If you’ve ever seen Confessions of a Shopaholic, you’ll know it’s the essential movie for anyone down-bad for fashion. I have always related to main character Rebecca, who has stashes of clothes littered around her room. This habit is not suitable for apartment life, but the ravenous trends of city style demand what they will. 

This summer was no different: I found myself immersed in the ballet core sheer material trend which wrapped the city in tulle—a fine form of netting—and bows. Celebrities were overwhelmingly attending red-carpet events in lush, sheer dresses and wrapped in swathes of light fabric. Women like Gigi Hadid and Rita Ora both gorgeously exemplified the dark tulle look at the 2023 Met Gala. 

Directly contrasting the popular trend of long, baggy jean shorts and graphic tees, this sway toward ballet offers a beautiful variety to your closet and answers that itch to change it up a little. Attending McGill means that you are only blocks away from a maze of malls and shining storefronts that beckon you to walk in and shop. Urban Outfitters on Sainte-Catherine currently decorates a quarter of a block with its floor-to-ceiling windows, boasting mannequins in tulle of every shade and length and laced-up pastel dresses. But in reality, if you don’t want to be running from your bank representatives like Rebecca in the movie, all that Sainte-Catherine offers students is a session of window shopping that will leave you empty-handed. Luckily, the ballet core look is relatively easy to achieve affordably and sustainably. 

So, open your closets and get to work. Grab materials in pastel colours or any colour of tulle, light cotton, or sheer fabric. If you have any long skirts, throw them into the mix and start layering. If you can’t find these components in your closet, fear not! Plan a visit to one of the many thrift stores on Saint-Laurent, which are conveniently close to campus and are home to  some real finds if you’re willing to dig around. If you don’t want to stray too far but need something on the cheaper side, visit Eva B’s second floor. Next, you’re going to need to go to Dollarama and grab as many rolls of ribbon as your heart desires, and before you head out, swing by the bead section and grab a bag of pearls or other cute charms. 

Now, imagine the scene from Cinderella where the birds and forest animals are adding bows and materials until she is dolled up and ready for the ball; that’s essentially your job! Add the ribbon as a belt to pants or tie bows on the loops of your jeans. Wrap ribbon around your ankles and pair it with frilly socks or change out the laces of your shoes for a sheer ribbon. Throw them in your hair or tie one around your neck. Layer these ribbons with charms and beads. Add pearls to your hair or string a few as a belt or bracelet. The outfit is just the base—this look is all about the accessories. Besides, a few bows never hurt anyone. 

If you prefer darker colours, try layering a sheer shirt over a dark dress, or be bold and find some black or navy tulle to wrap around yourself. And for the beach lovers out there, find a knit or sheer shrug, layer with a soft blue, cream, or lavender shirt, and add some shells to your look with a necklace or earrings.

And voilà! You’re ready to go and take the McGill Y-intersection catwalk by storm. 

If you’ve ever seen Confessions of a Shopaholic, you’ll know it’s the essential movie for anyone down-bad for fashion. I have always related to main character Rebecca, who has stashes of clothes littered around her room. This habit is not suitable for apartment life, but the ravenous trends of city style demand what they will. 

This summer was no different: I found myself immersed in the ballet core sheer material trend which wrapped the city in tulle—a fine form of netting—and bows. Celebrities were overwhelmingly attending red-carpet events in lush, sheer dresses and wrapped in swathes of light fabric. Women like Gigi Hadid and Rita Ora both gorgeously exemplified the dark tulle look at the 2023 Met Gala. 

Directly contrasting the popular trend of long, baggy jean shorts and graphic tees, this sway toward ballet offers a beautiful variety to your closet and answers that itch to change it up a little. Attending McGill means that you are only blocks away from a maze of malls and shining storefronts that beckon you to walk in and shop. Urban Outfitters on Sainte-Catherine currently decorates a quarter of a block with its floor-to-ceiling windows, boasting mannequins in tulle of every shade and length and laced-up pastel dresses. But in reality, if you don’t want to be running from your bank representatives like Rebecca in the movie, all that Sainte-Catherine offers students is a session of window shopping that will leave you empty-handed. Luckily, the ballet core look is relatively easy to achieve affordably and sustainably. 

So, open your closets and get to work. Grab materials in pastel colours or any colour of tulle, light cotton, or sheer fabric. If you have any long skirts, throw them into the mix and start layering. If you can’t find these components in your closet, fear not! Plan a visit to one of the many thrift stores on Saint-Laurent, which are conveniently close to campus and are home to  some real finds if you’re willing to dig around. If you don’t want to stray too far but need something on the cheaper side, visit Eva B’s second floor. Next, you’re going to need to go to Dollarama and grab as many rolls of ribbon as your heart desires, and before you head out, swing by the bead section and grab a bag of pearls or other cute charms. 

Now, imagine the scene from Cinderella where the birds and forest animals are adding bows and materials until she is dolled up and ready for the ball; that’s essentially your job! Add the ribbon as a belt to pants or tie bows on the loops of your jeans. Wrap ribbon around your ankles and pair it with frilly socks or change out the laces of your shoes for a sheer ribbon. Throw them in your hair or tie one around your neck. Layer these ribbons with charms and beads. Add pearls to your hair or string a few as a belt or bracelet. The outfit is just the base—this look is all about the accessories. Besides, a few bows never hurt anyone. 

If you prefer darker colours, try layering a sheer shirt over a dark dress, or be bold and find some black or navy tulle to wrap around yourself. And for the beach lovers out there, find a knit or sheer shrug, layer with a soft blue, cream, or lavender shirt, and add some shells to your look with a necklace or earrings.

And voilà! You’re ready to go and take the McGill Y-intersection catwalk by storm.