6 style lessons from Dirty Dancing we still swear by today

Forget the corner, put Baby on that stage where she belongs

dirty dancing style lessons
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))
Penny Goldstone
By Penny Goldstone
published

Forget the corner, put Baby on that stage where she belongs

Dirty Dancing is 30 years old this year. We’re just going to ignore the fact this makes us feel super old, and instead focus on the style lessons we learned from it.

Yes, we know it’s all about the dancing and that lift, but there’s no denying Baby is one classically stylish lady, so much so that we’re still swearing by these fashion rules today…

1. There’s no wardrobe staple like a men’s white shirt

Baby can’t get enough of oversized white shirts. For a sexy take on things, she rolls up the sleeves and ties up the bottom around the waist, but when she’s feeling more casual, she wears it loose over a pair of cigarette jeans. Both look great.

(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

2. Bodysuits are not just for ballet

Look at baby, totally owning her orange bodysuit and denim shorts while practicing her dance moves. And why not? If you’ve got it, flaunt it is our motto.

dirty dancing style lessons

(Image credit: Copyright © 1987 Vestron Pictures, Inc. © 1987 Vestron Pictures / Courtesy: Pyxurz.)

3. Breton tops are king

Baby rocked the red stripes back in the 60s, and there’s still very much a wardrobe staple today. Like Baby, we like ours classically paired with denim.

dirty dancing style lessons

4. White on white is a great combo

Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Come summer, white tops and matching trousers are the combination of choice. Baby’s folk blouse is perfect for this summer’s 70s trend revival too. And FYI, Johnny's head-to-toe black look is pretty spot on also, especially with that biker jacket.

dirty dancing style lessons

5. Be true to your personal style

Sure, Baby looked incredible in that bright pink dress with the jewel belt when she danced the Mambo with Johnny at the Sheldrake, but it wasn’t her, and her dad didn’t recognise her. So whether you feel at your best sans make-up in a simple outfit, or with lots of glitter and jewels, wear whatever feels ‘you’, not what trends dictate.

dirty dancing style lessons

6. Always wear underwear

You just never know when you’re going to have to perform a lift in front of 100 people at summer camp. Or in a lake for that matter.

dirty dancing style lessons

(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is why nobody should EVER put baby in a corner.

Penny Goldstone
Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, covering everything from catwalk trends to royal fashion and the latest high street and Instagram must-haves.

Penny grew up in France and studied languages and law at the Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris before moving to the UK for her MA in multimedia journalism at Bournemouth University. She moved to the UK permanently and has never looked back (though she does go back regularly to stock up on cheese and wine).

Although she's always loved fashion - she used to create scrapbooks of her favourite trends and looks, including Sienna Miller and Kate Moss' boho phase - her first job was at MoneySavingExpert.com, sourcing the best deals for everything from restaurants to designer sales.

However she quit after two years to follow her true passion, fashion journalism, and after many years of internships and freelance stints at magazines including Red, Cosmopolitan, Stylist and Good Housekeeping, landed her dream job as the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK.

Her favourite part of the job is discovering new brands and meeting designers, and travelling the world to attend events and fashion shows. Seeing her first Chanel runway IRL at Paris Fashion Week was a true pinch-me moment.

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