It can be really tricky to show off your personal style at work, especially if you're a lover of fashion. The idea of wearing your favorite trends to the office might seem ludicrous, but ballerina inspired fashion is one trend that translates well into the realms of workwear.
Since the stunning thriller Black Swan graced our screens in 2010, the fashion world has had an ongoing love affair with the iconic Black Swan ballerina style. Who could blame it? The ethereal beauty of the costumes makes ballerina-inspired clothes a fantasy, while the metaphorical dark and light (or good and evil) in the Swan Lake characters and the ballet industry brings ballerina style down to earth and humanizes it. Ballerina style allows the wearer to appear as elegant as a prima ballerina, while adding a touch of whimsy to any wardrobe.
In 2015, Vogue included the ballerina trend on its spring/summer 2015 trend list, real life ballerina Misty Copeland was on on TIME Magazine's Most Influential People List, ballet-themed series Flesh And Bone premiered, and fashionable darling North West wore a collection of tutus throughout the year. To celebrate the new year, plus size fashion blogger Callie Thorpe wore an edgy ballerina style dress, proving that anyone and everyone should embrace this trend.
If you're still in love with the sophisticated yet whimsical ballerina trend, here's how you can wear it to work while looking professional.
1. The Ballerina Bun
Former NYC ballet soloist and vlogger Kathryn Morgan showed viewers how to create a sleek ballerina bun. Follow her tutorial to create an elegant up 'do for work that'll keep your hair out of your face while looking sophisticated.
2. The Flouncy Blouse
Drift and Sure Top, $31.99, Modcloth
Choose a blouse with a floaty hem to give your outfit some movement.
Chiffon Lace Inset Blouse, $40.87, Torrid
Look heavenly in a light and lacy chiffon top that will be perfect for warm weather.
3. The Tulle Skirt
Tulle Prom Skirt with Multi Layers, $81, Asos
Channel Carrie Bradshaw in a tutu style skirt, but make it work appropriate by picking a muted tone.
Floral Tulle Midi Skirt, $32.61, Torrid
Alternatively, opt for a floral print tulle midi to tone down the ballerina vibes.
4. The Floaty Formal Maxi
Carly Chiffon and Jersey Deep V Maxi Dress, $23, Boohoo
Look super polished in a monochrome maxi with a floaty skirt.
Plus Zoe Slinky Wrap Front Maxi Dress, $23, Boohoo
Go for a more conservative aura in a long-sleeved, all-black maxi dress.
5. The Waterfall Blazer
Relaxed Waterfall Jacket, $68, Asos
Nail the off duty ballerina look with a smart-casual nude waterfall front blazer.
Curve Relaxed Waterfall Blazer, $65, Asos
Go for a stronger ballerina inspired look by choosing a lovely pink style instead.
6. The Ballet Flats
Sage 2 — Light Brown Leather Kendall and Kylie, $34.99, Heels
Pirouette around the office in a pair of lace-up ballet flats. Don't worry: They have a zip at the rear for easy access, so you don't have to retie them each time you wear 'em.
Sole Diva Cross Strap Pumps EEE Fit, $40.99, SimplyBe
Flaunt a more understated ballerina look in these feminine flats.
Want more fashion and beauty tips? Check out the playlist below, and be sure to subscribe to Bustle’s YouTube page for more hacks and tricks!
7. The Chic Headband
Burnished Gold Lilly Leaves Headband, $3.99, Claire's
Look like you've stepped straight out of Swan Lake in this decadent headband.
8. The Understated Necklace
Ballet Shoe Necklace, $55, Etsy
If your workplace has a pretty strict dress code, choose a modest accessory like this darling pointe shoe pendant.
9. The Nude Makeup
Big Beautiful Eyes Eyeshadow Palette, $21, Benefit Cosmetics
Ballerinas wear statement makeup on stage, but when they're off duty they often go bare or sport a natural makeup look. This eyeshadow palette will help draw attention to your eyes without looking OTT.
10. The Smart Casual Wrap Top
Ballet Wrap Long Sleeve Top, $35, Topshop
Stay nice and airy in a lightweight ballet-style wrap top.
Wrap Top, $40.99, simplybe.com
When it's chilly outside, you can choose a wrap knit to slay at layering.
11. The Feather Detail
Feather Front Bandeau Jumpsuit, $24, Misguided
A formal feather detail jumpsuit makes for an awesome alternative to a plain pantsuit.
Prima Black Feather Dress, $126, Elvi
Pair this pretty frock with a black blazer and you'll be the best dressed gal in the office.
Let your smart-casual, ballerina-inspired attire take you from your morning meeting straight to a night at the ballet.
Images: Courtesy Brands