The Barbiecore Trend Is Just Getting Started: Here Are the Best Pieces to Shop

The phrase “getting dolled up” has a whole new meaning.

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The phrase “getting dolled up” has a whole new meaning thanks to the emergence of Barbiecore, a trend that embodies the bright, sparkly, pink-laden style of the iconic character. Having first popped up on social media, the look embraces the bold silhouettes and colors of the ‘80s all the way through the early 2000s. “We have definitely seen a lot of bright colored, sexier and quirkier styles,” says Tiffany Hsu, Vice President of Womenswear & Kidswear Fashion Buying at Mytheresa.

On-set snapshots of Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Barbie film earlier this summer fueled interest in the trend. “Searches for 'Barbiecore' started to rise in the second week of June, after the reveal of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling’s fluorescent, ‘80s Barbie vibe, and have increased 5 times since then,” according to Swasti Sarna, Global Director of Data Insights at Pinterest

But, as Hsu notes, the soaring popularity of the look shouldn't be attributed solely to the film.  “I don’t think the trend of hot pink is related only to the movie,” she says. “Pink has always been a trend and a very strong color and the Valentino pink invented by Pierpaolo [Piccioli] really sent a big message to the overall trends.” 

If diving into a full, head-to-toe pink look isn’t for you, but you’re still curious about how to embrace the style, Hsu recommends starting with the feet. “Sparkly shoes from Amina Muaddi and Mach & Mach, but also platform shoes by the likes of Valentino and Versace will be the easiest way to get into this trend,” she suggests, “combined with a cool mini dress or short skirt.” She also recommends embracing bold colors (aside from just pink) as a playful nod to the look—try a bright aqua or neon green as alternatives.

Ahead, find five key ways to embrace the Barbiecore trend, from the subtle(ish) to statement-making, head-to-toe pink.

Sparkly Accessories

Don’t shy away from a little sparkle. A shimmery accessory alludes to the plastic sheen of Barbie, as well as her typically glamorous sense of style. Try pairing these picks with denim and a tee for a more casual look, or style with a fitted dress for a night out. 

Amina Muaddi Gilda PVC Mules

$975, Shop Now

Amina Muaddi via Mytheresa. samanthalondon1

Prada Re-Edition 2000 Sequined Re-Nylon Mini Bag

$2,300, Shop Now

Prada via Moda Operandi. samanthalondon1

Roxanne Assoulin The Solitaire Necklace

$90, Shop Now

Roxanne Assoulin via Shopbop. samanthalondon1

Mach & Mach Triple Bow Leather Baguette Medium Bag

$1,480, Shop Now

Mach & Mach via Moda Operandi. samanthalondon1

The Minidress

There’s no single item that feels quite as fitting for the trend as a bold, pink minidress. If you’re wanting to put together a full-on Barbiecore look, this is the place to start. Add shimmery flourishes and coordinated heels to finish.

Mugler Paneled Bustier Minidress

$1,366, Shop Now

Mugler via Mytheresa. samanthalondon1

Reformation Aubree Linen Dress

$98, Shop Now

Reformation. samanthalondon1

Danielle Guizio Beaded Mini Dress

$398, Shop Now

Danielle Guizio via Revolve. samanthalondon1

Jonathan Simkhai Aulora Cotton Poplin Dress

$365, Shop Now

Jonathan Simkhai via Shopbop. samanthalondon1

Pops of Pink

If going full Elle Woods isn’t for you, try starting things off by adding a single pink item to a more casual, everyday ensemble. “Statement pieces like a bright pink top with muted shoes or jeans can be a good starting point to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe,” suggests Hsu.

Valentino Garavani Medium Roman Stud Shoulder Bag

$3,650, Shop Now

Valentino via Moda Operandi. samanthalondon1

J.Crew Ribbed flare midi skirt

$128, Shop Now

J.Crew. samanthalondon1

Jacquemus Noué Cropped Twisted Linen-Blend Top

$350, Shop Now

Jacquemus via Net-a-Porter. samanthalondon1

The Last Line Ruby Teardrop Earring in Pink Sapphire

$275, Shop Now

The Last Line. samanthalondon1

‘80s Influence

The ‘80s have served as a major era of influence in modern collections from iconic labels like Chanel and Louis Vuitton. To cherry-pick the best Barbie-inspired styles currently making a comeback, look for bold colors and playful textures, all with a feminine twist. 

Isabel Marant Étoile Vayoneo Jeans

$510, Shop Now

Isabel Marant Étoile via Net-a-Porter. samanthalondon1

Pushbutton Pink Tweed Jacket

$840, Shop Now

Pushbutton via SSENSE. samanthalondon1

Siedrés Juno Cropped Top

$185, Shop Now

Siedrés via Moda Operandi. samanthalondon1

Alessandra Rich Grosgrain-Collar Velvet dress

$1,815, Shop Now

Alessandra Rich via Matchesfashion. samanthalondon1

Skin Tight

For Tsu, the evolution of Barbiecore involves moving beyond the signature pop of pink for a riff on sleek, plastic design. “Soon, we will see even more Spandex and Lycra with bodysuits becoming a mainstream trend too,” she predicts.

Skims Fits Everybody Slip Dress in Mykonos

$62, Shop Now

Skims. samanthalondon1

Hunza G Nile Ribbed Stretch-Knit Dress

$255, Shop Now

Hunza G via Net-a-Porter. samanthalondon1

Alo Yoga Seamless Ribbed Bra & 5" Seamless Ribbed Favorite Short Set in Violet Skies

$116, Shop Now

Alo Yoga. samanthalondon1

Diesel Orange M-Arika Cardigan

$510, Shop Now

Diesel via SSENSE. samanthalondon1

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