Mary Helen Bowers Is Raising the Barre

Mary Helen Bowers made a name for herself as a dancer in the New York City Ballet—and for training Natalie Portman for her role in “Black Swan.” Now her signature Ballet Beautiful workout is taking over the fashion world, as well. One “swan arm”-filled class with Bowers and you not only feel the low-impact burn, you want everything she’s wearing, too. Between running her graceful empire and preparing for baby no. 2, we asked the chic entrepreneur to share her best style secrets.

Describe your style: Ballerina chic.

Daily Uniform: Ballet Beautiful leotard, tights and legwarmers.

Greatest Hits: My Ballet Beautiful street shoes in pink satin, handmade Cowichan Filson sweaters (I’m addicted and buy one every season. Pretty soon I’ll need a closet just for them because they are huge!), seamed Ballet Beautiful tights.

Preferred Footwear: I live in my Ballet Beautiful street shoes. The black patent leather is a favorite for fall! I also have a soft spot for riding boots. My newest acquisition is a gorgeous hand embossed leather pair that I picked up in Gstaad this summer.

Finishing Touches: I love the cream concealer and blush from RMS and am obsessed with Fresh’s beautiful bar soaps and honey facemask. It gives a glow like no other! For the hair a few French hairpins and a tortoiseshell clip will dress up any bun!

Nighttime Look: High bun, seamed ballet tights and heels.

Best recent discoveries: The Singer Sargent exhibition at the Met.

How to look great after working out: Keep it simple. Layer your leotard with high waisted skinny jeans, legwarmers and heels or high boots.

Lusting after: Delpozo’s bow heels in navy. I adore a ladylike bow!

Style Pet Peeve: You won’t find me in a sports bra and low-slung leggings.

Favorite Haunts: Lincoln Center makes for the perfect date night. The carousel in Central Park is my daughter’s favorite! I love the old school vibe of Arturo’s on Houston for a classic NY style pizza. The Hungarian Pastry Shop uptown is the perfect place to cozy up with a favorite book and pot of tea.

Style icons: Audrey Hepburn – simple and chic! Lauren Santo Domingo – LSD’s style is impeccable. She can work a ball gown like no other!

Fall must haves: Legwarmers, seamed ballet tights and knee high riding boots.

What’s always in your bag: Water, hairpins and my satin ballet slippers.