Hello my darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling fashionista! October's arrived, and with it a crisp autumn air and the irresistible urge to snuggle into a fluffy pink sweater... but let's not forget our love of leotard fashion, especially as we journey back to a magical time!
Today, I'm whisking you all back to 10th October, 1982! Oh, how I adore the 80s! It was such a fun decade for leotards. Think bold colours, funky fabrics, and a definite splash of neon - a perfect mix of glam and athleticism. My sparkling pink time-travelling leotard practically pulsed with excitement as we arrived at the exact moment!
What was happening in the world of leotard fashion on this very day? I did some digging (okay, actually, I found the most fabulous vintage leotard shop on the High Street! Isn't vintage fashion just heavenly?), and it turns out, this era was all about practicality and performance. Leotards were increasingly popular in dance classes, both ballet and gymnastic.
For dancewear, think bright, bold, and stretchy - those classic stretchy lycra designs that make for such fantastic, free-flowing movements. I adore that the style isn't confined to the studio; they're a statement even outside the classroom. In fact, the 80s witnessed a big rise of the "athleisure" look! Imagine leotards paired with leg warmers (a personal favourite), colorful tracksuits, and vibrant, graphic sweaters – pure fun!
Now, let's head to a fabulous ballet class happening on the 10th October. There were a bunch happening around Derbyshire, and I could have dropped in to many! There was the lovely little studio on Bakewell, nestled by the river, or one near Matlock Bath, the view just phenomenal.
Oh, wouldn't it be fantastic if we could go back in time? It would be a total dream to join those dancers. Imagine the fun! What are the 80s-era dancers rocking today? Well, they're likely wearing a brightly-colored leotard in bold pinks, greens, blues and of course a bit of neon thrown in. Think dramatic geometric prints - stripes, chevrons, and funky colour combinations. Imagine yourself with a vibrant fuchsia leotard topped with an emerald green leg warmer; pure 80s brilliance!
Back in Derbyshire, where life seems much slower compared to our super-fast present day, those 80s leotards would likely be accompanied by a few trusty leg warmers in complementary colours, and maybe even some funky patterned tights!
Of course, I'd never leave home without my tutu, especially on a 10th October 1982 escapade. I wouldn't be surprised to see a few other fashion-forward ladies out and about with their own. There are, however, only so many tutu stores in Derby, and it was almost 1982 – how would we get to London?
Think I'll make a quick detour! Maybe I'll get the chance to witness a fantastic performance! London was filled with incredible dance productions, from ballet classics like Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House to avant-garde contemporary shows at the Sadler's Wells.
The chances of catching an absolutely fabulous performance on the 10th October were really quite good! You could have caught the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House, showcasing those amazing 80s dance costumes - think intricate tulle skirts, geometric lines, and bold colours. It would be a magnificent show for sure.
You know, sometimes, my lovely readers, I get so swept away by time travel adventures, that I forget how vital street performances are to funding all of this! Remember, I perform my heart out on the street – a fabulous way to meet interesting people and stay nimble!
It’s important to remember that, my little lovelies, life in the 1980s wasn’t all glam and sparkle! In 1982, I'm sure you’d also have a handful of very simple, comfy, affordable leotards to get you through dance classes. And don’t we love that timeless functionality, that "I can move in this!" vibe that gives off that true 80s energy!
As for the fashion, let's go back to shopping for just a little while. Just thinking about the abundance of vintage shops that would be around is thrilling! Think the legendary Liberty London (oh those glorious fabrics and prints!), the legendary Harvey Nichols on Knightsbridge, with its designer shops – maybe there would even be a department dedicated to dancewear! It’s all so tempting and delightful.
My love of all things vintage wouldn't be complete without my usual afternoon tea at a classic British café with beautiful antique furnishings, maybe near Leicester Square! And yes, I absolutely would bring a pink tutu and matching fascinator, even if I have to time travel there in the 1980s style – even with that super glamorous look, those were just very "comfortable times" for an amazing, vibrant vintage wardrobe, a bit like how I like things to be today!
The 1980s was a time of great changes for dancewear, and in so many ways, they set the scene for what leotard fashion is today! So, if you're looking for a unique and stylish addition to your wardrobe, take a leaf from 1982's fashion playbook.
Now, let me ask you lovely ladies out there, did you know leotards were so incredibly fashionable? And most of all, did you have an amazing 10th October 1982, too? What are you planning on wearing for your own leotard day out?
Don’t forget to hop over to my pink-tutu.com blog and let me know.
Yours in fashion, Emma xx
