Want to be part of the Barbiecore Renaissance? Easy! Just follow our guide to all things Barbiecore and you’ll be rocking it in no time.
It’s funny how the dark academia aesthetic was all the rage just last year. Well, throw that out ‘cos this summer, it’s all about channelling the Barbiecore trend. Margot Robbie, who plays the titular character in Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Barbie movie, has been killing it with her looks during the press tour. Even we’ve been bitten by the Barbie bug, donning our own take with shades of fuchsia and hot pink (or not) for every event. Believe it or not, Barbiecore is actually pretty versatile. So how do you achieve peak Barbie? We lay out the basics – with something for Kens too!
Barbiecore 101: How to build your own barbie outfit
From the boardroom to Barbieland
Barbie can throw one helluva boardroom meeting. Opt for feminine silhouettes with A-line dresses like Love, Bonito’s fit and flare dress or boss it up with Marks & Spencer’s textured blazer and Modcloth’s a-line skirt.
Get your hot girl summer on with Malibu Barbie
Malibu Barbie made waves in the 70s with her sun-kissed skin and cool beach vibes. Give it a modern twist with Haikini’s sultry cut-out one-piece. Or pay homage to the iconic 1959 striped swimsuit with Unique Vintage’s rendition.
Glam it up, Barbie style!
We don’t know about you but our jaw dropped when we saw Margot Robbie in a sparkly pink dress as part of the 80s day-to-night Barbie look – it’s equally playful, chic and fun. You too can be the Barbie of the ball with an OTT ensemble. Think elegant satin dresses or va-va-voom all-over sequin numbers. Rentadella and Revolve have got you covered.
Or keep it casual
Acing Barbiecore doesn’t always have to be body-hugging ‘fits or polished looks. Barbie can get comfy too with dressed down threads like an oversized turtleneck sweater from Everlane, Klarra’s puffed sleeve cropped top or Minor Miracles’ dainty waisted cut dress with flower prints.
Go vintage
Part of the Barbiecore style is embracing vintage-inspired elements like gingham prints, polka dots, stripes, pearls, bows, and scarves. So if you’re up for it, reach out for Dark Horse Vintage’s flare skirt with fun gold buttons and white belt buckle details. Or a low back pephem mini dress from Asos.
Never underestimate the power of a great accessory
If donning head-to-toe pink is too much for your usual muted palette, start easy with minor elements that fetch major results. Lucky for us, Barbiecore is brimming with options like bags, sunglasses, jewellery, scarves, hats, belts, and beyond. Our obvious picks are white rimmed cat eye sunglasses, a beaded handle hobo bag, bow ear studs, a fanny pack, a bow ribbon chocker, and a heart-shaped cross body bag… we can go on forever.
Kipling has a cool collab with Barbie that’s releasing on 13 July. Stay tuned for eight bags featuring some of Kipling’s bestsellers including the Art lightweight tote and the compact Seoul backpack.
Ace the footwear from iconic heels to jelly sandals
Barbie’s footwear game is an integral part of her look. Weren’t we all obsessed with her pink stilettos and clear plastic mules? Recreate the first few seconds of the Barbie movie with a chic pair of stilettos, chunky block heels and bedazzled heels. And we can’t ignore jelly mules or heels in soft pink hues.
Can’t do heels? Don’t fret! Superga’s got a cool Barbie collab featuring their white sneakers embellished with Barbie-esque prints.
You can sit with us if you don’t wear pink
You read that right. Acing Barbiecore doesn’t always have to scream pink. We see it in Mattel’s Barbie collections and Dua Lipa’s Mermaid Barbie who dons bright blue hair with a matching bikini top. Embrace bright colours and pastels like light blue, green, and yellow, the classic black and white combo, and even neon. Get summer ready with Modparade’s breezy yellow cutout dress or make heads turn with Net-A-Porter’s Ava strapless cutout sequined satin gown. Pull your look together with Barbie-inspired heels and accessories.
Let’s not forget Ken
Gentlemen, if you’re feeling left out and want a dose of Ken-ergy, swap out your Uniqlo shirts for little pops of pink. If Jason Mamoa aka Aquaman himself isn’t afraid to channel his inner Barbie, so can you. Suit up with a pink blazer or keep it cas’ with a linen shirt, printed tee or singlet. But of course, we’re all for the denim vest that Ryan Gosling rocks in the movie. Hard rock abs, optional.
It’s time to ‘daance the night away’ ‘cos this Barbie is rocking Barbiecore.
