STYLE

We're suckers (get it?) for mixing spring's ballet-inspired looks like tulle, tights and legwarmers with edgy extras like leather, cutouts, corsets and platforms. Put it all together and you've got the Sour Patch Kids of style— first they're sour, then they're sweet.

The Lollipop Guild

Sweater, $40 and top, $15, Forever 21 | Tulle skirt with leggings, $25, Rainbow Shops | Shoes, $85, Awkward Souls | Gold heart earrings, $50, Maison Miru | Beaded heart earrings, $40, Ink + Alloy | Bracelets, $6 for the set, Icing

Go for off-duty ballerina with a Swan Lake-inspired sheer feathered top, a tulle skirt with built-in leggings and a sleek ballet bun. Adding cool-girl sneakers says "I'm just coming from rehearsal" and topping it off with a lollipop-adorned cardi says "say hi to my sweet tooth."

Save Room For Dessert

Tulle bodysuit, $30, Zara | Turtleneck, $15, skirt, $25, and boots, $40, Forever 21 | Pearl earrings, $7, Rainbow Shops | Gold heart earrings, $50, Maison Miru | Bracelets, $75 each, Joyia Jewelry | Rings, $50 each, Anthropologie | Keychain, $6, Icing

A frilly, frosty bodysuit layered over a turtleneck and tucked into a pleated leather skirt is the ultimate indulgence. A cutie charm on your belt loop ups the sweetness, but go-anywhere combat boots balance that right back out. 

Hubba Bubba

Dress, $13, and turtleneck, $23, Forever 21 | Tights, $5, Rainbow Shops | Shoes, $58, Steve Madden | Gold heart earrings, $50, Maison Miru | Beaded earrings, $25, Ink + Alloy | Necklace, $10, Claire's | Bracelet, $125, Coeur de Lion | Shoe charm, $6, Icing

'90s-inspired style has never been so delicious: A cutout striped babydoll tee layered under a crushed velvet tank dress, paired with chunky Mary Janes? It's giving Empire Records in the best way. The patterned tights and ice cream shoe charm are the literal cherry on this sundae. 

Ladies Who (Love Cookies) For Lunch

Top, $32, Aritzia | Skirt, $68, Smak Parlour | Tights, $160, Honey Birdette | Heels, $225, Arch | Headband, $15, Zara | Mini hoop huggies, $79, Astrid & Miyu | Large circle earrings, $9, Forever 21 | Belt, $20, and keychain, $8, Asos | Shrug sweater, created by model

Want proof that balletcore works with everything? Pair it with some of spring's hottest trends like patchwork pockets and animal prints. Goes together like sprinkles and frosting. 

Let Them Eat Cake

Dress, $87, Selfie Leslie | Top, $20, PrettyLittleThing | Legwarmers, $6, Rainbow Shops | Ballet flats, $69, Jessica Simpson | Mini hoops huggies, $79, Astrid & Miyu | Heart earrings, $10, Forever 21 | Necklace, $58, Air & Anchor | Cuff, $42, BaubleBar | Backpack, $40, Claire's | Sunglasses, stylist's own

We like our looks like we like our cake: layered. Sheer tulle gives texture to this dress, and a waffle-weave mock turtleneck adds attitude. Oh, and the latest way to wear legwarmers? Tuck them into your flats, natch.

Conversation Starter

Dress, $87, Selfie Leslie | Turtleneck, $90, Banana Republic | Belt, $13, and boots, $38, Rainbow Shops | Gold heart earrings, $50, Maison Miru | Heart and rose earrings, $12, Icing | Cuff, $80, Henri Bendel | Pearl bracelet, $15, rhinestone bracelet, $15, and ring, $6, Forever 21

Talk about sugar and spice: Pairing a frothy rosette-adorned strapless dress with a black turtleneck, platform pleather boots and a sparkly rhinestone corset is the ultimate sweet-salty combination. Candy hearts could never.

Now Blowing Up

Sweater, $245, Lisa Todd | Top, $21, and shorts, $29, Forever 21 | Legwarmers, $6, Rainbow Shops | Tights, $15, Target | Boots, $85, Zara | Gold heart earrings, $50, Maison Miru | Heart hoops, $58, Berricle | Necklace, $17, and bag, $35, Claire's | Pompom on bag, $6, Icing

Who says you have to choose just one way to keep your legs warm? Legwarmers over tights do double duty by being cozy *and* cool. (Bonus points if your tights peek above your swingy shorts.) Another winning duo? A corset top and a long knit cardigan. Strike a pose in your perfectly balanced fit. 

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our February/March 2023 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.

Credits: Photographed by Mike Azria | Styled by Lo VonRumpf | Fashion copy by Sara Gaynes Levy | Makeup by Sophia Hutch | Hair by George Fragkioudakis | Food sculptures by Fulton Boggs | Edited for digital coverage by Laine Napoli

by GL | 2/1/2023