"The older I get (and the busier my life gets with my maturing children), the less I care about and rely on social media as a source of information and entertainment. But as much as I’d love to cut ties from the social networks completely, there are a few draws keeping me hooked. One being the fact that I work from home and have limited social interaction (I legitimately keep up with my friends through Instagram), and the second being my love of aesthetics and desire to consume the latest and greatest in everyday fashion.
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Over the last several years, we’ve seen fashion content expand beyond the boundaries of Pinterest and take a foothold among the grids of Instagram and the scrolling interface of TikTok. The latter, in particular, has become a driver of trends and highly stylized micro trends. These aesthetics are often a reflection of culture, and each encapsulates a specific lifestyle. In 2020, cottagecore became the pastoral escape for everyone isolating at home. In 2021, Y2K became our nostalgic coping mechanism as people began reentering society and embracing “the new normal,” as culture frequently referred to life after the pandemic. And so on and so forth.
Now, in 2024, TikTok-driven fashion aesthetics are showing no indication of slowing down. While it’s early in the year, we’ve already seen a few new micro styles served up through the algorithm, including romancecore and eclectic grandpa. Among this new lineup, there is currently a very clear frontrunner: balletcore.
What is Balletcore?
Unlike some of its other more poetic brethren (see coastal grandmother), balletcore is a fairly straightforward concept to understand and easy to identify once you lay your eyes upon it.
As the name implies, it’s a fashion aesthetic that draws inspiration from the art of ballet and the attire worn by those who practice it. It’s a trend that’s hyper-focused on femininity and romanticism, leaning into delicate fabrics and muted colors. As an everyday-wear micro trend, balletcore is all about incorporating ballet-inspired fashion pieces into street looks rather than dressing as a full-blown ballerina.
Telltale signs of a balletcore outfit include ballet flats, premium knits, bodysuits, romantic skirts, and over-the-top “girly” accessories (think bow hair pieces and jewelry, lace tights, and frilly socks). Colors indicative of the style include pastels (specifically pink and blue), metallics, and classic black and white.
While balletcore first started showing its face in 2022, it really picked up popularity at the tail end of 2023. One of my own favorite retailers, J. Crew, smartly fueled the popularity and made the trend more accessible for the fashion-loving masses when it collaborated with New York City Ballet this past holiday season. This move has now been replicated by Reformation, whose collaboration collection with the famed dance company is gorgeous enough to make any fashion lover’s jaw hit the floor.
How to Nail Balletcore As a Mom
I’m going to go out on a limb and say that most of us mothers probably don’t find donning a tulle skirt every day a practical choice. Of course, if you’re feeling it, I salute you. That said—and as with every trend—there are ways to incorporate the aesthetic into outfits suitable for parenting.
One aspect that makes balletcore particularly accessible for moms is its prioritization of comfort—after all, there are many who would argue ballet is not an art but rather a sport. Dancers need attire that allows free movement. And while moms might not be performing pirouettes throughout their days, they are certainly known for their active lifestyles. Here are a few ideas for channeling balletcore in your outfits:
Grab Some Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are currently a mom’s best friend. Super trendy all around, the shoe (obviously) makes any and every outfit more aligned with the balletcore aesthetic. I personally love them as a mom fashion staple as I’m able to slip them on easily while simultaneously toting my 1-year-old and shepherding my 3-year-old out the door. Pair with any and all bottoms, from jeans to skirts to trousers.
When In Doubt, Add a Hair Bow
Hair bows capitalize on the romanticism of the aesthetic while also providing moms with a fun and easy way to dress up an updo (i.e., messy bun) or zhush up hair that hasn’t seen shampoo in several days. Use a hair bow barrette to achieve a simple, mom-favorite half-up-do.
Consider Textiles
Balletcore is all about romantic femininity. Textiles provide a simple way to instantly nail that component of the micro trend. Ornamental, performance-ready materials (if you will) such as silk and tulle scream balletcore, as do a number of other textiles that are considered more practical for everyday wear. Cashmere, velvet, satin, and ribbed cotton all nod (bow?) to the aesthetic.
Choose Muted Colors
As mentioned above, this trend is rooted in soft, ethereal colors. Common shades seen within the balletcore spectrum include muted pinks and blues, cream, and black. While considering these colors, keep in mind that they’re not limited solely to your choice of top. These colors are particularly interesting and on-trend when sported in skirts and shoes.
Balletcore Outfit Ideas
Sweater + Maxi Skirt + Ballet Flats
If you’re a busy mom on the go (wait—that might be every mom) who also enjoys feeling put together, then a cozy sweater in a pale, on-trend color paired with a maxi skirt is the balletcore outfit formula for you. Go monochromatic (all pink or all cream, for example) for a statement ensemble.
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Faux Fur Coat + Skirt + Tights
Don a faux fur coat to channel balletcore during the winter months. A flouncy skirt and turtleneck top provide a practical (and capsule wardrobe-approved) base layer. Finish the dinner-with-friends look with a bow scrunchie and a pair of black pumps.
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Tunic Sweater + Leggings + Leg Warmers
While it’s been a hot minute since leggings have been “in,” I’m sure I’m not the only mom who’s been reluctant to wave goodbye to what was once every woman’s bottoms of choice. When you’re in need of a cozy ‘fit, revive the leggings in your closet with romantic accessories, such as a pair of leg warmers and a hair bow. Tunic sweaters pair well with leggings and are (yay!) showing signs of making a comeback.
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Drop-Waist Dress + Practical Footwear
A drop-waist dress is a one-and-done way to nail the trend. Style the piece with practical footwear such as loafers, sneakers, or (of course) ballet flats to keep the outfit practical for events you attend with your children.
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Beret + Tights + Peacoat
As a mom to two toddlers, I find myself reaching for a tights-and-skort combo more than you might think. Throw in a sweater, and the outfit is surprisingly comfortable and convenient for keeping up with my kids. Light-colored boots and a white or cream peacoat keep the outfit aligned with the balletcore aesthetic, and a feminine pink beret drives the look home.
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Puff-Sleeve Dress + Hair Bow
For special occasions or a take on upscale everyday wear, you can’t go wrong with a romantic puff-sleeve dress. Nap styles are particularly comfortable and can see a woman through the many stages of motherhood—from pregnancy to postpartum. Choose a maxi-length dress for an outfit that is also practical for herding children, with the long hemline covering your lower half every time you have to squat or bend to wipe a nose or lend an ear to an eager young storyteller.
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More Balletcore Pieces We Love
Skirts and Dresses
Shoes
Tops and Bodysuits
Jewelry and Accessories
