The balletcore aesthetic stems from styles worn by ballerinas in both the rehearsal studio and on stage. Ballerinas have always been the subject of cultural examination — Degas’ impressionist paintings from the 1800s along with the 2010 film Black Swan, for example — so it’s natural that the ethereal, dreamlike silhouettes play heavy influence on today’s trends.

With over 708 million views on TikTok, #balletcore is really having a moment. Yet unlike other flash-in-the-pan viral fashion trends, balletcore has remained, well, on pointe for quite some time. “The influence of ballet on fashion—specifically practice clothing such as leotards and tights—dates back to the rise of balletomania during the 1930s and 1940s,” Patricia Mears, a curator at the Museum of FIT who led the “Ballerina: Fashion’s Modern Muse” exhibit, told Vogue in 2022. “It was strongly revived during the disco era of the 1970s, long before the term athleisure entered our vocabulary.” 

Athleisure may be a modern style staple, but post pandemic, the ready-to-wear industry has focused on elevating it, and in doing so, cementing balletcore as a key trend again.

For a pared down, elegant approach to the ballet vibe, reach for new Le Ore pieces. Inspired by the sensual romance of dance, the newest collection truly delivers effortless elegance. The twist-detail pieces offer a buttery soft, move-with-you smooth fabric, with ballet-inspired silhouettes and athletic performance attributes. 

Layering is also key — the warm-up and practice outfits of dancers and that off-duty style is on every moodboard this season. Think slouchy cargos over slinky bodysuits, leg warmers over leggings, and wrap-tie cardigans over strappy bras. Seamlessly layering pieces atop one another offers a “dancer off duty” vibe without feeling like you’re about to take center stage for The Nutcracker.