Fashion Beyond the Studio

FASHION BEYOND THE STUDIO: Styling Dancewear on the Stage, the Street, and Everywhere in Between

Since my freshman year of high school to my current life as a married professional, whenever people have asked me where my outfit is from, I’ve given them a shocking answer:

A dance store.

People outside the dance world are surprised that a sport can have such cute clothes, picturing the store’s extent to be tights and jazz shoes. Those inside the dance world, however, are often surprised that I am able to incorporate these pieces into my normal wardrobe. Honestly, as someone who likes to get the most use and function out of my belongings, I never thought twice about repurposing these items.

Dancewear is made to support and conform to your body while allowing free movement for dancing and fitness, so most brands offer incredibly comfortable designs and lightweight materials. Also, most dance brands produce in small quantity and sustainable quality, and construct their clothes for continuously high levels of activity, so the quality of the pieces tends to be far more durable than what you would find at Target, Shein, or even many women’s boutiques, which typically stock from large wholesale brands.

Personally, my favorite part of making dance clothes the foundation of my wardrobe is that I know my looks will always be unique, and I never have to worry about wearing the same thing as someone else!

Styling dance clothes beyond the studio can certainly come with mental block, so we created a guide to help you get the most wear out of your favorite fitness wear while also making bold and trendy fashion statements.

WORKING WHILE WERKIN’

As a current graduate student who also works part-time as a journalist, it’s important for me to look professional on the daily while also being comfy enough for my commute and the hours spent in class. One of my favorite outfits is a short linen pantsuit over a high-neck black leotard. I find leotards much cozier than traditional, restrictive bodysuits, plus they’re moisture-wicking, a much-needed feature when I walk several miles in the blazing sun before even reaching the classroom. Once done with class or meetings, I can remove my blazer for a cooler and more casual look in the library. I typically accessorize this outfit with a gold necklace and white tennis shoes.

Another academic-approved fit I frequently wear is a pink Free People Movement crop top with high waisted jeans and a blazer. Showing even a little midriff is not appropriate for every professional setting, but this look is perfect for studying on campus. My white, high-heel booties dress up the jeans and tie it all together. This look would work many fitted crop tops!

BALLPARK BABES

I genuinely cannot remember the last time I went to a sporting event without wearing some piece from Bellissimo. Most of the time, that piece is my Free People Movement navy tennis skirt. Whether with my neon yellow Five Dancewear crop top for a Nashville SC match or a red t-shirt for a Red Sox game, that skirt is the reason I have survived so much sweltering heat and looked cute while doing it. My denim shorts could never.

Thinking back to the many sporting events of my siblings’ that I attended growing up, Bellissimo’s selection fits the rec league bleachers just as beautifully as Fenway Park. I used to exclusively wear t-shirts and athletic shorts to flag football games, but if I were to do it all over again now, I would have my Free People Movement and Glyder athletic tops on repeat under my favorite denim overalls or Free People Hot Shot Onesie. This look would be cute and classy for visiting with other families but also ultra-breathable in that wretched Middle Tennessee humidity. And they're absolutely perfect for days when I play photographer!

A NIGHT OUT

My husband’s favorite outfits of mine involve leotards with jeans on top, specifically my white, one-shoulder Elevé leo. Another one-piece that easily dresses up, especially around the holidays, is my Eleve high-neck, burgundy red velvet leotard with a completely open back, which I usually wear with nice black jeans and heels. The dark red material is slimming, and the velvet can be dressed up or down with accessories and jackets. It’s perfect for layering during cold weather but looks like a fancy statement piece all on its own.

PICNICKING WITH PALS

Last spring, some friends and I met at a nearby park to catch up while their kids played on the playground. I needed an outfit that worked for playing outside on a hot day while still wanting to feel cute and expressive of myself. I wore my dark purple Free People Movement one-piece because it had the best potential for catching a tan, but the Halara twist-back workout dress would have also been perfect for the scenario.

Dancewear isn't just for the studio—it can be effortlessly styled for everyday life, offering a unique blend of comfort, durability, and fashion-forward design. This article explores creative ways to incorporate dance pieces into various settings, from professional environments and sporting events to nights out and casual hangouts. Whether pairing a leotard with a blazer for work, styling a tennis skirt for game day, or dressing up a velvet leotard for an evening out, dancewear provides versatile, high-quality options that stand out from mainstream fashion. With a little creativity, your favorite dance essentials can become wardrobe staples beyond the barre!