In the Stitch

Balletcore never really left after the 2022-23 resurgence, but 2025 has pushed it into a completely new era. It’s darker, cleaner, more structured, and honestly, way more approachable. Unlike those TikTok micro-trends that pop up for five minutes and then vanish, this one has actual designers backing it. The runway and editorial support alone tells you it’s here for the long run.

A lot of the big names have been dipping into ballet references this year, but they’re doing it with much more intention. Simone Rocha’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection leaned into ballet silhouettes in the most dramatic way, layered tulle skirts, satin ribbons, bodice-style tops, all in darker, moodier colours. The Industry even described her take on the tutu as having ‘a darker edge,’ which is exactly what I mean when I say balletcore has grown up.

Miu Miu did their own version of the trend, and honestly, I think theirs is the most wearable. It’s that soft ballet-sport crossover, wrap cardigans, leg warmers, pastel layers, but styled in a way that actually makes sense outside the studio. It’s the kind of look you could wear on the high street without anyone assuming you’re about to audition for Swan Lake. And it’s worth saying: Miu Miu were a huge part of the balletcore comeback in the first place. Their Fall/Winter 2022 collection basically kicked off the whole ballet-flat revival and set the tone for how sweet, practical and cute the aesthetic could be.

Speaking of footwear, the ballet influence didn’t stop at flats. Christian Louboutin jumped in too with their Cassia heels, literally a pointe shoe reimagined as a pump. They got a ton of press and definitely helped push the whole ‘ballet is back’ narrative even further. Numéro magazine summed it up perfectly when they said balletcore is still inspiring designers globally, especially with all the tulle, bows, mesh layering and recognisable ballet details showing up across so many recent collections.

I think this trend lands with me because it feels familiar. I grew up watching my sister dance, surrounded by Ballet Pink layers and knitted warm-ups, and spent years figure skating myself. Skating shaped my taste, all those fitted bodices, airy skirts, and lines designed to elongate the body. It gave me an eye for silhouettes that feel elegant but effortless, clothes that move. So seeing balletcore return with soft knits, draped fabrics and delicate details genuinely feels like the fashion version of home.

Plus, It’s not just designers, the girlies have picked it up too. Influencers are styling wrap cardigans with denim, Pinterest is full of tulle-layered outfits, and ballet flats have basically replaced loafers this year. Even on the street you’re seeing bows, ribbons, leg warmers and pastel knits sneaking into everyday outfits. It’s everywhere without feeling forced. Between how strong it’s been on runways, how quickly the high street embraced it, and how easy it is to wear IRL, I genuinely think it’s rolling straight into Spring/Summer 2026.

Personally, I’m fully leaning in. I didn’t even realise how much balletcore had already slipped into my wardrobe until the trend came back. I layer petticoats and tulle under skirts for extra volume, sew little bows into my jumpers, and will always say yes to a soft knitted wrap with jeans. It just fits,  perfectly.

Sew you next week,

The Stitcher