This week’s Fashion Inspired by Art features one of Edgar Degas’s depictions of a ballet practice. Accompanying two previous College Fashion articles about Degas’s “Ballet Rehearsal on Stage” and “Swaying Dancer,” the following is my take on one of his acclaimed ballet works.

Table of Contents

About Edgar Degas and “Ballet Rehearsal”

Edgar Degas (1834-1917) spearheaded the French Impressionist movement, along with Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, and Camille Pissarro. Contrary to his whimsical contemporaries, Degas remarked, 

“of inspiration, spontaneity, temperament, I know nothing” (source). 

Though Degas rejected the term “Impressionist,” preferring the term “realist,” his works are regarded as some of the most influential in the Impressionist period. Scenes from contemporary life dominated his early artistic career, but most popular were his paintings of young female dancers – we see a large collection of these ballet works because they sold well during his time.

Degas created this oil-on-canvas painting around 1873. Like Renoir, Degas had a fascination with photography that influenced his work. Paintings as snapshots in time, capturing movement from the perspective of an unnoticed spectator, defined Degas’s work. A musician plays in the foreground of the piece, part of his body cropped out of view.

Outfit 1

Products: Turtleneck, Tulle skirt (Cheaper version), Bag, Heels

This first outfit is a sophisticated take on the dancers’ ballet uniform. Despite the ensemble’s simplicity, its waist-defining, striking proportions make the outfit dynamic. A dark, form-fitting turtleneck contrasts well against a full, tulle skirt. Bow-attached heels and a sleek evening clutch complete the simple, feminine look. This outfit is perfect for going out to town to see a ballet, but would be equally great for any fancy event.