Balletcore Grew Up — Here’s How to Do It in 2025

New and improved, Balletcore has gone full Black Swan.

POSTED BY EILIS LYNASS

Balletcore has always been a little too sweet for my taste.

The picture-perfect bows, the all-pink fits, the dainty flats – it’s never quite felt lived in. Somewhere along the way, we forgot we were going for a vibe, not a costume.

So, how do we bring Balletcore back down to Earth? Give it some bite, a little grit, a touch of realness?

Obviously, it needs a makeover.

I imagine a ballerina heading straight from morning practice to her corporate job in the city – what would she wear? How could her wardrobe reflect not just her swan-like skills, but also her incredible drive, discipline and ambition?

For me, the key is to think less about the pristine, perfect image of ballet, and more about the movement itself; the quiet confidence, the strength and that effortless grace.

Perfection is for the stage; in real life, practicality, comfort, and style should take the spotlight.

So, here’s my take on Balletcore’s next act: the perfect fusion of ballerina and office siren energy; a style that exudes elegance, sensuality, passion, and that always-on-the-go attitude.  

Say hello to Balletcore's Cooler Big Sister, and 'borrow' her wardrobe:

Shoes

While Ballerina Flats are a classic, heels and pointed toes are the essentials for that gracious pointe shoe look.

  • Pointed toes for a more mature look.
  • Kittenheels
  • Boots – perfect for the colder months, and still give a classy and confident vibe 

Long Coats

Channel that on-the-go aura while keeping warm in your dance leotard.

  • Ballet is all about tradition, so keep the materials classic – wool, faux fur and suede.
  • The Belted the better.
  • Neutral or dark colours are a must.

Bodysuits

Leotards might not be ideal for day-to-day wear, but bodysuits are both sexy and convenient.    

  • Creative cuts to give you that cool and effortless look.
  •  Go for lace, silks and cottons.

Chunky Knits

Tight wrap cardigans were everywhere when balletcore first went viral, but in winter, it's the chunky knits that give you an effortless chic look.       

  • Cashmere, cotton and wool - comfort’s still a priority.
  • Try unique silhouettes to give your outfit a more modern edge.

Big Bags

Until our pockets grow three sizes, big bags are going nowhere. Plus, they're the perfect accessory for running from the studio to the office.

What you’ll need:

  •  Rather than decorating with pristine bows, try loosely tied ribbons - there's nothing more 2025 balletcore than meaningful mess.
  • Slightly slouchy – like you’ve just flung it on the floor after running late for rehearsals.

Midi or Wrap Skirts

Unless you're a professional, it's hard to look effortless in a tutu. Luckily, Ballerinas also wear midis and wraps. Extra plus – these skirts go great with body suits.    

  • For Midi’s, think bias cut, Sheer and silky, so you can move with grace and fluidity.
  • Wrap skirts, easy to put on or pull off, they’re sensual and a ballet essential. 

From girlish charm to fearless femininity, Balletcore 2.0 has put confidence, grace, and passion center stage. And because we love a good encore — here are our Fizzypicks to help you nail the look:

Liisa leather pumps | The Row

THE ROW
Liisa Leather Pumps
$1,050

  
Zara PATENT FINISH KITTEN HEEL SLINGBACKS - Black - Image 0
ZARA
Patent Finish Kitten Heel Slingbacks
 $59.90
 

Saint Laurent Harlow crystal-embellished slingback pumps | Heeled Pumps | Image 2

SAINT LAURENT
Harlow Crystal-emelished Slingback Pumps
$1,908

 

Long gray coat set with a high neck, long sleeves, front pockets, and a belt, over gray pants.

ZARA
Soft High-Neck Belted Coat
 $129

 

Pami cotton trench coat | The Row

THE ROW
Pami Cotton Trench Coat
 $4,160

 

ARIA COVE
Collarless oversized longline coat
 $260

 

Grey fitted bodysuit with boat neck and long sleeves, with dark wide-leg jeans and a jacket tied around the waist.

ZARA
Soft Polyamide Bodysuit
 $35.90

 

Jersey bodysuit | Courrèges

COURRÈGES 
Jersey bodysuit 
 $830

 

Out From Under Felicia Lace Trim Mesh Bodysuit

OUT FOR UNDER
Felicia Lace Trim Mesh Bodysuit
 $39

 

Alessandra cashmere cardigan | Lisa Yang

LISA YANG
Alessandra Cashmere Cardigan
 $710

 

Cashmere In Love Elen cashmere cardigan | Brown | Image 1

CASHMERE IN LOVE
Elen Cashmere Cardigan
 $904

 

& OTHER STORIES
Large real suede leather Tote bag 
 $199

 

Phantom Large suede tote bag | Aesther Ekme

AESTHER EKME
Phantom Large Suede Tote 
 $630

 

Belted Large suede tote bag | Toteme

TOTEME
Belted Large Suede Tote 
 $199

 

Soeur bias-cut midi skirt | Red | Image 1

SOEUR
Bias-cut Midi Skirt 
 $227

 

ASOS DESIGN
Satin Wrap mini skirt  
 $19.99

 

Genny wool-blend wrap skirt | Sportmax

SPORTMAX
Genny wool-blend wrap skirt
 $345

 

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