Six Wardrobe Staples to Showcase Your Inner Dancer

You don’t have to be built like a prima ballerina to dress like a dancer. Dancers–like many artists–come in all shapes and sizes with varying talents and techniques. Despite their differences, one thing remains the same: the ability to wow with their wardrobe.

For years, dance attire has been a source of inspiration to the fashion world. In fact, you might be wearing something dance-inspired this very moment. Rather than thinking of dance-inspired wear as garish or over the top, let’s look at some ways to add some subtle pieces to your line up. While Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic tutu in Sex and the City is certainly not for everyone, don’t be surprised if this post has you shopping at dance stores for all of your clothing needs.

Tulle Skirts
Alright, the Carrie Bradshaw look might not be for everyone but don’t discount the idea of wearing a tulle skirt. Tulle skirts are surprisingly versatile, effortlessly being paired with a blouse and eye-catching jewelry for formal events, or a tank top and denim jacket for a more casual take. Tulle skirts are even making an impact on wedding trends in the past couple of years, as an option for brides and bridesmaids who choose to wear separates. Depending on the brand name and style you’re looking for, tulle skirts can cost anywhere from $20-$200.

Bodysuits
Bodysuits made a bold statement in the fashion world during the 1990s. Twenty years later, they’re making a reappearance as a must-have fashion item. Bodysuits are a staple for dancers, due to their form-fitting, unshifting nature during movement. You can wear a bodysuit under jeans for a night on the town, or under a high-waisted pencil skirt and blazer for sophisticated, yet stylish, office wear.

Ballet Flats
Ballet flats have been a wardrobe staple for what seems like eons. In fact, ballet flats first entered the fashion world in the 1600s, inspired of course by their namesake. There are rumors that ballet flats were a quick choice to replace heels after Marie Antoinette tottered to the guillotine in hers. There was a resurgence in popularity during the 1960s, when fashion icon Brigitte Bardot was often witnessed wearing these heel-free wonders. Ballet flats come in various materials, colors, and styles, making them a simple yet necessary addition to any wardrobe.

Short, Flowy Dresses
Ideal for the summer, short, flowy dresses can be attributed to contemporary style dancers. Their ability to express emotion through movement is often accentuated by the fluidity of their attire. For a woman on the move, a short, flowy dress can be a comfortable way to display your femininity and show a little leg! These pieces can also be worn as a tunic over leggings during the colder months.

Sheer Tops
You’ll often see dancers in sheer tops and dresses with an opaque, built-in underlay on the stage. As with the short, flowy dresses, sheer tops add fluidity to movement while adding visually-striking layers. What you choose to display underneath the sheer top depends on your fashion tastes, comfort-level, and where you’ll be on display. Many women choose to wear only a bra or a bralette under a sheer top, whereas others choose a tank top or camisole for greater coverage.

Tights
Of these dance-inspired fashion staples, tights are the most versatile. Different textures, colors, and layering options make tights an affordable must-have in your wardrobe. Wear boldly colored tights under a monochromatic short, flowy dress for a show-stopping pop of color. Try a pair of sheer tights with cropped dress pants, heels, and a blouse for a high-fashion vibe. The options are endless.

Whether you’re subtle and sophisticated, bold and wild, or a little of each, there’s inspiration to be gained from dancers. Start incorporating these pieces into your wardrobe, and you’ll find a healthy balance between eye-catching fashion and dancing like nobody’s watching.

Photo by Bubba Carr