Timothée Chalamet has well and truly had it handed to him. Following some controversial remarks about the relevance of ballet and opera, the actor has whipped up fury among the performing arts scene.
But, it seems that those who have hit back at the Marty Supreme star needn’t worry – because the power of classical dance isn’t fading any time soon. This sentiment remains especially strong among the fashion crowd, who continue to champion ballet aesthetics with full-throttled vigour.
Unless you resided under a rock the past few seasons, you will have no doubt encountered the sartorial phenomenon that is ‘balletcore.’ Emerging in 2022 as a popular trend beloved by the likes of Hailey Bieber and Dua Lipa, balletcore translated leotards, white tights, wrap boleros and top buns to mainstream fashion.
Stretchy, comfort-first fashion with a feminine edge dominated the market, with brands including Loewe, Gucci, Miu Miu, Simone Rocha and Ferragamo sprinkling ballet references across their fantastical runway collections – particularly for spring/summer 2025. Not to mention the unmissable ballet flat and sneaker movement that permeated the wardrobes of fashion lovers across the board.
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© ImaxtreeWell, just when we thought balletcore had lost its touch, the trend pirouetted back onto the scene. But forget the frothy Carrie Bradshaw-esque renditions, this season was all about pert, stiff alternatives. Flying saucer-inspired tutu skirts dominated on the autumn/winter 2026 runways this season, with abbreviated silhouettes that echoed the tulle-trimmed prima ballerina staples captivating audiences.
© WWD via Getty ImagesCarrying his penchant for rigid, starched mini skirts over from Loewe, Jonathan Anderson debuted plush, textured options with button-down detailing for Dior, while Roberto Cavalli displayed vibrant, layered pieces that leaned into 80s nostalgia. Blumarine amped up the glitz, with creative director David Koma funnelling crystal-encrusted floral silhouettes down the catwalk, while Vaquera subverted the skirt via raw hems and charcoal pleating.
While said inflexible styles are yet to hit the mainstream, join us in rehashing the immortal balletcore trend and discover how to incorporate twee tutu pieces into your spring/summer arsenal below.
How to style a tutu for spring/summer:
© Getty ImagesMerry Mini
Take it from beauty influencer Olivia Jade- multi-layered minis are always a good shout. Team yours with thong heels for a thoroughly feminine aesthetic.
© Getty ImagesTulle Cool for School
Longline tulle is a classic Molly Goddard house code – as so perfectly demonstrated by Nia Archives here. We’d style ours with a sporty hoodie for the ideal mix of athlete-chic and balletic brilliance.
© Getty Images80s Rock Glam
Channel your inner rocker chick with a fabulously frothy tutu concoction trimmed with glimmering sequins. Punk yet pretty with an 80s twist.
© Getty ImagesMaxi Magic
Despite the current fascination with cropped silhouettes, the maxi tutu is here to stay. Singer Holly Humberstone wore an ethereal floral piece to the Simone Rocha AW26 show, and we are totally sold.
© Getty ImagesColour Contrast
Vogue editor Julia Hobbs knows a thing or two about statement dressing. Take her blossom pink Simone Rocha tutu for example, which the expert coolly teamed with a bright red coat-dress for an unmissable LFW look.
© Getty ImagesGala Glam
Black tie dress codes needn’t be expected or dull. Zhuzh your after-hours attire with a lick of fanciful tulle, fun and flirtatious in equal measure.
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