One thing that is well known about me is the two passions I have in life, dance and fashion. Combining the two elements for a spectacular runway show has always been my dream, but I also found that it's easy to combine both in your everyday style. For centuries, designers have taken inspiration from dancers to create their lines, so I thought I would should share some style tips that I learned from different genres of dance to help you bring out your inner dancer.
Ballet
The oldest and most well-known style of dance is also the most used in fashion. From chic buns, to tulle skirts, to ballet flats, designers love taking inspiration from this genre.
Leotards
One of the trendiest pieces in Fashion at the moment is the bodysuit. Of course this piece was inspired by the leotards that ballet dancers wear to class, but it's also practical in the fact that it gives a chic tucked in look that wont come undone. One of my favorite style tips to those who are looking for a cute bodysuit for your next night out is to buy a leotard (something I've done many times). You'll still have the look of a bodysuit, but a leotard gives you more options to play around with. From elegant black ballet ones and trendy colorful jazz ones the possibilities are truly endless. Plus, I can guarantee that none of your non-dancer friends will be shopping on Discount Dance, so you won't risk having the same outfit.
Hair Buns
The ballet bun will always be a chic, timeless hairstyle. Especially since there are so many variations. You can channel your inner Swan Lake with a low bun with a middle part or rock a slicked back high bun like your about to take the stage at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center. When I was in college I had to put my hair in a bun five days a week for our ballet classes, and I love to change up my bun with side parts, twists, and braids. If all else fails, you can never go wrong with a messy bun.
Ballet Flats
Honestly, I have never been a huge fan of this type of shoe for many reasons. One is because they usually look like they trying to hard to be a ballet shoe. The other is that I'm the type of girl that takes every opportunity to wear a heel. But finally, there are more stylish variations of the classic shoe. You can now choose strappy, snakeskin, and so many others that are a chic take on this shoe.
Tulle Skirts
If you thought Carrie Bradshaw popularized tulle with her iconic Sex and the City outfit than you were wrong. Ballet dancers have been wearing tulle for centuries, The fabric is elegant, and looks great as a skirt or on a dress.
Black and Pink
Ballet dancers have very strict attire when it comes to class. The dress code is always a black leotard and pink tights. However this color combination does not have to be limited to the ballet barre. In fact, combining black with a pale pink can make you look sleek and feminine.
Wrap Tops
Ballet dancers often wear tights wrap sweater to arm up at the beginning of class. The wrap top look emulates this in a way that's chic and a little flirty. To make it more fun you can look for some with fun details such as the puffy sleeved one I'm wearing in the photo.
Heels with Ribbon or Ties
One of the most exciting parts of ballet was when I finally got my pointe shoes. There are many heels sold now with ribbons that look the same way a pointe shoe does when tied. It makes the classic pump look more girly and gives someone like me an excuse to buy another pair of heels!
Tap
From the classic looks of the Rockettes to the fun fringe looks you've seen on the Broadway stage, Tap is a fun genre to steal style tips from.
The French Twist
As someone who has been obsessed with the Rockettes since I was five years old I've always loved the French Twist. This hairstyle is what they wear in every performance and could make is casual outfit instantly sleek and fashion forward.
Classic Red Lip
The red lip is a classic look that's history dates back way before dancers ever took the stage, but nonetheless has become a dancer staple. I was required to wear a red lip for every performance from age 10 until my last college performance. The Rockettes also wear a red lip in every show. They have two options for their lipstick shade, Mac Lipstick in either Red or Russian Red. These stunning shades can take a simple outfit and make it more bold and daring, but at the same time timeless
Pinstripe
There's many a tap costume with this classic print, some dating back to the earliest Broadway shows, and many used in several dance recitals every year. So grab that pinstripe blazer and channel your inner tap dancer.
Fringe, Fringe, and More Fringe
Another classic tap look is fringe from flappers, to Broadway, to again many dance recitals fringe is commonly used in many dance recitals. For any event it's a fun way to make your look more flirty and playful.
Loafers
There are two main kinds of tap shoes. The first being what's known as a flat tap. Many loafers resemble the look of this shoe. In fact, loafers are great paired with a blazer and an easy way to dress up a look without breaking out a pair of heels. However...
Mary Janes
Heel taps are the other kind of commonly uses tap shoes, and for us high heel lovers, Mary Janes are the shoe that most resembles the look. They also are great with any business casual look, and can give you a sleek vintage vibe.
Jazz
Jazz is my favorite genre of dance. However, it's the hardest to give out specific style tips for because there's so much variety. You see jazz on Broadway, in tv shows and movies, music videos, and so much more. For the purposes of this blog, I chose to channel the Bob Fosse era of jazz.
All Black
Obviously, this look has been around for a long time. Fosse made it more iconic by using simple all black costumes for many of his shows. All black looks are sleek, slimming, and elongating. Especially, when picking pieces that are ore form fitting and adding a pair of black tights.
Simple Jewelry
When I competed it was a requirement to wear rhinestone earrings and some teacher even ask students to wear chockers, bracelets, and necklaces. Any form of simple rhinestone jewelry is a great way to add a bit of sparkle to your look without it stealing the show.
Expressing Yourself
Like I said, there's so much variety in jazz that you can look at this dance form as a reminder to express yourself. Clothing is just an extension of our personality, so you really can't do too much wrong.
Hip Hop
Hip-hop is such an exciting style of dance probably because it's one people created in the streets. You see it everywhere now especially in music videos in live performances. When I used to take it regularly I would always want to rock my coolest outfit because I truly believed it made me dance better.
Flannels
Flannel for hip-hop?... Groundbreaking. I loved to tie a flannel around my waist in hip-hop, and I find myself doing that with several of my outfits now. it simply makes me feel cooler than I actually am.
Crop Tops
For a sassier genre of hip hop such as vogueing, whacking, or even heels classes, I prefer crop tops. Showing a little extra skin can instantly make any look a little flirtier, and make you look fashionable without trying too hard.
Oversized Tees
Hip-hop goes with baggy clothing as much as it does flannel. Over-sized tees can give you an edge when worn well. This might mean cinching it at the waist or pairing it with a cute bottom.
All the Sweats
You can not go wrong with any sweatshirt or pair of sweatpants. In class my friends and I would be so excited to show off whatever pair we just got from our last competition. Now there are so many ways to dress them up. Many models and influencers wear them with an over-sized blazer. But, also, there's nothing wrong with rocking a cute set from the comfort of your couch.
Combat Boots
These were a must when I was growing up. There not as used now expect for maybe heeled ones for a heels class. Putting on a pair of these instantly elevates your look and gives it more edge. Also the higher the heel the better!
Sneakers
These are the best shoe you can wear for hip-hop. Sneakers are a huge trend right now, so it seems like there's more variety than ever. They're a great way to dress down any look and once again give you that effortless feel.
Bonus: Hacks I've Learned from Dance Class
1. Fashion Tape is your Friend- If you want to be sure something does not move off your skin Fashion Tape is what you need. For competition we would use it to keep our dance shorts in place, but it's great for making sure your top or bottoms want reveal anything on a fun night out.
2. When it comes to adding your own embellishments E-6000 is the way go- Seriously this stuff does not move. We used it to rhinestone just about every costume and I highly recommend it for any DIY clothing project.
3. Putting Moleskin on the high friction areas of your shoes is a great way to prevent blisters- Nothing hurt worse than the breaking in a new pair of Character Shoes or Tap Heels, but adding moleskin to the heel of the shoe always helped. I've found this helps with breaking in any pair of heels as well.
What fashion and dance have in common first and foremost is that they are an art form. Both can be used to express yourself, and show the world who you are.
XOXO,
Kristin
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