The baby-pink Bloch dance top in jersey, cut to flash a sliver of midriff, almost makes us want to lace up the matching pointe shoes. It is soft and comfortable, and easy to wear from a workout to a sofa session. And while we are at it, we may as well go the whole way: add the matching little wrap top from the same brand, semi-sheer in just the right places and available in several colours.
Winter, though, is unforgiving to studio kit worn as it is, and the journey from class to street is a world of shivers. So we layer: a breathable base layer, an insulating mid-layer and an outer layer that keeps out wind and rain. This layering principle avoids two traps: sweat that turns cold after exercise, and a puffer so thick it swamps the silhouette.
For colour, stick to easy-to-mix basics: black, marl grey, powder pink, bottle green, midnight blue. If you want a statement piece, keep it for an accessory — a satin ribbon, a Sylvain le Hen headband, knee-high socks — rather than the whole outfit, and treat yourself to a bottle-green towelling tracksuit in the Le Coq Sportif vein for staying warm while you shake a leg.
The bodysuit, meanwhile, is the piece that changes everything. Long sleeves, high neck, scooped back: worn alone with wide-leg trousers, it works just as well as a shirt under a blazer. Look for a recycled polyamide style with a little elastane: it holds you in without feeling compressive.
For the bottom half, leave nothing to chance: tights and leggings lead the dance. For winter, go for opaque tights, and choose a lined pair if you feel the cold, plus high-waisted leggings in a thick fabric. The matte finish matters more than you might think: it gives the leg structure instead of making it shine.
Dance shorts or a skort. Layered over tights or leggings, they bring movement and an unabashed balletcore touch, like a reworked 'Fame' moment! Choose a fabric that does not crease, otherwise the drape will not forgive you.
On your feet, the famous, near-mythic Repetto ballet flats remain a reliable city choice, provided you check the outer sole: it needs to be non-slip, or winter slush will take care of that for you. Studio-inspired trainers, fine and flexible, are better for days when you walk a lot.
The bun. Hairnets, elastics, pins and satin ribbons: a small kit at the bottom of your bag saves you from rogue strands after class, and makes the difference between a finished look and a frazzled one.
The leotard becomes an elegant alternative to a blouse, especially under an oversized blazer; leggings slide into tall boots or flat trainers, and over the top, a long lightweight puffer protects the whole look without breaking the line. That is exactly the spirit of the Academy set from Princesse Tam Tam, colourful leggings and a pretty little touch included.
Because yes, the dancer's wardrobe does not stop at the studio walls. Under a blazer, a black bodysuit does the job of a shirt; thick leggings replace tailored trousers; and a well-chosen pair of ballet flats lasts the day without complaint. That is the real good news about this trend: it is comfortable, yet perfectly presentable in a meeting.
The one small habit worth adopting: fold your dance kit in half in a light bag and slip a pair of warm socks in the bottom. By the time you have changed after class, you can leave the tracksuit feeling behind — and be ready to move on to whatever comes next.
As for fabric, a small proportion of elastane allows freedom of movement without distorting the piece too soon. And to make the fibres last longer, wash cold and air-dry, especially tights and bodysuits.
One last word on labels: a certification such as GRS guarantees a proportion of recycled material, not the end-of-life disposal of the garment. Before you buy, ask yourself whether the piece can work with three outfits you already own — if not, it will stay at the bottom of your bag.
And for those who wear their passion on their sleeve, Bloch T-shirts are here: pink ballerina motif, grey pointe-shoe print, 'Dance fever' vest. Wear them in town as well as under a tutu, to show your love of dance without going full leotard.
You do not need to be able to execute an entrechat to pull on ballet flats and a leotard — the dancer look is in fashion, and it shows no sign of fading soon. One strong piece, a few well-judged layers and a coherent palette are enough to turn your winter into a sporty, elegant playground. Start with what you are missing most — often the bottom half — and build the rest around it.
Budget
Expect to pay roughly £20–£40 for a dance T-shirt or vest, £35–£60 for a technical bodysuit, £12–£25 for good opaque tights, £50–£100 for a pair of Repetto ballet flats depending on the style, £70–£130 for studio-inspired trainers, and £5–£18 for a complete bun kit. The differences come mainly from the fabric — recycled polyamide, organic cotton or a standard blend — the brand and the retailer. Specialist dance retailers often remain the kindest to your budget on basics, big sports retailers on technical layers, and collections turn over quickly: it is worth checking prices at the time of purchase.
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