Fashion is ready to take centerstage.
“Euphoria” actress Sydney Sweeney hit Saturday’s star-studded LACMA Art + Film Gala in a soft pink, whimsical Giambattista Valli couture dress; slicked back hair and opaque tights that would have looked at home in a production of “Swan Lake.”
On her Instagram, the 25-year-old Emmy nominee posted pictures of herself in the frothy frock paired with toe shoes and also shared sweet snaps of herself at dance recitals as a young girl.
Sweeney’s pastel ensemble was the most literal translation yet of the balletcore aesthetic. The en pointe trend has been percolating for months on runways, off-duty supermodels and on TikTok, where the hashtag #balletcore has 105.9 million views.
“Balletcore is taking ballet’s most recognizable wardrobe staples like leotards, open backs, tulle skirt, wrap sweaters and ballet flats … and turning them into our everyday looks,” on-air style and trend expert Brittney Levine told The Post.
Actress Tessa Thompson gave the trend a twirl in May when she wore an elaborate tulle Carolina Herrera gown to the Met Gala. But balletcore isn’t limited to dramatic red-carpet confections. It’s also got a far more casual side.
In August, Bella Hadid stepped out in pastel leg warmers and, more recently, she paired pink ballet flats and a sleek headband with gray sweats. Last week, Hailey Bieber looked rehearsal-ready in a pale-pink shorts unitard with thin, delicate straps and a front cutout.
“Many of the looks stem from athleisure, but it’s more sweet, feminine, dainty and frilly, if you will,” said Levine.
Not unlike other social media driven style waves such as cottagecore and coastal grandmother, balletcore is ubiquitous among fashion influencers. Designers such as Simone Rocha and Molly Goddard have embraced the aesthetic, while Zara collaborated with the New York City Ballet on a collection last summer.
And, although the term “balletcore” is inherently linked to Gen Z, fashion and ballet have been performing a pas de deux for centuries.
More recently, in 2010, the fashion industry went wild for every aspect of the ballet world’s warm-up togs and costumes after the release of Darren Aronofsky’s thriller “Black Swan” starring Natalie Portman. In 1998, Carrie Bradshaw dodged puddle spray from MTA buses in a tutu and pink tank top.
“I always think of ‘Sex and the City’ ushering in the balletcore trend, because who could forget Sarah Jessica Parker from the Pat Field-era donning the tulle skirt?” said Levine. She notes that the dainty look has a nostalgic appeal. “Growing up, every girl wanted to be a prima ballerina.”
