When I signed up for my first adult ballet class in my 30s, I expected my technique to be rusty, but I didn’t expect to be totally stumped by what to wear. As a kid, my ballet school had a strict dress code: black leotard, pink tights, and not much else. But I knew adult classes were different, and I wanted to use the opportunity to develop my sense of style in the studio now that the rules were more relaxed.
For my first class, I kept it safe and wore a black leotard and black tights (call it the LBD of the dance world). As I’ve progressed into my second year of classes, I’ve expanded my wardrobe to include more embellished leotards and accessories like shorts, legwarmers, and sweaters. It’s been a fun journey, and I’m still on it.
If you’re starting an adult ballet class, use this as your guide for the types of outfits people are wearing to class in their 30s and beyond. Most adult environments are casual and encouraging, and you can show up however you are most comfortable. Of course, check with your school ahead of time to see if they have any recommendations as well. Then, have fun! Ballet is all about expression, from your clothing to your moves.
Leotard or fitted top
A leotard is the most classic way to go, but you can also wear a regular workout top—the key is that it’s fitted enough for your teacher to see your movements. There are so many pretty leotard styles to choose from, with different sleeve lengths, necklines, cutouts, and lace and mesh details. I like to buy myself a new one as a treat, like when I sign up for a new semester of classes.
Tights or leggings
Again, tights are the traditional choice, worn either under your leotard (the most classic option) or over it. Lots of professional dancers wear them over, and it’s also common in adult-beginner classes. For what it’s worth, I usually wear my tights over my leotard—it’s a bit more comfortable to have the fabric from your leotard between your skin and the elastic. Pink, black, and nude tights are all popular.
You can also wear workout leggings over a leotard or pair them with a fitted shirt. One of my favorite looks is Lululemon’s Align High-Rise Pant over a leotard—it’s what I reach for on days when I just can’t deal with the feeling of tights. (I’ve always found them itchy!)
Wrap sweater
Wrap sweaters are great for keeping you warm at the beginning of class, and you can toss them along the perimeter of the room once you’ve built up a sweat. Pink or gray tends to work like a neutral in most ballet wardrobes. Of course, they’re not necessary—you could warm up in any cozy sweater, or, like I often do, head straight to the barre in a leotard and tights after doing a few hops in the reception area.
Skirts or shorts
A tutu would be overkill for your average ballet class, but you can still live out your ballerina dreams with a floaty wrap skirt worn over your leotard and tights. You’ll want the skirt to be either short or sheer, so your teacher can see your legs. While they’re not necessary, they do add a whimsical element to the outfit. Knit shorts can help you warm up the hip area without adding a ton of extra coverage, too.
Footwear
While you certainly don’t need ballet slippers for your very first class, you’ll probably want a pair pretty quickly after that. Fortunately, they’re not too expensive. You’ll hear lots of opinions about the best shoes for beginners, but I suggest canvas split-sole flats. I have the ones linked below, and the fitter at my local Capezio, an OG supplier of dance shoes, told me they’re the store’s best-selling ballet slippers right now. I recommend getting fitted in person, since sizing can vary from your street size. If you’re not ready to commit yet, socks work just fine!
Once you’ve taken a few classes, you’ll be able to see the different ways you can incorporate your personal style into your ballet attire—and the other students in your class will almost definitely give you even more inspiration. I realized in my class that nearly everyone was wearing a skirt, so I added one to my rotation. You can also personalize your look with scrunchies and other hair accessories. And don’t forget a foam roller—I’ve found that in my 30s, I need it more than ever.
Juliana (she/her) is the deputy digital editor at Good Housekeeping, where she leads the lifestyle team and oversees coverage across entertainment, health, home, holidays, food, and travel. She brings more than a decade of experience to the role, including time as deputy features editor at HGTV Magazine and Food Network Magazine. Her bylines have appeared in Reader's Digest, Elle Decor, Editorialist, Best Life, Bloomberg News, and more.
