March 2019 | Dearest Lou

5 Steps To Dress Like A Dancer

Photo Credit: Cecilia Harvard

Have you ever questioned why it is that you will often see clothes in high fashion that are standard to the dance industry? Maybe it is because their lean and fit bodies look almost fluid when they are dancing, and their clothes seem to be part of their bodies. While we expect them to look flawless when they are in costume, it is their ability to look at ease and comfortable in their daily attire that impresses us.

Even people who are famous for their fashion sense often look to the world of dance for trendy dance clothes. For example, the popcorn sweater is trending for 2019. This is a cardigan that has lots of volume and depth. It may be a fuzzy cashmere or just a thick and bumpy knit. Dancers wear this over their leotards and tights and it is rocking the fashion world. There was a recent post about these cool sweaters on Refinery29. We just saw it and it got some good reviews.

Photo credit: Chelsea Fernando

5 ways you can incorporate dancewear into your wardrobe.

  • Leotards as tops
    • This has been making news since the 1970s. These great “tops” do not ride up. They hug the body and give you the support of a blouse and bra and they come in many cuts. Wear a halter leotard, a capped sleeve, backless, or long sleeve. Wear them with anything.
  • Tulle skirts
    • Full tulle skirts are showing up in all kinds of events. Kim Kardashian was seen recently in a sexy pink tulle skirt. These skirts are being worn with cashmere, off-the-shoulder sweaters or sexy little silk numbers. Ballet flats are cute with them, but since they are usually worn to semi-formal events, pairing them with high heels is a better option.
  • Tights
    • Tights are replacing hosiery this year. The fishnet tights of 2018 are still rocking the fashion world. This year, look for animal prints. Leopard print tights under a leotard or some cute shorts are in the dance studio. The same tights under a flirty little skirt are showing up at the clubs.
  • Elephant pants
    • Elephant pants are back. They are a bit smaller than the 90’s hit. You will see loose pants with a high waist that are gathered and cuffed at the ankle. Pair them with a hot crop top and ballerina flats, and you are ready to go.
  • Leggings
    • Leggings are here to stay and every year they get better and better. This year look for shiny metallic fabrics. Big name sporting companies are putting out shiny gold, silver, and rose gold. If you look closely, you may find a few pieces in rust that are awesome. Match these up with a cool sports bra and you have the hottest look on the floor.

The lines between fashion and dancewear are always blurred. As long as there are people who want to dress fashionable and people who want to perform uninhibited, these groups will stay close. If you are ever curious about the hottest thing on the runway, just take a look at the dance studio, and you can’t miss.