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Leg warmers, tights and ballet flats all originated in dance studios, but now they are being taken to the streets. Ballet tights are no longer for the uptight George Balanchine type — they can look alluring and fun.
The basic pallet of color for this new design is pastels. Everything is in light, faded tones that are subtle and silky. Soft pinks, lilacs and gray-blues are the hottest hues for this style. However, don’t be afraid to expand your range.
Start from the bottom up. Ballet flats are the essential shoe. A pair of flats with thin bottoms and dainty details is the best. They look great with jeans or can be dolled up with a flirty skirt and lacy top. Try a vintage top with dark wash jeans and jeweled slippers for a casual yet intelligent outfit.
Leg warmers were originally intended to help dancers keep toasty. Well now they also provide comfort and beauty. Leg warmers look great with capris, skirts or pants. They can be high class or strictly comfort. For those days that you feel like slumming, wear your favorite sweatpants with colorful leg warmers and cute tennis shoes. Try leg warmers in different lengths and bunch them up for a little attitude.
Tights are essential in the dance studio and in a wardrobe. Thick, chunky leggings can be smoking with a blue jean mini. For a daintier look, wear tights with small designs that can be intriguing under a business suit. Look for plenty of variety. Long or footless tights are good and available in every color. Warm colors for a subtle look and hot pink to be bold.
And that brings us to the most ballet-inspired piece yet, the tutu skirt. Poofy skirts in pale crinoline are feminine and straight from “The Nutcracker.” These classy bottoms are a little harder to dress down but are the perfect piece for a night out at a nice restaurant. This classic bottom pairs great with a colored camisole and a thicker half-jacket. To continue with the theme, wear embellished ballet slippers. Be sure to keep your skirt long and flirty. Short skirts with body are a bad flashback to the ’80s.
Begin looking for all of this at Target. They have a great section of dance clothes by Danskin. Also, The Sock Basket in Greenville is a specialty dance shop that has great leg warmers and a basic tight selection.
This look pairs the two most beautiful things in the world — ballet and individuality. You don’t want to be part of the corps in this one. Steal the show with your flats and tutu.
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