Balletcore: The dance-inspired fashion trend that's making the rounds on TikTok

If there was a curious note about Balenciaga’s Spring Summer 2023 collection, it was the inclusion of ballet flats – after all, the footwear style is historically associated with all things prim and proper and well, the Demna-led maison, with its irony-laden, hyper exaggerated silhouettes, is anything but.

And while Balenciaga’s version comes with the typical Demna twist (they’re intentionally distressed), it’s yet another indicator that “balletcore” – TikTok’s term for the ballet-inspired garb – is resolutely here to stay. It’s been slowly percolating ever since industry leaders like Miuccia Prada re-introduced ballet flats in Miu Miu’s Fall/Winter 2022 show and folks like Harry Styles wore Molly Goddard’s version on his Harry’s House album cover.

Credit:Showbit.com

Miu Miu has been a key proponent of the #balletcore trend.

Over on TikTok, the term has since garnered over 460 million views and counting. Designers such as Dries Van Noten, Loewe, MM6, Marine Serre and more have nodded to the trend for the SS23 season, alongside names like Cecilie Bahnsen and Simone Rocha, who have had elements of balletcore in their work all along.

Think cosy knitwear, ribbons, bows, delicate pastel and neutral hues, tights and of course, the genre’s signature footwear. Essentially things that have traditionally been regarded as hyper feminine, though FYI, contrary to popular perception, the dance form itself was actually male-dominated (with men performing both roles) up until the French Revolution in the 19th century.

Below, some starter pieces to get your #balletcore game on pointe.

Mohair-blend cropped cardigan, €350 (S$505), Acne Studios

Credit: Acne Studios

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Cardigans are frequently worn by real ballet dancers and they perfectly illustrate the cosy vibes essential to the look.

Tweed and lambskin vanity case, $6,740, Chanel

Credit: Chanel

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This Chanel SS23 vanity case is outrageously cute. Ergo it checks off all the right boxes.

Available in Chanel boutiques.

Satin ballet flats, $1,350, Balenciaga

Credit: Balenciaga

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Balenciaga’s take on the trend: ballet but its intentionally scuffed finish make it (slightly) punk.

Cotton smocked top, US$395 (S$535), www.sandyliang.info

Credit: Sandy Liang

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Emerging Asian-American designer Sandy Liang is known for creating contemporary pieces inspired by her culture. Her smocked top sports ribbons at the straps and garters at the hem.

Leather platform ballerina pumps, $1,680, Miu Miu

Credit: Miu Miu

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The Miu Miu satin ballet flats were largely responsible for kickstarting the #balletcore trend but if you’re after something less saccharine sweet, the brand offers other options too.

Cecilie Bahnsen silk satin bag, $741, www.ssense.com

Credit: Ssense

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You can always count on Danish designer Cecilie Bahnsen to create some of the most delicate confections in fashion.

Mohair socks, €200 (S$290), www.ceciliebahnsen.com

Credit: Cecilie Bahnsen

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Socks are a huge part of the #balletcore movement and they don’t come prettier than Cecilie Bahnsen’s.

Nensi Dojaka polyamide-blend tights, $356, sg.club21global.com

Credit: Club21

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Who says tights have to be boring?

Maison Margiela Tabi leather flats, $1,126, www.net-a-porter.com

Credit: Net-a-Porter

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Margiela’s Tabi fans are notoriously loyal to the style – and now a ballet flat version of the original is available too.

Polyester bodysuit, $44.90, Zara

Credit: Zara

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Bodysuits are the foundation to any ballet uniform and this Zara one looks to be pretty versatile with its heather grey hue.

Simone Rocha tulle skirt, $830, www.selfridges.com

Credit: selfridges

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What’s a ballet fit without the poufy tulle skirt?

Molly Goddard tulle dress, $2,190, www.net-a-porter.com

Credit: Net-a-Porter

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If you want to go the whole tulle hog though, there’s no one better than Molly Goddard.



This article was originally published in Female.