Fashion Magazine

Fashion has never been particularly good at staying away from the barre. Blame the tulle, the satin slippers or the irresistible appeal of dressing like you have somewhere more interesting to be. Whatever it is, ballet continues to have the fashion world in a chokehold.

Of course, this isn't a new crush. Fashion has always flirted with all things ballet. The relationship stretches back more than a century, from the extravagant costumes of the Ballets Russes to Coco Chanel's collaborations with the dance company. Even Edgar Degas's famous ballerinas, with their delicate tutus and dreamy silhouettes, continue to inspire fashion today. At Chanel's Spring/Summer 2027 show, where dropped waists and frothy layers of tulle made a convincing case for keeping the ballet fantasy alive.

But the latest interpretation is less Swan Lake, more off-duty dancer with excellent taste. From reimagined flats to dance-inspired workout wear, designers are finding new ways to make the aesthetic feel modern. Balletcore might have kicked off the latest obsession, but these four trends prove the look has plenty of moves left.

Ballet Flats, With a Twist

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The ballet flat isn't going anywhere. Once the footwear of choice for actual ballerinas (and Audrey Hepburn), the humble slipper has become a fashion-world fixture, with designers finding increasingly inventive ways to keep it interesting. Miu Miu's playful ballerinas helped reignite the obsession, while Alaïa's cult-favourite fishnet Mary Janes gave the silhouette a decidedly cooler edge. Chanel's quilted leather versions deliver a dose of classic French-girl chic, and Tony Bianco's two-tone designs offer a fresh spin on the familiar shape. For those committed to the full ballerina fantasy, Repetto's satin flats, complete with delicate wraparound ribbons, are practically begging for a curtain call. The best part? They're surprisingly easy to style. Wear satin slippers with baggy denim for an off-duty dancer vibe, or pair embellished flats with sharp tailoring for a little high-low contrast. From barely-there mesh to ribbon-wrapped satin, there's a version for every personality. And unlike actual pointe shoes, these don't require years of training to pull off.

Tulle Takes a Dramatic Turn

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Nothing says ballet quite like tulle. Frothy, romantic and just a little dramatic, the fabric has been synonymous with ballerinas for centuries. But fashion's latest take is less Swan Lake, more street style. At Chanel's Spring/Summer 2027 show, delicate layers and dropped waists brought a Degas-worthy sense of movement to the runway, while designers like Cecilie Bahnsen have made a signature out of sculptural volume and unapologetically romantic silhouettes. The result? A grown-up take on the tutu that doesn't require a standing ovation. The trick to pulling it off is contrast. Forget dressing like you're headed to a recital. Instead, pair a sheer tulle skirt with a chunky knit, an oversized blazer or a worn-in leather jacket. A little edge keeps all that sweetness from feeling too precious. After all, who says you need to be a ballerina to have your main-character moment?

Ballet-Inspired Activewear Takes Centre Stage

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Ballet's influence doesn't stop at the runway. It's also taking over our workout wardrobes, giving traditional activewear a decidedly more delicate makeover. Think less gym bro, more off-duty ballerina.

Fitted bodysuits, wrap tops, scoop-neck sports bras and second-skin leggings are borrowing their cues from the dance studio, trading overtly sporty details for clean lines and elegant silhouettes. It's an aesthetic that feels equally at home at the barre, in a Pilates class or, let's be honest, in line for an overpriced matcha.

And the appeal goes well beyond the workout. A sleek bodysuit looks just as good with baggy jeans and a cardigan, while a wrap top can easily double as an everyday layering piece. The trick is mixing those dancer-inspired staples with the rest of your wardrobe rather than committing to the full ballerina uniform.

Whether you're heading to a workout class or simply embracing the ballerina aesthetic, ballet-inspired activewear proves that a little elegance can go a long way, even at the gym.

Ballet Pink Is Having Its Moment

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If ballet had an official dress code, pink would be non-negotiable. From satin pointe shoes to floaty rehearsal skirts, the barely-there shade has long been part of the ballerina starter pack. But these days, ballet pink is doing a lot more than looking pretty onstage. Soft knits, little mini skirts, delicate accessories and blush-toned footwear are giving the colour a life beyond the dance studio. Think of it as hot pink's more sophisticated sister: romantic without being overly precious and surprisingly easy to work into your wardrobe. The key is to resist going full sugarplum fairy. Try a pale pink cardigan with dark denim, a blush bag against an otherwise neutral outfit or a satin slip dress toughened up with a leather jacket. Feeling particularly committed? Layer different shades of pink for a monochromatic moment that feels more fashion girl than fairy princess. Sweet? Sure. But with the right styling, ballet pink has a little bite, too.

What was the first fragrance you ever wore? Chances are, it wasn’t an eau de parfum or an eau de toilette but a fragrance mist. I’ll bet it was a sweet, sugary spritz from Bath & Body Works or Victoria’s Secret, picked out during a trip to the mall and applied with an enthusiasm that only a teenager can muster. Eventually, you graduated to a more grown-up perfume or cologne, leaving those body mists—and the era they represented—behind. Or so you thought. Because as the fragrance category continues its explosive growth, so, too, does our collective obsession with all things ’90s and early aughts. And somewhere at the intersection of these two cultural fixations, fragrance mists are in the midst of a massive (and very grown-up) comeback. Once relegated to the teenage years, the category is now more appealing than ever—to everyone. The mist market is projected to grow from approximately $10.97 billion in 2026 to $15.8 billion by 2034. Of course, there’s more to the resurgence than nostalgia. Unlike eaux de parfum (which typically contain 15 to 20 percent fragrance oil) and eaux de toilette (5 to 15 percent), fragrance mists contain just 1 to 5 percent, delivering a lighter, more ephemeral scent that lasts only a few hours. They’re made for layering, liberal spritzing and reapplication—less precious than a perfume and arguably more fun. Think of them as perfume’s more chill, easy-breezy little sister. And, conveniently, she’s so back. This article first appeared in FASHION’s November 2026 issue. Read more stories from FASHION’s November 2026 issue here and subscribe to the print issue here.

There’s a reason some pieces never really go out of style. This season, designers are giving their signatures a new look, reworking familiar silhouettes with updated proportions, unexpected textures and details that make them feel entirely different. From iconic heels to everyday staples, the classics are getting updates that make them worthy of a second look.

Whether you’re looking for a new coat to refresh your fall wardrobe, a pair of quality jeans you’ll wear for years to come or a designer shoe with a twist, these are the pieces that make investing in the classics feel exciting again. The key to wearing them now? Let one statement piece do the talking, and keep the rest of your look pared back.

Below, shop our edit of the classic fashion staples getting a modern makeover this season.

With files from Maria Kahlon This article first appeared in FASHION’s September 2026 issue. Read more stories from FASHION’s September 2026 issue here and subscribe to the print issue here.