How to Look Like a Ballerina: 6 Wardrobe Staples to Steal for Your Everyday Life

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last updated 15 September 2021

We're no prima ballerinas, but you wouldn't know it by our wardrobes—our closets are filled with dancer must-haves. From Kim K-beloved bodysuits to satin ballet slippers, these essentials can serve as year-round standbys and will make you feel like you can figuratively pirouette through your day.

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The Bodysuit

Contrary to popular belief, bodysuits are actually less maintenance than regular tops—especially when you're wearing them with a pair of high-waisted trousers or a pencil skirt. Not to mention, these one-pieces quite literally fit like a glove.

1. Ballet Beautiful Mesh-Paneled Stretch Leotard, $85; net-a-porter.com (opens in new tab).

2. Maison Martin Margiela Strapless Stretch-Jersey Bodysuit, $265; net-a-porter.com (opens in new tab).

3. H&M Boat-Neck Bodysuit $34.95; hm.com (opens in new tab).

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The Wrap Top

You've got to love a transitional layering piece, and a cropped wrap top is just that. Whether you're heading to ballet barre class or simple meeting a friend for brunch, these throw-overs will be a lovely option.

1. Ballet Beautiful Belle Wrap-Front Knitted Jersey top, $155; net-a-porter.com (opens in new tab).

2. Topshop Space Dye Ballet Wrap Top, $38; topshop.com (opens in new tab).

3. Lisa Marie Fernandez Dree micro-fiber wrap top, $300; net-a-porter.com (opens in new tab).

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The Ballet Slippers

Ballet slippers are the ultimate godsend for flat enthusiasts (and heel lovers who want to rest their poor soles). Slip on a pair and suddenly your channeling the blithe elegance of Audrey Hepburn—even if you're running around all day.

1. Repetto Ballet Flats Cendrillion Classic Patent, $295; net-a-porter.com (opens in new tab).

2. Ballet Beautiful Satin Ballet Slippers, $120; net-a-porter.com (opens in new tab).

3. Sam Edelman Women's Felicia Ballet Flat, $100; amazon.com (opens in new tab).

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The Off-the-Shoulder Top

A ballerina staple, these sweaters not only give your shoulders a chance to breathe, but are decidedly chic and sexy worn on their own or layered over a tank top. Invest in styles that are both loose and contoured to your body.

1. H&M Off-the-Shoulder Top, $34.95; hm.com (opens in new tab).

2. River Island Pink Burnout Long Sleeve Bardot Top, $48; riverisland.com (opens in new tab).

3. Zara Off-Shoulder Top, $39.90; zara.com (opens in new tab).

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The Legwarmers

Don't be scared by the unsavory '80s associations—these knit dance must-haves can be worn layered over your bottoms or alone as compromise between wearing tights and going bare-legged in between seasons. We love them in ballet pink and neutrals.

1. Wolford Fine Merino Rib Legwarmers, $82; zappos.com (opens in new tab).

2. Hue Ribbed Leg Warmer, $14; lorisshoes.com (opens in new tab).

3. Ballet Beautiful Lily knitted jersey legwarmers, $90; net-a-porter.com (opens in new tab).

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The Leggings

When it comes to leggings, it's all about the styling and long tops are paramount. One tried-and-true rule to follow is that you should never wear them with a top that doesn't cover your behind—you can save that look for ballet rehearsal.

1. The Row Stratton Cotton-Blend Leggings, $475; net-a-porter.com (opens in new tab).

2. Splendid Stretch-Jersey Leggings, $60; net-a-porter.com (opens in new tab).

3. Topshop Dark Blue Denim Leggins, $38; topshop.com (opens in new tab).

Lauren is the former beauty editor at Marie Claire. She love to while away the hours at coffee shops, hunt for vintage clothes, and bask in the rough-and-tumble beauty of NYC. She firmly believes that solitude can be a luxury if you’ve got the right soundtrack—that being the Rolling Stones, of course.