DIY Tutu: How To Dress Your Little Ballerina
Little girls love the classic ballerina look, whether they’re taking to the stage or exploring a new city. And it’s not hard to see why. This iconic feminine style has been represented in many different styles and fashion trends for generations. And you can begin creating the perfect ballerina look right at home today.
PixieLane makes it easy to get started. Here at PixieLane, you’ll find all the best pieces and accessories for kids of every age, including little ballerinas. We’ll even help you DIY your favorite styles. Begin creating the perfect ballet look today.
What Do Ballet Dancers Wear?
The more you know about ballet fashion, the easier it will be to recreate the looks right at home. Here are some of the top styles and accessories that ballet lovers will want to try out as soon as they can.
Buns
The bun is one of the most iconic elements of a ballet outfit. It helps to give the ballet dancer an elegant and polished look and ensures the hair stays out of her eyes while dancing. At first, you can style your daughter’s hair into a bun, and then she can learn from you.
You can create chic updos with the hair accessories you already own. Add a little something extra with a ribbon or bow in her favorite color.
Leotards
Leotards are most commonly available in white, pink, and black, but you can find them in a wide range of colors for special occasions. They’re especially important if your little one loves a tutu because they make up the top half of the ballet uniform. Leotards can be worn with a long sleeve cover to keep warm and create a stylish new look.
Tights
Ballet tights are actually different from the tights we wear every day. They’re made of a thicker, more durable material that can withstand a lot of stretching and movement. This is to ensure that the ballet dancer can focus on her moves and not have to worry about her clothes.
Most of the time, tights will match the rest of the ballet outfit. That’s why they’re most commonly available in shades of pinks, whites, and blacks or browns.
Ballet Shoes
Ballet shoes make up the bread and butter of every ballet outfit. That’s because they’ll actually help your little dancer achieve some of her dance goals. They can be found in three main materials, canvas, satin, and leather, and you’ll want to break the shoes in before use.
There are many different types of ballet shoes, so speak with her instructor and do some research to find the best shoes for her dance style.
Tutus
The tutu is an iconic image and one of the most standout pieces of any ballet outfit. They add an extra level of glamor and elegance to any dance while still showing off the artistry of the movements.
Tutus are available in many different styles and designs. Some of the most common shapes for classical tutus are the pancake, the platter, the bell, and the powder puff. Tutus can be an essential piece of the costumery for performances, so it’s important to have the right tutu on hand.
How Can I DIY a Tutu?
The good news is that you can begin making the perfect tutu at home. This can save you money on ballet supplies. It’s also a way for your little one to wear her tutu out of the studio without worry.
Here are a few things you’ll want to consider when DIYing your little ballerina’s next tutu:
Tutu Materials at a Glance
When you’re ready to DIY a tutu or any exciting new project, you’ll want to make sure you have the right materials on hand. There are many different approaches to a tutu style, but the essential tools include scissors and a needle and thread or a sewing machine, though there are no-sew versions of DIY tutus.
Consult your little one when picking out materials. You’ll need to have rolls of tulle and an elastic for the waist. You can also add a satin ribbon, an embellishment, glitter, or anything you find.
Tutu DIY at a Glance
Making a tutu can be a fun and exciting activity for you to share with your daughter. It’s best to buy more tulle than you think you will need (accidents happen to the best of us).
Here is how to make a no-sew tutu:
- Make sure to use fabric scissors. Fabric (and different types of fabric) may require specific scissors.
- Tie the ribbon around your daughter’s waist into a bow (you can make the bow as big as you’d like). If you are using elastic, a one-inch thick piece is best.
- Trim the ends of the ribbon, but leave a little hanging down.
- Lay down your bolt of tulle and cut off a 36-inch section. This will be your piece to work with.
- Divide this section into six separate segments and cut accordingly (each will be about six inches in length). This is a great time to show your kids some practical math.
- Tie those six-inch pieces around the ribbon on your little one’s waist.
- Repeat until you have the desired fullness.
- Dance on!
Where Can I Buy Adorable Tutu-Themed Clothing?
If you want to add to your little one’s ballet wardrobe, PixieLane has you covered. Here are some of our top tutu-themed pieces.
Tulle Dresses
You can’t go wrong with an adorable tulle dress. It’s the perfect way for her to dress like a ballet dancer for any occasion. Explore tulle dress designs with cosmic swirl hearts, foil stars, and rainbow-linked hearts.
Skater Skirts
Skater skirts are another good option for fans of the tutu. They were originally inspired by A-line dresses, but they’re slightly shorter and come to a wider base. They twirl well and match with a wide range of pieces and accessories.
Tiny Dancer Zip Hoodie
The perfect hoodie can add a little something special to her outfit. Fans of dance are sure to love a Tiny Dancer zip hoodie. It’s adorned with a stylish ballet slipper in rainbow shades. It also makes for a great layer when the studio gets chilly.
Tank Leotards
The perfect dance outfit requires a leotard. There are many different styles of leotard, but the tank top design is one of the classics. Mix and match it with skirts, leggings, and even your DIY tutu for a polished dancer look.
Ballet Fashion at a Glance
Ballet fashion is glamorous, elegant, and beautiful. That’s why you’ll find your favorite styles on the stage, as well as out in the open world. If your little one loves the look of classic ballerinas, there are many ways she can add those styles and accessories to her next outfit.
Some of the iconic elements and pieces of ballet fashion include buns, tights, ballet shoes, and leotards. And you can’t forget about the tutu. Tutus are popular and beautiful, and you can even make a tutu right at home. All you need are a few simple materials like tulle, elastic ribbon, and a pair of scissors.
And if you want to find the perfect ballet clothes today, PixieLane is here to help. At PixieLane, you’ll find a wide variety of tutu-themed and ballet-inspired outfits. Check out tulle dresses, skater skirts, and even zip-up hoodies for new ballet dancers. Don’t forget to explore our library of fashion guides and resources.
You can begin creating a ballet look she’s sure to love with the support of PixieLane. Try your hand at a DIY tutu in all your favorite colors today.
Sources
How Ballet Has Inspired Fashion | BBC
