Hot looks to wear to the barre

These days, lingering at the barre has become a healthy obsession, and there are more white-hot ballet-inspired brands than ever to prove it.

Naturally, fashion has evolved with the fitness craze. We’re talking pretty performance innovations built for the boutique workout, like leggings that are deliberately longer so they cover your foot (just like your instructor’s) and sexy stirrups with built-in non-slip nubs on the bottom. And some styles from the ballet studio, like leotards and over-the-knee leg warmers.

Pair them with long, stringy tanks, criss-cross bras that evoke a ballet slipper ribbon, or an on-trend high-neck crop top. Here are five hot barre looks to pulse, tuck, and tone in this winter. —Melisse Gelula and Jamie McKillop

Originally published December 2013, updated December 2015.

(Photo: Splits59)

Ballet Beautiful Skyline Knitted Jersey Shorts ($75)

From celebrity barre maven Mary Helen Bower’s debut athleisure collection, these shorts are the perfect piece to slip on over a leotard for extra coverage during tush toning moves, and they look amazing paired with her pretty over-the-knee leg warmers.

(Photo: Ballet Beautiful)

Splits59 Tendu Grip Performance Stirrup Tights ($106)

These tights mark a giant leap (or grande jete) into dedicated fitness-fashion design for barre workouts. How? The long, lean pair have a sexy stirrup that not only stays put under your foot, the bottom is lined with no-slip silicone nubs. The brainiac brand moved the idea from your grippy socks to your leggings. And what do you know, the innovation stuck. (Also available in turquoise and purple.)

(Photo: Splits59)

Athleta High Rise Chaturanga Tight($74)

This of-the-moment high-waisted pair isn’t just for yoga. It’ll stay put during countless pulses and deep plies, and it comes in four colors to pair with the classic Plie Tank ($20) or trendy Beloved Bralette ($32).

(Photo: Athleta)

Live The Process X Moon Juice Corset Leotard ($190)

Indie athleisure brand Live The Process designed this corset leotard with Los Angeles juice brand Moon Juice for a modern barre look that’s totally out of this world. Wear it with our without tights or leggings, depending on how much skin you’re willing to bare (and whether you live in a sunny or nearing-freezing city).

(Photo: Live the Process)

Michi Vortex Tank ($130) and Psyche Leggings ($267)

With its perfectly placed fishnet panels, this tank looks like it debuted under a Fashion Week tent—a sign of the stylish, athletic pieces that Michi’s known for. The ventilated areas give this wicking racerback a sexy rock-and-roll look, one that pairs gorgeously with Psyche Leggings (also with flattering, contouring cutouts) or a leather jacket on your way out for drinks.

Feeling stylish? Is this fitness fashion collection activewear or art? You decide.

(Photo: Shopbop)