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Courtesy of Kim Kassas Couture
If you haven’t heard, there’s a new trend that’s emerged in the bridal world: balletcore. We can attribute the sudden rise of ballet-inspired wedding dresses not only to the designers, but also to the influence of TikTok. Scroll through your FYP and you’ll likely see more than one video explaining the meaning of balletcore, while also citing ballerinas as inspiration for wedding dresses this season.
So what does this so-called “balletcore” trend imply? The term refers to soft silhouettes, dramatic tulle patterns and neutral colors. If you break it down, it’s not too far from a traditional bridal look, and bridal and runway designers find many ways to interpret this popular style.
For example, Zimmermann’s Spring/Summer 22 collection incorporates balletcore into its pieces by examining the duality between strength and fluidity. This means soft ruffles and neutral colors but with structured elements. On the other hand, Simone Rocha took a more avant-garde approach through deconstructed ballet-inspired silhouettes.
To help you visualize this trend for your upcoming nuptials, we’ve rounded up 21 of our favorite ballet-inspired wedding dresses for every style and budget.
The most romantic: BCBG Oly ruffled tulle evening dress
Courtesy of BCBG
Size range: 0-16 | Length: On the ground | Material: Tulle
What says ballet more than a blush tulle dress? This dreamy option from BCBG features a tiered ruffled skirt and a structured bodice.
The chicest: the Bar Henri dress
Courtesy of the bar
Size range: 00-12 | Length: On the ground | Material: tulle, chiffon
Fashion-forward brides will love this elegant tulle and chiffon gown from The Bar. Go for the classic white color or opt for a more unique look with one of three pastel shade options.
Best Wrap Style: Reformation Rya Dress
Courtesy of Reformation
Size range: XS-XL | Length: On the ground | Material: Silk
For a classic ballet-inspired bridal look, we suggest this elegant v-neck wrap dress. Puff sleeves add an on-trend element to this timeless piece.
Best Mini: Rasario silk-satin mini dress
Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Size range: FR 34-43 | Length: Mini | Material: silk-satin
Whether it’s an outfit change or your main look, a mini dress for your big day is always a good idea. This luxurious silk-satin mini skirt features a puffball-style skirt that subtly hints at the balletcore trend.
Best Ruffles: Zimmermann Dancer Tiered Sequin Tulle Dress
Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Size range: 0-3 | Length: On the ground | Material: Tulle
Zimmermann’s Spring 2022 collection is inspired by the grace and fluidity of ballerina shoes. This piece from the collection creates a unique bridal look with crystal embellished lacing and shimmering tulle fabric.
Most Unique: Zimmermann Dancer Asymmetrical Cutout Linen-Blend Midi Dress
Courtesy of Matches Fashion
Size range: 00-4 | Length: Noon | Material: Linen
Another Zimmermann piece from the Spring 2022 collection, this unconventional bridal look encapsulates balletcore. Feminine bows with a pink watercolor pattern, we can’t get enough of this elegant midi.
For the edgy bride: Zimmermann Rhythmic Fluted Mini Dress
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Size range: 0-4 | Length: Mini | Material: linen, silk
Ballet isn’t always about blush tones and romantic tulle. This punk-glam mini brings the edgy side of this trend to life, a la Black Swan.
The most unexpected: Strapless midi dress in lace poplin Jonathan Simkhai Harlow
Courtesy of shopbop
Size range: 00-14 | Length: Noon | Material: Non-stretch tulle
We can’t help but fall for this vintage-inspired midi dress from Jonatan Simkhai. The corset bodice is paired with a tiered scalloped edge skirt with a sheer panel.
Most Statements: Kim Kassas Couture Prima Ballerina Collection Look 80
Courtesy of Kim Kassas Couture
Size range: Contact the brand | Length: On the ground | Material: Chiffon
There’s nothing understated about this dress from Kim Kassas. The swan embroidery at the neckline, beaded bodice and geometrically draped skirt bring an alternative twist to the ballet-inspired trend.
Best Bustier: Kim Kassas Couture Prima Ballerina Collection Look 85
Courtesy of Kim Kassas Couture
Size range: Contact the brand | Length: Noon | Material: Tulle
From the layered tulle skirt to the intricately embroidered corset bodice, this midi dress is truly a delicate masterpiece. Wear it with a slicked up bun to amp up the ballet vibe.
For the minimalist bride: Sachin & Babi Audra midi dress
Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
Size range: 0-14 | Length: Noon | Material: Polyester
This simple midi dress from Sachin & Babi illuminates balletcore basics. The flared skirt and scoop neckline with classic spaghetti straps are effortlessly timeless.
Best Runway Style: Simone Rocha Embellished Open-Back Midi Dress
Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Size range: United Kingdom 6-14 | Length: Noon | Material: Satin, cotton-blend jacquard, organza
Bride or Runway? This haute couture and avant-garde dress by Simone Rocha is a deconstructed version of the soft elegance of balletcore. We especially love the sparkly embellished details on the bust of the dress.
Best Convertible Dress: Galia Lahav Ballerina Dress
Courtesy of Galia Lahav
Size range: Contact the brand | Length: Full Length, Mini | Material: silk tulle
It’s all in the name. This ballerina-inspired dress is the perfect way to incorporate the trend into your bridal look. The best part about this dress is that it’s convertible, so it can take you from ceremony to reception just by removing the tutu skirt.
The most casual: the Sea Patrizia mid-length dress
Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman
Size range: 0-10 | Length: Mini | Material: Cotton
For a garden wedding, opt for this relaxed mini dress from Sea. The bow back and ruffles bring balletcore to life. Wear it with bridal ballet flats for an extra dose of trend.
For the After Party: Danielle Frankel Estelle Pearl Dress
Courtesy of Danielle Frankel
Size range: 0-12 | Length: Mini | Material: Satin twill
Dance the night away in this fun and seductive mini dress from Danielle Frankel. Wear with crystal encrusted satin heels and a statement clutch.
For the daring bride: Rosario white fringed lace mini dress
Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Size range: EN 34-46 | Length: Mini | Material: Lace, mesh, satin
This spunky mini dress is perfect for any bridal celebration, from bachelorette party to wedding reception. The square neckline and corset bodice recall a leotard style.
Best Sleeves: For Love & Lemons x Revolve Eve Gown
With kind permission to shoot
Size range: XXS-XL | Length: Mini | Material: Nylon, silk, recycled poly
Sleek and daring, this dress is for the bride who isn’t afraid to take a fashion risk. With so many unique details, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but we have to say, we love the sheer sleeves.
For a wedding at the courthouse: the dress By Watters Moran
Courtesy of Watters
Size range: Custom sizing | Length: Noon | Material: Net, tulle
Looking for a courthouse wedding dress? We have what you need. This midi A-line dress features a sweetheart neckline and whimsical flocked polka dot material.
For a fairy tale wedding: needle and thread pink cami pearl wedding dress
Courtesy of Needle and Thread
Size range: 0-14 | Length: On the ground | Material: nylon, tulle
This pink dress from Needle & Thread is truly fit for a princess. The dress is dotted with sequined flowers and unique beads.
Best Bridal Skirt: DB Studio Tulle Midi Skirt for Wedding
Courtesy of David’s Bride
Size range: 0-14 | Length: Noon | Material: Tulle
Although it’s not necessarily a dress, we love this ballet-style wedding skirt from David’s Bridal. Mix and match with their separate tops for a bridal look that matches your personal style.
The most spectacular: the Dana Harel Liel dress
Courtesy of Dana Harel
Size range: Contact the brand | Length: High-low | Material: Mikado silk
This prom dress by Dana Harel is definitely eye-catching. The deep U-shaped neckline and dramatic slit make this dress stand out from the crowd.
What to Look for in a Ballet-Inspired Wedding Dress
While most dresses don’t explicitly fall into this trend, there are plenty of things to look out for when looking for a ballet-inspired ensemble. Remember that balletcore is synonymous with soft, neutral colors and moving silhouettes. When it comes to color, don’t feel like you have to stick strictly to bridal white, as beige, nude, ivory, and blush pink are all hues that fit perfectly into this aesthetic. Voluminous tulle skirts with a structured corset bodice are also popular styles that line up; and be sure to choose dresses with details like intricate bows, ribbons and beading. If you’re looking to take the trend in a more subtle way, consider a wrap dress or a square or U-neckline.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing editor Melony Forcier is a recent graduate who began her career in beauty and fashion journalism. Prior to graduating, she interned with both Boston Magazine and Foundation PR. Additionally, she served as a fashion editor for Boston University’s lifestyle magazine, The Buzz.
