Can I Pull This Off? The Tutu Edition

When I was a girl, I was not immune to the charms of a tutu. Mine was pink (obviously), and it came with an attached bodysuit. But as soon as I physically outgrew the tutu, I moved onto the next trend — bike shorts — and never looked back.

Nowadays, the tutu has two connotations: childhood costumes and Carrie Bradshaw. Truthfully, I’m not interested in reviving either. I prefer sleeker, sophisticated looks — and I am weary of the Carrie Bradshaw obsession.

But some rules were meant to be bent.

Tutu Skirt: Velnica (Consignment) | Lace Coat: Jean Paul Gaultier (Consignment) | Black Tank Top: Rick Owens (Consignment) | Necklace: Marni (Consignment) | Heels: 3.1 Phillip Lim (Consignment) | Clutch: Coach
Tutu Skirt: Velnica (Consignment) | Lace Coat: Jean Paul Gaultier (Consignment) | Black Tank Top: Rick Owens (Consignment) | Necklace: Marni (Consignment) | Heels: 3.1 Phillip Lim (Consignment) | Clutch: Coach

I bought this tutu on a whim, thinking it would be a great tool for creating a bell-like silhouette underneath A-line skirts or dresses. But when I started experimenting with the tutu, I noted the similarities to the hourglass dimensions of the Dior New Look. In its purest incarnation, the Dior New Look is the pairing of a full skirt with a tailored top — typically a blazer or waistcoat.

I opted for more unexpected texture with a mixed-media Jean Paul Gaultier coat that combines lace with stripes. The pairing is very sophisticated and “adult” — without sacrificing whimsy or movement.

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Should you wish to attempt tulle, I advise you to keep the top half as unfussy as possible: My first instinct was to pair the tutu with a thin, pink Club Monaco sweater. It was a disaster. The moment you pair a tutu with a pale pink tank top or lace-up sandals, the look becomes incredibly literal. And with a bomber jacket, it becomes predictable.

A tutu is like dating: It takes a couple tries to find the right dance partner.

Would you ever wear a tutu? Would you have tried a different combination? 

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