There's no doubt that sportswear has successfully infiltrated our everyday wardrobes from every possible angle. Trainers dominate our chosen footwear, pleated tennis skirts are worn off the court just as much as on, and fashion girlies will style an adidas track jacket or bright-coloured windbreaker with a boho dress to perfection. The OG influencer, Princess Diana, is still the mood decades later, with her baseball cap or cycling shorts + oversized sweatshirt combo (see: an off-duty Hailey Bieber).
But for me, the most alluring athleisure influence on my day-to-day style is the ballet community. Not to be dramatic, but I would honestly drop down dead without my trusted collection of ballet flats. In recent years, it's not just my footwear that's following in the graceful steps of a prima ballerina. With its mix of comfort and elegance, the wrap-front ballet top slots into my existing wardrobe with effortless ease. It has a more polished, sporty aesthetic, meaning the style is an easy, everyday go-to that can also be dressed up when the occasion calls for it.
We have the rise of the Balletcore trend to thank for the wrap-front top's reintroduction to our rotation of hardworking basics. An off-duty ballet dancer's rehearsal attire became a romanticised aesthetic on TikTok, but dancers' uniforms have long been catnip for designers. The now cult-status silk ballet slippers, courtesy of Miu Miu's SS22 runway show, had every fashion editor in a chokehold and ballet-mania ensued. The wrap-tie top featured in Adeam's SS24 show, giving it the pretty-punk treatment and for SS25, Ferragamo was awash with ballet tops in soft dusty pinks and heather greys.
Basically, spring is prime time to implement the popular basic as an outfit MVP. If it's a fully wraparound style that takes your fancy, it makes for a perfect layering tool over tank tops or bralettes and is well-suited to the transitional weather. I'm also partial to the illusion of the wrap. Fruity Booty's Moss wrap top in vibrant pink and blue lace – reminiscent of the style's 80s iterations – creates the flattering v-neckline without the faff of tying.
Then there's M&S's clever take, embodying the top's classic silhouette but with an elevated update thanks to the adjustable ruching and bow-tie fastening. In a khaki hue, the cosy ruched front top nails the colour cornerstones of the trend's muted palette.
Worn with a pair of straight-leg black jeans and bold earrings, it delivers the ‘jeans and a nice top’ vibe for fun weekend plans. Or, if it's a casual Sunday lunch on the cards, the earthy green shade would match so nicely with light blue wash baggy jeans and your fave kicks.
Whether you're leaning in and going full Black Swan to wear over a unitard and with leg warmers, or simply updating your comfy tees, these wrap-front tops are en pointe.
Sophie Leen is the Bookings Editor for Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK. She specialises in creating fashion and shopping content across both digital and print platforms, as well as producing all of our fashion editorial photoshoots, which have included our digital cover with Olly Alexander and our curve influencer’s letter to the high street story. Sophie also looks after our Try Before You Train franchise where our team have tested and reviewed over 100 gymwear items.
