If there was a curious note about Balenciaga's Spring Summer 2023 collection, it was the inclusion of ballet flats - after all, the footwear style is historically associated with all things prim and proper and well, the Demna-led maison, with its irony-laden, hyper exaggerated silhouettes, is anything but.
And while Balenciaga's version comes with the typical Demna twist (they're intentionally distressed), it's yet another indicator that "balletcore" - TikTok's term for the ballet-inspired garb - is resolutely here to stay. It's been slowly percolating ever since industry leaders like Miuccia Prada re-introduced ballet flats in Miu Miu's Fall/Winter 2022 show and folks like Harry Styles wore Molly Goddard's version on his Harry's House album cover.
Miu Miu has been a key proponent of the #balletcore trend.
Over on TikTok, the term has since garnered over 460 million views and counting. Designers such as Dries Van Noten, Loewe, MM6, Marine Serre and more have nodded to the trend for the SS23 season, alongside names like Cecilie Bahnsen and Simone Rocha, who have had elements of balletcore in their work all along.
Think cosy knitwear, ribbons, bows, delicate pastel and neutral hues, tights and of course, the genre's signature footwear. Essentially things that have traditionally been regarded as hyper feminine, though FYI, contrary to popular perception, the dance form itself was actually male-dominated (with men performing both roles) up until the French Revolution in the 19th century.
Below, some starter pieces to get your #balletcore game on pointe.
Cardigans are frequently worn by real ballet dancers and they perfectly illustrate the cosy vibes essential to the look.
This Chanel SS23 vanity case is outrageously cute. Ergo it checks off all the right boxes.
Balenciaga's take on the trend: ballet but its intentionally scuffed finish make it (slightly) punk.
Emerging Asian-American designer Sandy Liang is known for creating contemporary pieces inspired by her culture. Her smocked top sports ribbons at the straps and garters at the hem.
The Miu Miu satin ballet flats were largely responsible for kickstarting the #balletcore trend but if you're after something less saccharine sweet, the brand offers other options too.
You can always count on Danish designer Cecilie Bahnsen to create some of the most delicate confections in fashion.
Socks are a huge part of the #balletcore movement and they don't come prettier than Cecilie Bahnsen's.
Who says tights have to be boring?
Margiela's Tabi fans are notoriously loyal to the style - and now a ballet flat version of the original is available too.
Bodysuits are the foundation to any ballet uniform and this Zara one looks to be pretty versatile with its heather gray hue.
What's a ballet fit without the poufy tulle skirt?
If you want to go the whole tulle hog though, there's no one better than Molly Goddard.