What to Wear to Your First Heels Class (and What to Leave at Home)

"What do I actually wear?" is the question I'm asked more than any other before a first class, usually in a slightly panicked message the night before. So here's the whole answer in one place, no guessing required.

Knowing what to wear to a heels dance class does something quietly useful: it takes one more unknown off the pile, so all you have to think about on the night is enjoying yourself. Let's sort it from the feet up, including the few things you're genuinely better off leaving at home.

The footwear question: block heel, stiletto or grip socks

Start here, because it's the part everyone overthinks. The first thing to know is that you do not need heels on day one at all. Plenty of women dance their first full block in trainers or grip socks and add heels once their confidence catches up. There's no rule and no rush.

When you do want to bring heels, this is what actually helps a beginner:

• A block heel over a stiletto, every time. A wider, chunkier heel gives you a bigger base, more stability and far more control. A stiletto asks a lot of ankles that aren't ready yet.
• A strap across the ankle or foot, so the shoe stays put and you can think about the moves instead of your shoe.
• A pair you've already worn around the house. Broken-in beats brand new and stiff.

Grip socks are a brilliant in-between if you're not ready for heels but want more control than bare feet. And if you do decide to invest in a proper pair of dance heels, our ambassador code for Vamp Heels, R15, gets you 15% off.

One last thing on shoes: don't buy anything the night before in a panic. Come in trainers or grip socks for your first class, watch what the room is actually wearing, and shop once you know what you like and what your feet are ready for. There's no prize for turning up in the fanciest heels, and a lot of comfort in not.

What to wear to a heels dance class, from the top down

Once your feet are sorted, the rest is refreshingly simple. You want to bend, reach, drop and roll without a single thought about your clothes. So:

• Leggings or shorts, whatever makes you feel most yourself. Both are brilliant. Shorts if you run warm, leggings if you like more cover.
• A top you genuinely feel good in: a fitted tee, a crop, a vest, whatever makes you stand a little taller when you catch your reflection.
• Layers you can peel off. You'll walk in cool and warm up fast, so an oversized tee or hoodie over the top for the first few minutes is perfect.
• Knee pads if there's floorwork on the plan. Some routines take you to the floor and your knees will thank you. We'll always flag it in advance.

The one rule for the top half is the same as the bottom: pick the thing that makes you feel a little more like yourself, and a little less like you're in fancy dress. You move better in clothes you forget you're wearing.

Feeling good in what you're wearing matters far more than any label. If you'd like something with the studio on it, have a look at our merch once it drops.

You don't need the perfect outfit to belong here. You need to show up. Everything else is just detail.

What to leave at home

There's a short "do not bring" list, and it's worth knowing.

• Brand-new, unworn stiletto heels. Save those for later in your journey.
• Chunky jewellery and anything that swings, catches or you'd be gutted to lose.
• Valuables you'd rather not leave in a bag. Travel light.
• Strong expectations of yourself. This is the important one.

That last item does the most damage. Not the nerves, which are welcome and universal, but the voice that says you're too old, too new or too unfit to be in the room. That voice doesn't own a spot on the floor. Every woman beside you had to walk past it to get here, and every one of them is glad she did.

Ready when you are

Here's the reassuring part: within a few weeks the outfit matters less and less, because the confidence stops coming from what you're wearing and starts coming from what you can do.

When you're ready to put all this to use, browse our six-week courses or try a one-off pop-up class first, and join the notify list so you know the moment doors open. Wear what makes you feel good, pack light, and come exactly as you are. We'll take it from there.

Rita x