Mass St. Chic: ‘Black Swan’ styles can suit all women

I have always believed that individual forms of art propel art as a whole, each type acknowledging and utilizing the presence of the other. Following the recent release of “Black Swan,” the fashion world has been in a frenzy, excitedly discussing the exquisite costumes used in Darren Aronofsky’s film. Read on for suggestions how to incorporate some realistic ballerina fashions into your own daily wardrobe.

Headpieces:

Whether you wear your hair up or down, a hairclip or headband is an easy way to accessorize your outfit. Style your hair in a loose chignon fastened with a feather hair tie for an avian-inspired accent, or opt for a darker, more dramatic hairpiece that provides just a hint of shimmer.

Texture:

Natalie Portman, left, and Vincent Cassel are shown in a scene from Black

Mila Kunis is shown in a scene from Black

For an interesting evening look, wear a dress that incorporates several different textures in its structure. Heavier fabrics, like velvet, juxtaposed against lighter fabrics, like tulle, create an intriguing contrast. If it is too tricky to locate a dress of this nature, mix and match separates from your own closet to form a similar look. Either way, still concentrate on the statement of your outfit, inspired by the strong yet wispy figure of a swan. Look at designs by J.Mendel, Chanel and Rodarte for more ideas and examples.

Color:

In “Black Swan,” the plot focuses on the extremely opposite psychologies of its characters; similarly, the costumes reflect their differences. When you dress, use the colors of your clothing to evoke a particular mood or to create a subtle personal statement, a declaration of innocence or sultriness. Use lighter colors like white, pink and mauve to convey a feeling of frivolity and femininity; use dark colors like black, grey, maroon and red to reveal a more sensual sentiment.

Jewelry:

For jewelry that suits the film’s mood, keep in mind carefully bejeweled ballet dresses and delicate but dramatic accessories. Look for jewelry that is sharp and angular but not heavy or weighed down. Find pieces that are elegant and timeless; sparkling mid-length necklaces and short, dangling earrings are one good combination. Also, find necklaces that lay flat against the chest — they provide unobtrusive and sleek sophistication.

Finally, look out for other ballet-related fashions. Some may be more whimsical than practical, like tutus and winged cardigans; however, every woman can use few good pairs of ballet flats.