Tiny Pretty Things Features Ballet Fashion — And 2020’s Biggest Trends

Tiny Pretty Things, the ballet-plus-murder drama now on Netflix, is here to fill the leotard-shaped hole left by Spinning Out. Based on the book by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton, the series follows the teenage students of the fictitious Archer School of Ballet, a renowned Chicago dance academy, in the aftermath of the star dancer’s mysterious fall from a roof. Since we’re dealing with Center Stage meets Pretty Little Liars, expect lots of spandex, leotards, leg warmers, etc. 

But while sweatsuits and other athleisurewear were big trends to come out of 2020, they are also somewhat expected in a show that sees its young adult protagonists dancing five-plus hours a day, working out, and hanging out in the dorms. Instead, it’s the other styles that have gone big in the last six months — stirrup leggings, tennis skirts, and UGG-like boots — that make Tiny Pretty Things a source of wardrobe inspiration. (If logo tights wouldn’t send the dress code-abiding dance instructors into a fit, they would no doubt make an appearance, too, with this fashion-forward crew.) 

Ahead, the trend-forward, comfort-leaning looks we’ll be recreating after watching the series.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission. 

Indoor UGG boots

Archer’s newest addition — brought in to take the place of the student who fell off the building — Neveah (played by Kylie Jefferson) is also the school’s most fashion-forward. The unitard and the slipper-like boots that she wears while practicing outside class hours are not only perfect as we continue to stay at home, but also very on-trend for 2020.

Aerie Seamless Strappy Padded Bralette, $, available at Aerie

Nike Yoga Statement Jumpsuit in Maroon, $, available at ASOS

Ugg Classic Mini Fluff Quilted Boot, $, available at Ugg

Lingerie as outerwear

Exposed lingerie has taken off on Instagram during stay-at-home orders. This look from June (Daniela Norman), with its high-rise knickers and soft bralette, would fit right on the grid.

Everlane The Perform Bra, $, available at Everlane

Knickey High-Rise Brief, $, available at Knickey

Wolford Off-White Cotton Velvet Tights, $, available at SSENSE

Free People Pirouette Leg Warmer, $, available at Free People

Tennis skirts

While the U.S. Open looked different this year, tennis fashion was still trending, with pleated athletic skorts on the rise. The matching colors of the top and skirt are a nice touch.

Skims Mock Neck Bodysuit, $, available at Skims

Eleven by Venus Williams Luminosity Skirt In Blush, $, available at Eleven by Venus Williams

Stirrup leggings

As if we needed more proof that stirrup leggings are back and replacing basic leggings.

Reformation Venus Bodysuit, $, available at Reformation

Universal Standard Ronda Stirrup Legging, $, available at Universal Standard

Topshop Pleated Crushed Satin Skirt, $, available at Nordstrom

Bike shorts

Bike shorts have been everywhere this year. June’s look will take you from work to workout with the removal of the parka, and vice versa.

Old Navy Light Support Strappy Sports Bra, $, available at Old Navy

Karlie Kloss x Adidas WIND.RDY Parka, $, available at Adidas

Girlfriend Collective Black High-Rise Bike Short, $, available at Girlfriend Collective

COS Padded Knitted Socks, $, available at COS

Zoom tops

Thanks to Zoom, going-out tops are back — and go perfectly with the aforementioned tennis skirts.

Zara Ruched Ribbed Top, $, available at Zara

Outdoor Voices Court 4.5" Skort, $, available at Outdoor Voices

The Range Wave Cutout Ribbed Halterneck Bodysuit, $, available at Net-A-Porter

Calzedonia 50 Denier Total Comfort Soft Touch Tights, $, available at Calzedonia

Oversized shorts

While Archer’s teacher yells at Neveah for wearing “junk,” aka articles of clothing that cover the dancer’s limbs, athletic knee-length shorts have been our WFH uniform since March — and aren’t going anywhere. We’ll be borrowing the tights-underneath styling, though.

Pangaia Lightweight Recycled Cotton Long Shorts, $, available at Pangaia

Uniqlo Ribbed HEATTECH Knitted Leg Warmers, $, available at Uniqlo

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

20 Years Later, Bring It On Costumes Hold Up

The Prom Costumes Have The Broadway Sparkle

How Realistic Is "Tiny Pretty Things" Ballet World