One of my first kiddie memories is being plunked down in a sea of fidgety, tutu-clad three-year-olds, also known as toddler ballet class. I promptly wailed and broke for the studio doors (but not before demanding a gold star sticker... I didn't get dressed up for nothing). Twenty years later I can count the number of ballet classes I've taken on a single hand, but I must say there's something so inherently chic and graceful in wearing tights and ballerina flats. What's more, the typical color palette associated with ballet is to die for- dusty pinks, heather greys, nude tones, and basic blacks look their best on drapey chiffon, mesh, and lace fabrics. Try pairing a wispy pink dress with a leather jacket or killer heels to toughen up the look a bit, or try a pair of embellished flats- a
studded pair should do the trick. A
wrap sweater is the simplest way to add ballet-inspired style to your look and pairs wonderfully with more structured bottoms, and you definitely don't need to know your plies from your pirouettes in order to fall in love with this
frilly cross-back dress by Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti. Click the slideshow for more of my favorite ballet-inspired looks, and if you want more inspiration, may I suggest
Center Stage.
