Style Inspiration: Black Swan
One of the most talked about movies of the year, Black Swan offers more than just a psychological thrill: it’s also stylistically inspiring! This should come as no surprise, as it was sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy – the duo behind fashion label Rodarte – who designed the costumes for the film’s ballet scenes. For those of you who have yet to see it, Black Swan is a psychological thriller starring Natalie Portman, whose character wins the challenging lead in the New York Ballet’s production of Swan Lake and enters into a fierce rivalry with a new ballerina.
So, inspired by this iconic film and its amazing costumes, I’m here to share some tips on getting the Black Swan look for yourself. Read on to find out how!
Black Swan Fashion Basics
The fashion in the film was heavily based upon a contrast between edgy/dark and delicate/light, which paralleled the opposite lead roles of the White Swan and Black Swan in Swan Lake. To emulate this, focus on a color palette of blacks and grays to channel the black swan, or a mixture of pale shades such as pinks, creams, peaches, and white, for a nod to the white swan.
While the Mulleavy sisters did an amazing job designing the tutus for the film, the look unfortunately doesn’t translate all that well into daily wear. Luckily, the style can be toned down to be made practical for a number of occasions, especially when seeking inspiration from the dancer-off-duty looks Nina (Natalie Portman) and Lily (Mila Kunis) rocked throughout the film.
The key is to pick and choose ballet-inspired pieces and just add a couple to your daily look – this will keep your ensemble from looking costumey.
Dancer off Duty: Easy Ballerina-Inspired Pieces
For a casual look – think anything from heading to a morning lecture or grabbing coffee with some friends – draw your inspiration from the dancers’ studio looks and stock up on items like shrugs, leggings, flowing skirts, leotards and (of course!) ballet flats.
Product Information: Wrap – ASOS, Leg Warmers – American Apparel, Shoes – Topshop, Skirt – American Apparel, Bodysuit – Spiegel, Tights – American Apparel
Prima Ballerina: More Daring Pieces
If you’re feeling more adventurous, channel the Swan Lake costume design and focus on tulle tutu skirts, feathers, crystals and bodices – a mix of a few of these could be great for an evening on the town or for a date night.
White Swan-Inspired Pieces
Product Information: Ring – Topshop, Bracelet – Nordstrom, Dress – General Pants Co., Tights – Forever 21, Clutch – ASOS, Shoes – Endless, Necklace – ASOS Bolero – Coast, Tank – Delia’s.
Black Swan-Inspired Pieces
Product Information: Ring – Guess, Shoes – Bona Drag, Headband – Forever 21, Tights – Forever 21, Top – Bebe, Skirt – Topshop, Scarf – Armani Exchange, Clutch – Endless.
Your thoughts?
So, what do you guys think? Will you be incorporating any ballerina-esque looks into your wardrobe? Are these pieces practical for daily wear, or are they a little silly? Let us know!
Posted on on January 18, 2011 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: ballet, Black Swan, Inspiration, Inspired by, Mila Kunis, Movie Inspiration, Movies, Natalie Portman, Rodarte
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Lia
I like the whole idea of a ballerina-inspired look, however I think these outfits (especially the white swan outfit) are a little unrealistic for my taste. The outfits Nina wore outside of ballet class were classic and simple, and I probably would draw more inspiration from those. But I love the way you incorporated the feathers in your outfits, really creative!
Rachel
they are interesting outfits but not really practical. I would have preferred more wearable options
Melissa
I agree with Lia, the ballerina-esque look wouldn’t look realistic on a daily basis. Maybe you shouldve chose looks that showed the White swan that could transcend into real life.
For example, the White Swan for a day look would be inspired by what Nina wore with Lily to the club or maybe when she left rehearsals (with that cute pink jacket) Night look for the White Swan could be the dress Nina wore at the party.
And then you could do the same for Black Swan.
I LOVED BLACK SWAN!
Evie
Guys, I actually think Sarah made both those options as a list of pieces, not one outfit. Obviously, most people wouldn’t want to wear a whole load of feather pieces at once! You’d pick one or two to perk up an outfit.
I can’t wait to see this film :) xxxxx
Maddie
These are some great pieces! I really loved this movie, especially Lily’s effortless-cool outfits (like those feather earrings and simple tank tops), and of course the over-the-top costumes!
Cristina
Thanks so much Sarah!
Jennifer
I love the first look! Ballet inspired outfits are always really cute. And I love the accessories in the other two!
Megan
I love this! I’m a dancer (not professional, but I’ve taken for 14 years through school)
The best place to get some ballet inspired stuff is discount dance supply or other online dance supply stores. They have a variety of options in different styles, with other performance wear pieces, a ton of tights and leggings, cheap leg warmers and warm-up stuff. http://www.discountdance.com
plus, Black Swan was great! I love that it’s making ballet relatable again.
C
Very cute, but you definitely could have had put together more outfits!
Jessica_Iowa
Those pink shoes from Endless are epic!
JFlo
Love the ideas! They’re an excellent place to start! You can pair so much with ballet flats, tights and leg warmers. Thanks for the ideas, even though I thought the movie was slightly disturbing, I’ll appreciate it for its fashion :)
Valeria
This post need a Part 2! :D including Melissa’s tips and outfit ideas!
I loved this movie, it’s so inspiring!
You could make a post related to their makeup too
Samie
Maybe it’s because I’m a former dancer myself, and I am still surrounded constantly by the “dance” world, but I find myself incorporating ballet-esque pieces on a daily basis. Things like leg warmers over tights, or skirts made with netting are a lot of fun to play with, either dressed up or down. A ballerina often has a very classic, polished look which makes her powerful and delicate at the same time, and I think that’s part of the beauty of Swan Lake, and being a girl in general.
The other thing is playing with different kinds of ribbon, to emulate pointe shoe ribbons, is a lot of fun. And ballerinas are very much like models — on duty, they have a costume, and off duty, they rock some pretty stunning styles.
Tamuna
ohh can’t wait to see this movie!
Blair
i LOVED this post!! i really loved black swan and i’m a ballet dancer and love to incorporate ballerina-esque pieces into my everdyay wordrobe because its so pretty and girly and sweet! i loved the black swan pieces too. great to edge up your look(:
great post!!
LeahBee
This post just seemed really rushed. Inspiring, yes. But inspired? Not so much. It was a solid attempt, but it really just seemed like not much thought was put into this. Some cute clothes are featured though, so you get points for that.
VD
I second the ‘rushed’ vibe. I get that feeling too.
Liza - University of Minnesota
Sarah!! I’m obsessed with Black Swan, so I got SUPER excited when I saw this post!! I’ve seen it twice in theaters and would definitely go again–seriously so good. I love the dance inspired and white swan pieces you chose, girl!
Samie and Melissa, you two had great tips! I definitely hope there’s a part two, haha!
Mai
i really liked the black swan inspired pieces!
Milana
Good inspiration, but I agree with some of the others who say it’s not really something you could wear… But details of it, definitely! Good job!
Megan - West Virginia University
Great post Sarah! I’m glad to see another writer from WVU! :) Are you a fashion major?
Lux
I bought the pink studded ballet slippers from Bona Drag a few years ago and I love them. I prefer the pink to the black because the edgy studs contrast with the sweet pink. But obviously for the “Black Swan” theme the black were the right pick for the grouping.
Josie
I definitely agree with the ones of you saying that this post needs a part two! NOT because it was in anyway bad (it obviously wasn’t), but because so much more could be written about dancer style in general, and especially ballet. It would be great to see some everyday outfit examples.
Caroline - Salve Regina University
Great post following a great movie! I’d love to see a dupe for the pink coat that Natalie Portman wears in the movie. It is sooooo pretty!!! Great job!
Arianna
The White Swan shoes and the Black Swan dress are both STUNNING. While all of the elements together in each outfit would be too overpowering, I like a number of the items separately.
Ashley - Flagler College
I really like all the feathered items– they’re so whimsical! Also, those ballet flats in the ‘dancer off duty’ part are perfection.
Good job finding all of these amazing pieces :)
Brenda
I have been waiting for a post about black swan for a while!! Although I feel a lot more could have been done with it! The black swan look could be way more over the top and still be wearable! Also I think it would be really cool to see a makeup post about black swan! Loving that swan ring though..
Brenda
Also “shrug”s were featured a lot in the movie.. i wish they would come back into mainstream style!!!
Ellie
I love that you wrote this piece! But I agree that more practical outfits would be helpful – maybe a part 2? :)
Kelly
I think the whole ensemble for both black and white swan are great. I love the pieces because they are a stand out individually. But going with the Nina Sayers picks, they seem really muted out and to be honest all those pieces aren’t very practical unless you are an actual dancer. I can’t see the body suit or even the skirt as an everyday wear but then again fashion is all about creativity, perhaps mine is just stunted for the moment.
Sara
I LOVE THESE OUTFITS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lauren
These pieces on thier own are practical but as an outfit you’d look like it was Halloween. I love the prima ballarina clutch and the black swan cluth and ring.