• Style Guides
    • All Style Guides & Tips
    • Boho Style Essentials
    • Classic Style Essentials
    • Edgy Style Essentials
    • College Wardrobe Essentials
  • College
    • All College Articles
    • Dorm Bedding 2020
    • College School Supplies Checklist
    • Dorm Color Scheme Guide
    • Dorm Organization Tips
  • Outfit Ideas
    • All Outfit Inspo
    • College Outfits
    • 21st Birthday Outfits
    • Cold Weather Outfits
  • Sorority
    • All Things Sorority
    • Sorority Rush Essentials
    • Sorority Rush Outfits
  • Shopping
    • All Shopping Guides
    • Best Budget Fashion Stores
    • Where to Buy Sweaters
    • Best Online Thrift Stores
    • Timeless Jewelry Guide
  • Beauty
    • All Things Beauty
    • Makeup Essentials Guide
  • Valentine’s
    • All Valentine’s Posts
    • Valentine’s Day Gifts 2021
    • Valentines Gifts for Boyfriend
    • Valentine’s Day Gifts for Girlfriend
    • Cute Valentines Outfits
    • Galentine’s Day 2021
College Fashion
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Write for us

Style Inspiration: Black Swan

Last Updated on August 14, 2020 by Sarah - West Virginia University
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.

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.

{RELATED POST: Outfits Inspired by “The Swan Princess”}

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.

Dancer off Duty Outfit

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

Fashion inspired by the white swan from the film The Black Swan

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

Fashion inspired by Black Swan

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!

Tags : ballet, Movie fashion, Movies, Natalie Portman

5 Comments
Originally published on January 18, 2011
Previous One Tree Hill Fashion – How to Dress Like Peyton Sawyer
Next One Tree Hill Fashion – How to Dress Like Haley Scott

Related Posts

Outfits Inspired by the TV Show Claws

Game of Thrones Fashion: Inspired by House Stark

Game of Thrones Fashion: Inspired by House Stark

3 Outfits to Wear While You Crush Those New Year’...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mai says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:46 am

    i really liked the black swan inspired pieces!

    Reply
  2. Milana says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:46 am

    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!

    Reply
  3. Brenda says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:46 am

    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..

    Reply
  4. Brenda says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:46 am

    Also “shrug”s were featured a lot in the movie.. i wish they would come back into mainstream style!!!

    Reply
  5. Sandy says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:17 pm

    Please do a Style Inspiration for The Nutcracker 3D! 🙂

    Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • bloglovin

SEARCH CF

Get the latest CF updates! (Delivered weekly, no spam ever, unsubscribe anytime.)

21 Cute Backpacks for School 2021: Our Picks for Going to Class with Style

Sling some style over your shoulder this semester.

Best of 2020: Fashion, Beauty, College Essentials, and More!

All of my favorites from an unforgettable year, to say the least.

Vintage Posts

Copyright © 2007-2021 College Fashion LLC | Contact • Privacy Policy • Terms of Service • Disclosure • Write for Us