy dolls were special because they had bendy wrists and ankles so they could strike elegant poses. I still have all my dolls at my mum’s, although some are a bit worse for wear now.
So, instead of a tulle skirt (which would have been my preference) I chose this hot pink satin one. I bought it in a charity shop for the Style Not Age “Steal Her Style” post three years ago. The one shoulder top is a few years old now, but still one of my favourites. I love the huge corsage on the shoulder. In total contrast to today’s outfit, I’ve previously paired it with camo print trousers.
I chose pearl jewellery as it’s elegant and timeless. The pearls and beads on the shoes add further embellishment; ballerina flats would have been more in keeping with the theme but I don’t get on with completely flat shoes. The feathery bag, which was an eBay purchase several years ago, alludes to the lightness and grace of a ballerina. I did briefly consider choosing Odile, the black swan in Swan Lake, as my inspiration, but I thought that would have been taking the theme too literally. Overall, I’m pleased with this sugary pink ensemble, which I would wear IRL if the occasion arose.
SHOP THE LOOK
River Island skirt (charity shop) | Zara top (old) | Topshop bag (from eBay) | Asos shoes (old) | Asos headband | Ottoman Hands ring
“I was looking for ballerina shoes actually when I thought, hey I have the cutest ballerina dress! That’s a lovely idea for The Thrifty Six. And I didn’t buy ballerina shoes by the way. This lovely dress is so cute. It’s a lovely shade of green printed all over with ballerinas. Bought it at Vinted and is from the brand I used to work for. So quality and sizing guaranteed good. Now I interpret the theme with a dress. Let’s take a look at my lovely friends to see how they did with the theme!”
“Nancy really pushed me on this one! I have never considered myself anything close to a ballerina type girl! So I went thrift shopping and found this beautiful new with tags White House Black Market pleated chiffon maxi skirt in the most ballerina color ever for just $6.99. I paired it with a preloved Ralph Lauren sparkly tank top that I have had for a few years. Everything else I am wearing was purchased at retail but none of it is new. It turns out I am more of a ballerina type girl than I ever imagined!”
“Being a ballerina for mummy…
When I was five my mum took me to ballet class so I could learn poise and elegance like a little girl should…
…but she soon realised I was the kind of girl who wanted to jump in muddy puddles and climb trees with the boys!
This month the Thrifty Six styling theme is ‘Ballerina’ so here I am, all these years later, being a ballerina for mummy…
…I think it’s about as close as I will ever get – lol.”
“From ballet in my past, to a world of fashion today. I can totally see and understand the link. We are exactly where we are supposed to be. And today it’s ballet for this collab! These days I may not own much that’s ballet related…except for ballerina shoes, which we all own a pair, I’m sure. But then I remembered this sweatshirt that I found in Florida! Just a top with a splashed-on sketch of a lanky girl in tulle, just trudging along…kinda reminds me of someone who journeyed through dance, fell in love with art, to then totally embrace fashion of course!”
“I really wasn’t sure how to interpret the ‘ballerina’ theme, but I figured this $1 BCBG yellow dress, which retailed for over $200, had the sweet and flowy vibes of a ballet dancer. I paired it with the nude heels I purchased for my brother’s wedding last weekend and threw on my favorite spring purse from Kate Spade New York. I’m date night ready!”
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It’s such a lovely look! And your headband is really pretty. Can’t believe you don’t have a tulle skirt, it would look fabulous on you!
Everything about this look speaks ballerina vibes to me! That lovely pink skirt, the top, your hair accessories- the dreamy purse- oh my I just can’t stop gushing over this- you look amazing!!
I have to admit that you are so good at color matching. Your entire outfits are always eye-catching. I love the details. Your nails, bag, makeup, and accessories are so matching. I love your outfit. Elegant as well as cute!!!!
Emma, this is a brilliant interpretation of the ballet theme! I adore this sugary pink confection on you. All of your accessories are so whimsical and fun, too. That headband is magnificent. Wonderful outfit, my friend!
Shelbee
Such a fun challenge! Absolutely LOVE how you styled this outfit! Just gorgeous <3
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
You definitely nailed the ballerina vibe, Emma! Well done!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com