Everything You Need to Master the Ballerina Sleaze Trend

The Y2K aesthetic has dominated TikTok and Instagram, and it has infiltrated the runway. Gen-Z is eating up nostalgia through vintage fashion from different eras. What is the next fashion trend to reappear you might ask? It looks like Gen-Z is leaving Y2K fashion behind and entering their “teenage dirtbag” era.

TikTok is ushering in a new aesthetic: Indie sleaze. From distressed tights to runny eyeliner to mismatched patterns, the resurgence of the Tumblr era is fueling Gen-Z’s angst and I am so here for it! The indie sleaze style originates from the mid-late 2000s. The aesthetic is synonymous with the Tumblr era’s playful and effortless spirit of the 2010s.

Some key characteristics of Tumblr fashion are lavish displays of partying, wired headphones, smudged makeup, and a mix of baggy and tight clothing. This style can be seen in prominent fashion figures like Bella Hadid wearing wired headphones or Devon Lee Carlson sporting a mini skirt.

Gen-Z’s take on indie sleaze mixes Tumblr fashion with balletcore: Ballerina sleaze. Ballerina sleaze combines the chic and the sleazy. It’s a grunge aesthetic paired with coquette fashion (frills, knitwear, lace, etc.). This aesthetic is all about looking put together and undone at the same time – it’s giving Black Swan.

Looking to master this trend? CF has assembled a list of essentials that will help you rock this trend.

Tights

Tights have the power to elevate your entire outfit, especially if you’re wearing a dress or mini skirt. For extra sleaze, I recommend distressing or ripping your tights.