This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s senior fall editorial intern Dalal Daher. Find her on Instagram at @dalalllldaher. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
If you’ve been on social media in the past year, you may have come across a wave of pastel pink workout sets, leg warmers, and pilates. The pilates princess aesthetic has taken over the internet over the past year, offering a softer take on the gym-fluencer lifestyle. The “pilates princess aesthetic” combines the femininity and pastels of balletcore with an active, go-getter lifestyle that remains coquette, dainty, put together, and of course, centered around pilates. Considering signing up for that morning reformer pilates class? Do it in style with the pilates princess aesthetic, and we’ll tell you just what you need for it.
The pilates princess aesthetic hinges heavily on clothing and accessories, but it is still based around pilates, a body conditioning form of exercise that ultimately tones your muscles and core as well as your flexibility. The pilates princess aesthetic highlights the mindfulness principle of the exercise it’s based on, emphasizing a softer, coquette, yet very intentional lifestyle. Pilates princesses are not outwardly stressed, but rather always looking effortlessly beautiful as they crush a hardcore pilates session, sip an iced matcha, and do their skincare.
Want to live your pilates princess life? Here’s what you need to embody the aesthetic. Across most of the “pilates princess” videos on TikTok, there are a few commonalities. Firstly, you need to buy a matching pastel activewear outfit, in mostly pink or perhaps while with a pink accent. Lululemon’s Define jacket in pink, a flatteringly compressing zip-up, paired with matching leggings, are a TikTok favorite, and popular brand Alo Yoga is also known for its effortlessly chic activewear.
Another popular pilates princess look is to pair pastel pink leggings and a sports bra with a matching wrap top to add to this effortless, coquette spin on activewear. The Australian brand Crop Shop Boutique has a number of boleros and wrap tops to elevate your sports bra and legging combination. Other staple items include pastel bodysuits like this one from Frankie’s Bikinis, or any other dainty activewear, such as flowy skirts and flared leggings.
The pilates princess aesthetic relies a lot on accessories as well! From hair bows, to a matching pink yoga mat like this one from Alo Yoga, to even a matching pink Stanley cup or water bottle, every accessory adds to the pilates princess aesthetic. Since pilates is done barefoot, shoes are less emphasized but accessories such as white leg warmers or socks with bows are definitely included in the aesthetic, alongside comfy yet cute shoes like mini UGG Boot. To truly embody the effortlessly beautiful pilates princess vibe like, well, a princess, your accessories have to coordinate the look! So pair together any dainty jewelry (pearlescent necklaces would be a great addition), pink bows, and ruffled socks or leg warmers alongside a minimalistic tote and you’re good to go!
Interestingly, a lot of pilates princess videos don’t just focus on the clothes and the workout, but also the lifestyle aspect. A lot of “pilates princess routine” videos will show the before or after of that pilates class, such as calming skincare routines, spotless living rooms, and perfectly coordinated pajama sets as well. The intersection of daily routine with the pilates princess aesthetic shows that it’s not just a fashion style, but a movement designed to highlight intentionality, relaxation, and femininity in one’s everyday life.
Unlike a lot of other aesthetics, the pilates princess look is not one where you can be accused of “doing it wrong” due to a small detail. As long as you’re wearing pastel activewear and hopefully a matching accessory that makes you feel your most confident, you are definitely a pilates princess!
While it may seem like just another micro-trend centered around ultra-specific clothing items we’ll never use again, the pilates princess aesthetic builds upon an aspirational social media lifestyle of intentionality, authenticity and soft femininity that’s been marketed to us over the past few years. The similarity that the pilates princess trend, centered around a more nuanced, mindful form of athletic activity and aesthetic, has to trends like “clean girl makeup” and “quiet luxury” is undeniable.
Like quiet luxury’s emphasis on subtle, sophisticated designer fashion, and clean girl makeup’s understated, natural take on beauty, the pilates princess aesthetic is social media’s penchant for a soft, intentional lifestyle applied to physical activity. So whether you identify as a pilates princess or are happy with your gym routine, the mindfulness and intentionality of the pilates princess aesthetic can still be a positive influence.
So if you’ve been feeling like your activewear is a bit drab, your routine is a bit lackluster, or your mind-body connection has been lacking, try out the pilates princess aesthetic! Throw on a matching ballet-pink set and bow and feel your confidence and energy rise.
Would you try the pilates princess aesthetic? Let us know in the comments below!
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