Select a leotard made of natural fibers that flatters the body. It's desirable to wear clothing that breathes, so cotton leotards are best. Shiny fabrics and nylon can look tacky, so avoid these. For a ballet class, a low-cut leotard is suitable; high cut legs are appropriate for jazz and modern classes. Another suitable choice is a unitard, which is a leotard with legs.
Find a pair of tights that will suit your needs. Adults have the liberty of wearing either ballet pink or black tights. Often, students buy two pairs so that they can layer the tights for warmth. Convertible footed tights are best, because the mood may strike to wear the tights around the ankle, instead of in the shoe. Convertible tights are also useful for mending blisters during pointe class.There will often be a choice between seamed and plain tights. The seamed ones make your legs look longer, so many favor them.
Purchase a form-fitting shirt and pants for layering when the muscles are still cold. Stay away from baggy clothing, since the instructor needs to be able to view the lines of the body. Cotton yoga pants are fantastic for this, as are tight, thin sweaters from many popular stores. Items with cuffs are verboten, since the foot can get caught in the turned-up fabric and cause injury.
Wear good, sturdy soft ballet slippers. Buy quality shoes in either leather or canvas. Well-fitted shoes can be worn without elastic sewn in, but make sure to tighten the elastic as much as possible. Purchase them in ballet pink, since candy pink can look young.
Often, people like to wear a pretty ballet skirt to wear for center floor exercises. Add one to the wardrobe for an affordable, pretty variation that looks great in the mirror.
Make certain to secure hair soundly in a ponytail or bun. Loose hair is a distraction, and could get in your field of vision.