--- title: Top 10 Lyrical & Contemporary Dance Costume Trends description: Top 10 Lyrical & Contemporary Dance Costume Trends image: https://blog.thelineup.com/hubfs/_Blog-Images/Raelyn_Skate_7.jpg --- - [Contact](http://thelineup.com/contact) - [About](https://www.thelineup.com/about) - [Sizing](http://thelineup.com/sizing) - [Fabrics](http://thelineup.com/fabrics) - [My Account](http://thelineup.com/account) - [My Cart](http://thelineup.com/cart) [![the line up](https://blog.thelineup.com/hubfs/2018.TheLineupTheme/logo.png "the line up")](https://www.thelineup.com/) - [Shop](http://thelineup.com/) - [Design](http://thelineup.com/services-design) - [Learn](http://thelineup.com/learn) - [Inspire](http://thelineup.com/inspire) . # [Blog](https://blog.thelineup.com/) # Top 10 Lyrical & Contemporary Dance Costume Trends Posted by [Trista](https://blog.thelineup.com/author/trista) on Aug 22, 2016 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Raelyn\_Skate\_7.jpg](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/Raelyn_Skate_7.jpg?width=640&name=Raelyn_Skate_7.jpg) ###### [Style Raelyn Dress](http://thelineup.com/index.php/raelyn-skate.html) Last week we took a look at the [top dance costume trends for Jazz](https://blog.thelineup.com/top-8-trends-for-jazz-dance-costumes), and this week we'll continue the list with Lyrical and Contemporary!  Here are the design trends we predict will be shaping dance team performances for the 2017 season! ## 1. The Romantic Look If there is a go-to look everyone can’t get enough of, it’s the Romantic look.  These pieces have a feminine quality, with plenty of lace fabrics, scallop edges, sheer flowing layers, and sequin and rhinestone appliques.  Soft and jewel tones like dusty rose, burgundy, navy, and orchid purple rule this style!  ![romantic.jpg](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/romantic.jpg?width=600&name=romantic.jpg "romantic.jpg") ###### Styles [Raelyn](http://thelineup.com/index.php/raelyn.html) & [Jubilee](http://thelineup.com/index.php/dance/new-designs/jubilee.html) ![totino\_grace.jpg](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/totino_grace.jpg?width=640&name=totino_grace.jpg) ###### [Totino Grace Dance Team](http://www.totinograce.org/Dance_Team) in a custom jazz costume   --- ## 2. Open Front Skirts If the romantic, open front skirts above aren't enough to temp you, check out the versions below!   These skirts are at their best in mesh - an optimal fabric for creating a trail of elegance as the skirt flows with your every movement. We love the idea of pairing a half skirt with a simple leotard! ![open\_front\_skirts.jpg](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/open_front_skirts.jpg?width=640&name=open_front_skirts.jpg) ###### [Style Octavia Half Skirt](http://thelineup.com/index.php/octavia-half-skirt.html) ![IMG\_6303.jpg](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/IMG_6303.jpg?width=640&name=IMG_6303.jpg) ###### Brookfield Academy Dance in a custom dance costume with [their namesake skirt](http://thelineup.com/index.php/brookfield-skirt-zsa-zsa.html)  [![Want to add bling to your costume?  Check out the video tutorial:  How to Rhinestone a Costume: Flat Back Method \>\>](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1594707/7cf4ce04-7644-4b78-94bc-747bd3d90d36.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1594707/7cf4ce04-7644-4b78-94bc-747bd3d90d36) --- ## 3. Modern & Minimal The clean, simple, minimalist aesthetic is gaining popularity over the former trend of heavily rhinestoned and appliqued costumes. This looks can go two very different ways:  modern and loose like the ivory and charcoal looks below,  or streamlined and fitted like the black Dance Arts Centre leotard, below. Simple fabrics are essential to pulling off this trend! ![Attitude\_Mesh\_Vista\_Tee\_Mesh\_Vista\_Tee\_Attitude\_1.jpg](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/Attitude_Mesh_Vista_Tee_Mesh_Vista_Tee_Attitude_1.jpg?width=1024&name=Attitude_Mesh_Vista_Tee_Mesh_Vista_Tee_Attitude_1.jpg) ![Attitude.jpg](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/Attitude.jpg?width=550&name=Attitude.jpg "Attitude.jpg") ###### Styles [Attitude](http://thelineup.com/index.php/attitude.html), [Attitude Mesh](http://thelineup.com/index.php/attitude-mesh.html), [Vista Tee Mesh](http://thelineup.com/index.php/vista-mesh.html), and [Vista Tee](http://thelineup.com/index.php/vista-tee.html) ![IMG\_9149.jpg](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/IMG_9149.jpg?width=640&name=IMG_9149.jpg) ![IMG\_9140-crop.jpg](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/IMG_9140-crop.jpg?width=640&name=IMG_9140-crop.jpg) ###### [Dance Arts Centre](https://blog.thelineup.com/customer-spotlight-the-best-of-dance-arts-centre) in a custom leotard   --- ## 4. Leotards In the studio world, simple yet sophisticated leotards  seems to rule the stage!  An extension of the Modern and Minimal trend, these styles soar with the use of strong style lines and mesh insets to add interest.  ![Luca\_Perla\_Denali.jpg](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/Luca_Perla_Denali.jpg?width=500&name=Luca_Perla_Denali.jpg "Luca_Perla_Denali.jpg") ###### Styles [Luca](http://thelineup.com/index.php/luca.html), [Perla](http://thelineup.com/index.php/dance/jazz-lyrical-contemporary/perla.html), and [Denali Leo](http://thelineup.com/index.php/denali-leo.html) ![leotards.jpg](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/leotards.jpg?width=640&name=leotards.jpg "leotards.jpg") ###### Soloists at Dance Arts Centre in stunning leos, many of which are [LVR Designs](http://lauravanriper.com/)!  Photo credit: [Dance Arts Centre](https://www.instagram.com/dacdance/) --- ## 5.  Modest Briefs And continuing with the minimal trend are briefs with cropped tops.  Always a modest cut on the leg for maximum comfort and stay-in-place style while dancing!   ###### ![briefs.jpg](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/briefs.jpg?width=550&name=briefs.jpg "briefs.jpg") ###### Styles [Mika Three-quarter Sleeve](http://thelineup.com/index.php/mika-three-quarter-sleeve.html), [Baylor Top](http://thelineup.com/index.php/baylor-top.html), and [504-7 Brief](http://thelineup.com/index.php/504-7-high-waist-brief.html) ###### ![DAC\_2014-2015\_Into\_the\_Past.jpg](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/DAC_2014-2015_Into_the_Past.jpg?width=640&name=DAC_2014-2015_Into_the_Past.jpg) ###### Dance Arts Centre in the [Mika top](http://thelineup.com/index.php/mika-top.html) and [504-7 Brief](http://thelineup.com/index.php/504-7-high-waist-brief.html) --- ## 6. Mesh Insets For a monochromatic look that isn't lacking in interest, try mesh insets.  The subtle contrasts in fabric texture create a sophisticated and modern look, especially when used in combination with the leotard and brief minimal trends, above!  ![mesh\_insets-1.jpg](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/mesh_insets-1.jpg?width=550&name=mesh_insets-1.jpg "mesh_insets-1.jpg") ###### Styles [Luca](http://thelineup.com/index.php/luca.html), [202-7 Mesh Overlay](http://thelineup.com/index.php/202-7-mesh-overlay.html), and [580-55 Brief](http://thelineup.com/index.php/580-55.html) --- ## 7. Sheer Maxi Skirts When grace is an essential element in Lyrical dance, long & full skirts are the perfect accessory! Sheer layers add an irresistible drama, and emphasize a seamless flow from one movement to another. Mesh is the perfect material to reveal your lines while maintaining a light & airy feel! ![maxi\_skirts.jpg](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/maxi_skirts.jpg?width=600&name=maxi_skirts.jpg "maxi_skirts.jpg") ###### Styles [260-3](http://thelineup.com/index.php/260-3.html), [Detachable Mahala Skirt](http://thelineup.com/index.php/detachable-mahala-skirt.html), and [Detachable Jude Skirt](http://thelineup.com/index.php/detachable-jude-skirt.html) ###### ![IMG\_9152.jpg](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/IMG_9152.jpg?width=640&name=IMG_9152.jpg) ###### [Dance Arts Centre](https://blog.thelineup.com/customer-spotlight-the-best-of-dance-arts-centre) in a custom skirt and crop [![For more costume inspiration: Top 8 Jazz Dance Costume Trends \>\>](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1594707/cc600cb8-ac49-41ae-9c59-5075c6f08294.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1594707/cc600cb8-ac49-41ae-9c59-5075c6f08294) --- ## 8. Neutrals & Blush Pink Natural and flesh tones have been trending for a while now, but the new favorite neutral?  Blush Pink!  This soft color combines subtle  beige with pale pink.  It's the perfect neutral with just a hint of color!  ![Ione\_Vivi\_Aster.jpg](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/Ione_Vivi_Aster.jpg?width=640&name=Ione_Vivi_Aster.jpg) ###### Styles [Ione](http://thelineup.com/index.php/dance/new-designs/ione.html), [Aster](http://thelineup.com/index.php/dance/new-designs/aster.html), and [Vivi](http://thelineup.com/index.php/dance/new-designs/vivi.html) ![DAC\_2014-2015\_Rule\_the\_World-edit.jpg](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/DAC_2014-2015_Rule_the_World-edit.jpg?width=640&name=DAC_2014-2015_Rule_the_World-edit.jpg) ###### [Dance Arts Centre](https://blog.thelineup.com/customer-spotlight-the-best-of-dance-arts-centre) in a custom biketard and [Baylor Top](http://thelineup.com/index.php/catalogsearch/result/?q=baylor) --- ## 9 . Ombre From hair to fashion, we know you've seen this look before.  But we aren’t quite done with it just yet!  Give it a fresh twist with a subtle color gradation at the skirt hem -  perfect for a soft lyrical look!     ![ombre.jpg](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/ombre.jpg?width=550&name=ombre.jpg "ombre.jpg") ###### Style [Athena](http://thelineup.com/index.php/athena-mesh.html) and custom jazz costume for Waupaca Jazz --- ## 10. Low, Open Backs An spin off of the [strappy backs costume trend from Jazz](https://blog.thelineup.com/top-8-trends-for-jazz-dance-costumes), a completely bare and open back is another trend we've seen infiltrating all styles of dance.  Simple and stunning, this is a statement choice not for the faint of heart!  ![open\_back.jpg](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/open_back.jpg?width=600&name=open_back.jpg "open_back.jpg") ###### Styles top to bottom: Custom nude and lilac lace leotards for Dance Arts Centre, and style [Jubilee](http://thelineup.com/index.php/dance/new-designs/jubilee.html)  So, what's your favorite trend for lyrical and contemporary dance costumes?  Let us know! [![Free download: Top 2025 Dance Costume Trends ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1594707/1d63cec5-1014-47ac-b617-0f54bbe2065d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1594707/1d63cec5-1014-47ac-b617-0f54bbe2065d) Topics: [Dance](https://blog.thelineup.com/topic/dance), [Costume Trends](https://blog.thelineup.com/topic/costume-trends), [Jazz, Lyrical, & Contemporary](https://blog.thelineup.com/topic/jazz-lyrical-contemporary) ### What do you think? Add a comment below! 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