Master the Scandi take on 'balletcore' with NA-KD's covetable new collection

It’s safe to say that last year, both in fashion and in pop culture, girlhood entered the chat. Whether it was via established trends like ‘hot girl walks’ and ‘girl dinners’ or bolstered by blockbuster drops like Barbie and a slew of new, romantic TikTok-approved aesthetics, 2023 was about all things ultra-feminine.

One of the biggest trends that will continue to have a chokehold on fashion in 2024 is balletcore, which takes its cues from, you guessed it, the fascinating world of ballet. Think subtle pastel hues, feminine silhouettes inspired by the dancers’ on-stage and off-duty attires, plush fabrics, ballet flats and the daintiest hair accessories.

This year, we’re bound to see balletcore evolve in new, unexpected ways – and Swedish brand NA-KD is first off the starting blocks. Launching its own ballet-inspired capsule, the label has unveiled a range of pieces that take a bolder approach to delicate, dancer-influenced styles. Here, we break down exactly how to build your ballerina wardrobe this season, with a fresh Nordic edge.

The essence of balletcore lies in its soft colour palette, where muted shades, pastel tones, and neutrals play a focal role. With a serene selection of hues ranging from dusty blue, cream white and pale pink to slate grey and contrasting inky black, NA-KD’s ballet core collection’s colours perfectly encapsulate the spirit of the trend while spicing it up with darker tones.

When it comes to ballerinas’ off-duty ensembles, comfort takes centre stage. The heart of balletcore and NA-KD’s new collection comprises relaxed clothing that seamlessly blends elegance with ease, ensuring style is never compromised. Slip on a flowy midi skirt crafted from breathable jersey fabric and pair it with a matching long sleeve for a cosy yet polished look.

A key element of comfortable clothing is undoubtedly knitwear, which balletcore takes in a distinctly feminine direction. This is evident in pieces like form-fitting, knitted wrap tops that capture the aesthetics of traditional dance attire. You can find these staple balletcore garments in NA-KD’s collection, alongside more daring knitwear numbers featuring bold cut-outs and intricately twisted knot details.

Curating the perfect balletcore ensemble provides a great opportunity to experiment with various textures. Within NA-KD’s collection, you’ll find an array of textures, including sporty mesh, soft viscose, and ribbed knits. Mix and match as you please to create a dynamic, sleek, and ballet-ready get-up.

Dainty bows and ribbons have become synonymous with the balletcore aesthetic, appearing in everything from clothing to hair accessories and shoes. It’s hardly surprising, as bows have been an integral part of the dancers’ on-stage attire for decades, with ballerinas adorning their up-dos and dresses with them. In NA-KD’s collection, delicate bows decorate tops and accessories, adding a touch of romance and playfulness to the pieces. Tip: if you’re hesitant to go full balletcore, a bow necklace or a ribbon-adorned headband is a great way to dip your toes into the trend.