Mom Fashion

Balletcore Is the Internet’s New Favorite Aesthetic—Here’s How to Embrace It as a Mom

written by EMILEE JANITZ

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balletcore trend collage"
balletcore trend collage
Graphics by: Aryana Johnson
Graphics by: Aryana Johnson

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. 

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.

Shop the look:

pink cardigan
Sézane
Gaspard Cardigan

also available in black and beige

sizes XXS – XXXL

Shop now
pink pleated skirt
Quince
Chiffon Pleated Midi Skirt

also available in black

sizes XS – XL

Shop now
pink bag
STAUD
Goodnight Moon Bag

4 colors available

Shop now
tan ballet flats
Dolce Vita
Claira Ballet Flats
Shop now

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.

Shop the look:

fur coat
Steve Madden
Emery Coat

sizes 2XS – 2XL

Shop now
pink bow set
Anthropologie
Bow Scrunchie Set

2 styles available

Shop now
black skirt
Reformation
Flounce Skirt

sizes 0 – 12

Shop now
lace tights
Target | A New Day
Viney Floral Tights

sizes S – 2X

Shop now

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. 

Shop the look:

turtleneck ribbed sweater
Abercrombie & Fitch
Ribbed Funnel Neck Sweater

4 colors available

sizes XXS – XL

Shop now
satin bow
Etsy | Twin Craft Store
Silk Satin Hair Bow

10+ colors available

Shop now
bow leg warmers
Urban Outfitters
Bow Leg Warmer
Shop now
grey lounge pants
Skims
Cotton Rib Legging

also available in ivory and black

sizes XXS – 4X

Shop now

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. 

Shop the look:

black midi dress
Reformation
Elvira Dress

also available in white

sizes 0 -12

Shop now
satin and tulle dress
Anthropologie | Hutch
Sleeveless Drop-Waist Midi Dress

sizes XXS – XL

Shop now
pink sneakers
Everlane
The Tread-Bare Sneaker
Shop now
black loafers
DSW | Steve Madden
Sheyla Loafer
Shop now

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.

Shop the look:  

pink beret
Anthropologie | San Diego Hat Co.
Wool Beret

also available in white

Shop now
ribbed cream sweater
Abercrombie & Fitch
Ribbed Mockneck Sweater

also available in black

sizes XXS – XL

Shop now
textured cable tights
Calzedonia
Ribbed Cashmere Blend Tights

also available in natural and black

sizes XS – XL

Shop now
black skort
American Eagle
It Knit Skort

also available in cream

sizes XXS – XXL

Shop now
cream peacoat
Revolve | Sanctuary
Hometown Jacket

sizes XXS – XXL

Shop now
white boots
DSW | los cabos
Raina Chelsea Boot

also available in black

Shop now

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.

Shop the look:  

pink floral midi dress
Hill House Home
The Ellie Nap Dres

10+ colors and patterns available

sizes XXXS – XXL

Shop now
pink chiffon bow
Emi Jay
Bow Barrette
Shop now
heart pearl necklace
REVOLVE
Celeste Necklace
Shop now
gold flower drop earrings
Anthropologie
Blossom Drop Earrings
Shop now

More Balletcore Pieces We Love

Skirts and Dresses

pink tulle dress
REVOLVE | Free People
Tutu Slip Dress

also available in black

sizes XS – XL

Shop now
pleated long sleeve dress
DISSH
Long Sleeve Midi Dress

also available in black and white

sizes XS – XXL

Shop now
beige satin midi skirt
J.Crew
Gwyneth Slip Skirt

also available in black

sizes XXS – 3X

Shop now
purple skirt
Urban Outfitters
Kimchi Ballet Mini Skirt

sizes XS – XL

Shop now

Shoes

silver ballet flats
Anthropologie | Vicenz
Bow Mary Janes

also available in black

Shop now
knee-high cream boots
Sam Edelman
Vance Knee High Boot

also available in silver and black

Shop now
cream ballet flats
dolce vita
Reyes Ballet Flat

10 colors available

Shop now
black flats
Famous Footwear | Franco Sarto
Vana Ballet Flat

8 colors available

Shop now
pink ballet flats
Anthropologie | Intentionally Blank
Valley Flats

also available in black

Shop now
mary jane taupe heels
DSW | Marc Fisher
Charisy Mary Jane Pump

also available in black

Shop now

Tops and Bodysuits

cream wrap over top
Reformation
Relaxed Cashmere Wrap

also available in black

sizes XS – XL

Shop now
pink bodysuit
Anthropologie
Seamless Ballerina Bodysuit

also available in black

sizes XXS – XL

Shop now
black off the shoulder top
Abercrombie & Fitch
Asymmetrical Draped Bodysuit

also available in white

sizes XXS – XL

Shop now
pink sweater top
Old Navy
Fitted Rib-Knit Sweater

also available in black and ivory

sizes XS – 4X

Shop now
lilac bodysuit
Abercrombie & Fitch
Mesh Crepe Squareneck Bodysuit

also available in black

sizes XXS – XL

Shop now
pink crossover top
Free People
Cashmere Reversible Wrap Sweater

also available in black

sizes XS – XL

Shop now
grey cardigan
Lulus
Open-Front Shrug Sweater

sizes XS – XL

Shop now
cream white long sleeve
intimissimi
Crewneck Top with Cashmere Lamé

also available in black

sizes S – L

Shop now

Jewelry and Accessories

grey leg warmer
DSW | Lemon
Cable Knit Leg Warmers

also available in black

Shop now
pearl bow earrings
Nickel & Suede
Bow and Pearl Studs
Shop now
cream purse
Zara
Tulle Bag
Shop now
pink bow purse
Petal + Pup
Bennet Bow Statement Bag
Shop now
red cinch bag
Sézane
Micro Farrow Bucket Bag

also available in pink

Shop now
pink bow
Urban Outfitters
Lettuce-Edge Hair Bow Barrette

also available in white, black, and pink

Shop now
pink headband
Free People
Mini Molly Headband
Shop now
white satin bow
Target | A New Day
Satin Bow Hair Barrette

also available in black

Shop now