Ballet and fashion have always gone hand-in-hand.
The New York City Ballet is known for its fashion collaborations. In 2012, Valentino worked with Peter Martins, the ballet master in chief at NYCB, to create costumes for the Fall Gala. Just last year, [NYCB dancers performed original work from Justin Peck](http://www.openingceremony.us/entry.asp?pid=12457), a rising choreographer, at New York Fashion Week.
Yuan Yuan Tan from the San Francisco Ballet was the face of Gap jeans a few years ago. Most recently, Yulia Yanina Couture Spring Summer 2016, a line that premiered at Paris Fashion Week in January, was inspired by the graceful tutus and lines of ballet dancers.
Even without famous designers, the costuming for companies like NYCB is art. (If you ever want to waste time, look at the NYCB Costumes playlist on their YouTube channel. It’s incredible.)
There is just something magical about ballet and fashion together. These two things are just meant to be. The beauty and grace of the ballet world can be translated into your own wardrobe with these simple items.
####Tulle Skirts
Tutus are a ballet staple. When people hear the word “tutu,” they tend to think of the classical tutu which sticks straight out and looks almost like a tulle table around a ballerina’s body. While fun, those are incredibly impractical for everyday life. Fear not, though! Another type of tutu is the romantic tutu, which hangs like a normal skirt, and is often times seen in productions of the ballet Giselle. Tulle skirts emulate this lovely look and make you stage-ready. [Charlotte Russe](http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/Tulle-Full-Midi-Skirt/321931.uts?cid=ps:nonbrand:Google&adpos=1o1&creative=78709024864&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CjwKEAiA3Ou1BRDso5XyhduuwFASJABP3PEDzDQXgRSu77ReRQoN-a5MWLt-ea4RJAzcZexUVN1EHRoCDmzw_wcB) has a pretty tulle skirt for $26.99.
####Ballet Flats
Pointe shoes are essential for a prima ballerina. The right shoe is everything, as with any outfit. The ballerinas at NYCB go through almost a pair a day. Some even sew new ones for each performance. The shoes are handmade and created specifically to a dancer’s measurements. Ballet flats are always a great way to get the soft ballet shoe look, but [Jessica Simpson’s Mandalaye](http://www.zappos.com/jessica-simpson-mandalaye-natural-sleek-leather?ef_id=Vpc5qgAABaEo8yfi:20160210221136:s) look exactly like a pair of pointe shoes, with the elastics and everything. They’re a bit expensive, but you can always treat yourself.
####A Bun
The cheapest and easiest way to look like a ballerina. Dancers need their hair out of their face for all the turns, jumps and partnering they do, and a bun does just that. Buns don’t have to be boring though. Do a braid into a low bun or do what I like to call a [“cinnamon” bun](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwxxR6Jwlfk). There are plenty of tutorials online to help you get creative.
