6 Exact Outfits From Dirty Dancing That We’ve Thought About For 39 Years. So We Found Them.
“N-o-o-w I’ve…”
Image: Vestron Pictures
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by The Candidly Team
No matter where we find ourselves in the summer, a tiny part of us will always be at a 1960s resort in the Catskills, alternating New England prep with jean shorts and leotards.
And that is, of course, thanks to a little movie known as Dirty Dancing.
Baby’s clothes have been in the corner of our minds for nearly four decades. (See what we did there?) But we recently looked back at every outfit and realized we yearn for them all as much today as over-40 women and we did when we were 14. They’re feminine and flattering and classic and a smidge sexy. And long story short, we found Every. Single. One.
Cue music. Cause here they are:
1. THE JEAN-SHORT FITS
Image: Vestron Pictures
The Long Shorts
WHAT: AGOLDE Indra Shorts*
Why we love it: Jean shorts are the cornerstone to mixing cool with classic. And the fact that long shorts are becoming cool again is a stroke of luck as our thighs have a little more jiggle when we mambo these days. This is the slouchiest, comfiest, most flattering, and youthful pair we’ve found. Yes, they cost more than a typical pair of shorts, but they’re just … better. Truly! We end up only reaching for these all summer, bringing our cost per wear down to pennies.
Price: $188
The Button-Down
WHAT: Sold Out NYC The Everything Shirt*
Why we love it: The brilliance of a perfect, white button-down tied at the waist with shorts solves three problems. 1. Instant chicness in the heat. 2. Instant hourglass proportions. 3. Instant arm coverage for those of who do not have “spaghetti aaaaaarms.” This is the best, white button-down around. Buy once, wear forever type-a deal.
Price: $195
The Classic Shorts
WHAT: Madewell The Perfect Vintage Mid-Length Jean Short*
Why we love it: High-waist. Butt-flattering back pockets. Not too short. We’re not 16 anymore. These shorts are for grown ups. And they’re unreal on curves.
Price: $78
The Terracotta Bodysuit
WHAT: Organic Basics Flex Bodysuit*
Why we love it: Was it the perfect color or the sculpting fit that gripped us so tightly? We couldn’t decide. So we found both.
Price: $22.50
The Belt And Sneaks
WHAT: Quince 100% Leather Everyday Sneakers* and Allegra European Leather Belt*
Why we love it: When did we stop wearing belts with shorts? So dumb. It’s quiet luxury meets a smidge of sexiness, and it makes all the difference to looking styled.
And obviously, a little, white, leather sneak is critical to the pretty-in-prep aesthetic.
Price: Sneaks are $84, Belt is $50
2. THE ALL-WHITE ENSEMBLE
Image: Vestron Pictures
The Tank
WHAT: Abercrombie Bra-Free Rib Scoopneck Tank*
Why we love it: All-white doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, it’s one of the easiest ways to look wildly chic, particularly in the heat. This tank has a built-in bra for a bouncy, round, supported shape and zero fussing over straps. Plus, it stays opaque should we find ourselves being lifted from a lake mid swan-dive. That said, it sells out constantly, so be swift.
Price: $25
The Jeans
WHAT: AG Hattie Jeans*
Why we love it: The fit of these jeans are perfection. They make us look slinkier and slimmer and somehow are even more flattering in white. Here they are on one of us:
Price: $225
Now, if you’re more of a white pants than a white jeans gal, THESE* are the most incredible, curve-complementing poplin pants on the planet. They’re worth the preorder. Trust us.
Price: $98
3. THE ROMANTIC TOPS
Images: Vestron Pictures
The Puff-Sleeve Blouse
WHAT: Quince Embroidered Cotton Ruffle Collar Short Sleeve Blouse*
Why we love it: The 50s/60s knew how to do a top correctly, thanks mostly to the detailing. A dainty white top is the one-and-done article of clothing that makes us look instantly put together and more interesting and feminine. Don’t spend $300 at DÔEN. Just get this one.
Price: $50
The Embroidered Top
WHAT: Sézane Lalita Shirt*
Why we love it: If you’re not changing into this sweet and gorgeous button-up in the backseat of Patrick Swayze’s car so your dad doesn’t get mad that you snuck off to win a dance competition, what are you even doing with your life?
Price: $130
4. THE FLOATY SKIRTS
Images: Vestron Pictures
The Only One You Really Need
WHAT: Free People Lowen Midi Skirt*
Why we love it: In addition to being the floatiest, swirliest sight when she twirled, Baby’s skirts were what balanced the proportions of every one of her looks. We adore this one, writing odes to it on a monthly basis. It comes in many colors we love and has elastic in the back so the comfiness is off the charts.
Price: $60
The Floral
WHAT: The Great The Highland Skirt*
Why we love it: The Great makes unbelievable A-line skirts in the prettiest prints. If you’re a midi skirt kinda girl, it’s important that you know this.
Price: $212
5. THE CATSKILLS STRIPES
Images: Vestron Pictures
The Marinière
WHAT: Saint James MINQUIDAME Breton Shirt*
Why we love it: It started as a staple from Coco Chanel in France, but naturally this striped, boatneck tee made its way to the country clubs of the Catskills. Saint James makes the most timeless, quality version. Buy one for yourself, your dotty sister, your conservative mother, or your dance instructor pal. It’s made for every woman.
Price: $139
The Tank
The Skirt Set
WHAT: Gap Poplin Drop-Waist Maxi Skirt* and Poplin Boatneck Shell Tank Top*
Why we love it: Just add Baby’s cute cardi, the aforementioned white sneakers, and maaaaybe a watermelon, and you’re set for a night of “clean girl” dirty dancing.
Price: $90 for the skirt, $60 for the top
…AND THE ONE PLAID
Image: Vestron Pictures
The Chain
WHAT: Sold Out NYC The Everything Shirt in Cream Plaid*
Why we love it: With white jeans. Or pink?! Perfection.
Price: $265
6. THE PINK DRESS
Image: Vestron Pictures
The Modern Version
WHAT: Abercrombie Linen-Blend A&F Bra-Free Dylan Midi Dress*
Why we love it: Again, the bra is built in to this dress, so every inch is smoothed and sculpting.
Price: $100
The Classic Tulle
WHAT: Hutch Amara Corset Pleated Tulle Fit & Flare Midi Dress*
Why we love it: The tulle skirt is a thrill akin to this:
Image: Vestron Pictures
Price: $348
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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