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Arguably the world’s most popular doll, Barbie transcends the realm of your typical boxed toys played with as a kid. From Mattel’s childhood-defining animated film series to Aqua’s smash hit song, Barbie’s luscious blond locks and pink wardrobe have graced every corner of pop culture for decades. Unsurprisingly, an entirely new aesthetic made in the iconic figurine’s image has been circulating the fashion world online and on runways for the past year now: Barbiecore.

With Greta Gerwig’s highly anticipated “Barbie” film set to hit theaters in just a few days, Barbiecore has resurged in popularity, eclipsing the typical lifespan of a fleeting microtrend or brief internet fad. But in addition to the film’s imminent release, stylists and influencers alike attribute Barbiecore’s extended reign to themes of nostalgia and, not coincidentally, Barbie’s own timeless motto: “You can be anything.”

What is Barbiecore?

Visually, the epitome of the Barbiecore fashion trend is none other than the color pink. Whether a soft, dusty-rose tint or a vibrant fuchsia hue, variations of the color paint in feminine silhouettes, matching sets, accessories galore, bedazzled embellishments and playful, flirty patterns.

“Barbiecore to me is all about having fun with prints, textures, accessories, not being afraid of a monochromatic look and bright colors,” describes stylist Maher Jridi, who frequently styles Nicki Minaj, a modern-day Barbie herself.

But Barbiecore’s unapologetically feminine style also evokes a crucial element of empowerment and authenticity when it comes to expressing oneself through clothing.

Influencer Dove Clarke embodies the ethos of Barbiecore. Her signature ultra-femme style that has captivated her 154.4K fans on TikTok is heavily inspired by the iconic blond bombshell’s shamelessly bold style and has even led to the creation of her own clothing line, Entinge.

“I can be wearing feminine clothing and be as masculine as I want to. It doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, this is me. I am more than just the clothes that I’m in. There is more to me as a person, and Barbiecore is a fun invitation into that world,” says Clarke.

Stylist and The Face magazine junior fashion editor Borys Korban agrees: “Barbiecore to me is not so much about the hot pink but more so about being feminine and embracing your feminine features — whether you have them or not,” he says. “It’s just like owning that and feeling sexy in whatever you wear.”

Where did Barbiecore come from?

Barbiecore’s explosion of pink and sparkly details directly mirror the resurgence of Y2K style that has taken fashion by storm in recent years. Think bleach-blond Paris Hilton circa 2006 frolicking from club to club in a pink party top, Elle Woods arriving at Harvard in her pink leather pantsuit or the infamous Regina George in “Mean Girls” strutting her high school’s halls boasting a matching pink skirt and top set.

“I think the whole Y2K trend has very much to do with Barbiecore, just in its own way. Whether it’s the miniskirt or the minidresses, wearing big sunglasses — I think that was basically Barbiecore,” says Korban.

Fashion trends often employ nostalgia for certain decades such as the early aughts to emote a collective yearning for the past, perhaps “simpler times.” Like a pendulum, “fashion trends are cyclical,” says Jridi. And it looks as though the direction fashion has swung in 2023 is toward the youthful lightheartedness of Barbiecore — a reaction to the past few years’ distressing international events.

“Recent events such as the pandemic, lockdowns, social and economical crisis had a huge impact on the population,” continues Jridi, “and I feel like people now want to get out of that dark phase and have fun with their looks, dress up more, wear more vibrant colors and go a little further with their accessories and beauty choices.”

Of course, it’s impossible to trace Barbiecore’s origins without mentioning Valentino’s Pink PP collection, which skyrocketed Barbiecore into high fashion territory. For the fashion house’s Fall/Winter 2022 show, creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli sent models down the runway decked out in monochrome, hot pink looks. Celebrities like Florence Pugh, Anne Hathaway and Lizzo subsequently donned coveted pieces from the influential collection to their respective 2022 red-carpet events, further catalyzing the nostalgia-coated Barbiecore craze.

Barbiecore today

As of summer 2023, Barbiecore has blossomed into a pretty-in-pink synthesis of nostalgic references to the past and echoes of Barbie’s own “You can be anything” philosophy. From Margot Robbie’s viral modern-day takes of archival Barbie doll looks worn throughout the film’s press tour to the sneak peeks of the cast clad in historical Barbie references that millions have glimpsed in the trailers, it’s clear that Gerwig’s film is already generating ample Barbiecore inspiration for anyone who wants to take a stab at authentically emulating Barbie’s bold style.

“Ultimately, the question is if you feel hot, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re wearing a pink bra or whether you’re wearing a long dress — as long as you feel good. To me, that’s Barbiecore,” says Korban.

Stylist Marissa Pelly, along with Jridi, shared the same sentiments as Korban when they styled Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj, respectively, for the “Barbie World” music video. The video was a sea of pink couture pieces and glitzy designer accessories that accommodated each musician’s distinct sense of style, yet maintained Barbiecore’s inherent flamboyance.

“I wanted to envision Ice as a Barbie and what her doll might wear. It was super important to me to check every box with custom pieces — we had our classic matching set moment, our luxury archival moment, our high-cut one-piece moment — all with Ice’s Y2K twist,” says Pelly.

See below for our experts’ top Barbiecore pieces and our own top picks, too.

Barbiecore dresses

This Barbie has a busy social life, which means that finding a different dress for every occasion isn’t always easy. Luckily, Clarke has the solution to this problem. “Perfect for a friend’s wedding or just lunch with girls!” she says. Who doesn’t love Barbiecore’s versatility??

With a flattering off-the-shoulder moment and ruffles for days, this neon pink maxi dress screams Barbiecore and is sure to turn heads at your next dinner party or important event.??

Craving a tougher contrast to even out Barbiecore’s hyper-feminine style? This dress’s silver chains have got you covered. Recommended by Jridi, this brilliant fuchsia stunner is sure to add some edge to Barbiecore’s signature feminine flair.??

Shop this simple, no-frills minidress for your everyday Barbie activities in a stunning fuchsia pink hue — and for 60% off.?

The perfect equalizer to Barbiecore’s minidress madness, this elegant fuchsia maxi slip dress is the silky solution to your Barbiecore wish list.?

Pucker up in preparation for this dress. “I get stopped in the street when people see the kiss print,” shares Clarke. “SO CUTE!”

Need a cute Barbiecore fit for your Hot Girl Walks? Look no further. This light-pink dress allows you to get your sweat on while keeping that dolled-up look.??

A blend of cottagecore and Barbiecore, this flowy, feminine minidress would be perfect for a Barbie-themed picnic or Sunday brunch.?

You already know Skims had to hop on this Barbiecore trend. This ultra-fitted jersey dress is great on its own but can also be worn with a denim or leather jacket at night. We’ll take one please!

If you want Barbiecore with a bit of comfort, check out this gorgeous jumpsuit — and most importantly, the back. Beloved by Free People shoppers for its easiness, the sexy pink colorway is just that.

For Love & Lemons has been on the Barbiecore trend for years now, and this sweet, frilly dress goes to show they've mastered it.

A great summer dress that’s also Barbiecore? Count us in. This short and flirty number is made from mostly cotton so it’s a perfect hot-weather look.

If Barbie and Audrey Hepburn had a love child, this dress would be it. The adorable linen fabric is in just the right shade of pink, the ’60s silhouette is just darling, and we can’t get over the bows in the back. It comes in a whole lot of different shades, too, if you?’re on pink overload right now.

Barbiecore tops and bottoms

Nothing says Barbiecore like a pair of statement pants. Turn heads?in these azalea pink leather pants.?

Did you know that the original Barbie made in 1959 wasn’t wearing pink at all? The first model to hit shelves 64 years ago debuted in a simple yet stylish black-and-white one-piece swimsuit, which Norma Kamali’s version almost perfectly replicates. “I love the Norma Kamali swimsuits. They are so chic and remind me of the first Barbie,” agrees Korban.??

Rock two year-defining trends in one with this hot pink Barbiecore corset.??

It’s pink, it’s mini and it has Barbie written all over it. Need we say more???

Come on, Barbie, let’s go (slumber) party! Gather all the Teresas, Nikkis, Midges and Raquelles in your life for a girls’ night in and wear this “perfect Barbie slumber party attire,” Clarke suggests.??

Silky going-out tops truly never go out of style, and this gorgeous hot pink one surely won’t anytime soon.

It’s shorts weather, and these plissé shorts are breezy and ultra-comfortable with a drawstring waist.

Hey, Barbiecore can happen on rainy days, too. This hot pink raincoat is adored by Free People shoppers. We love that it has a hood and is actually packable for travel.

We know it's summer, but this puffy vest is just perfect for layering if you're in a cooler climate, or just want to get started shopping for fall fashion.

Barbiecore shoes

So sky-high platform pumps aren’t your speed. Never fear, for Barbiecore kitten heels are here! Shop Aldo’s Barbie collab for even more official Barbie merch.??

You can never go wrong with a classic. Shop this Barbified take on the iconic shoe brand and get them while they’re on sale!???

These Barbiecore boots were made for walking. Channel your inner cowgirl Barbie with these metallic, dusty-rose cowboy boots.


What’s a Barbiecore outfit without a pair of hot pink platforms? These from Steve Madden are beloved because they’re lookalikes of a very expensive Valentino pair and are surprisingly comfortable for a long night out.

Wanna go even higher? Check out these stunners from Steve Madden that are a whopping 5 inches tall. Hey, if it’s good enough for Barbie, it’s good enough for us.

Barbiecore doesn’t always mean heels. Tevas are some of our favorite sandals to wear in the summer, and this fuchsia pair is right on trend.

Birkenstocks are another Underscored editor favorite, and this particular model gets bonus points for being entirely waterproof.

Barbiecore accessories

“My favorite, most iconic hair accessory,” Clarke says of this bedazzled Barbiecore claw clip. And it’s not hard to see why:?The sleek marble pattern and hot pink rhinestones are bound to kick anyone’s hair game up a notch. But don’t wait to purchase your own — they’re limited edition and are selling quick!?

Calling all Barbz! Jridi used this hot pink ring to perfect Nicki Minaj’s look in the “Barbie World music video. Made of brass and zircon, any Barbiecore lover will be sure to rock (pun intended) this glistening piece of jewelry.????

We’re huge fans of satin scrunchies, an always useful accessory that can be paired with just about any outfit. With this pack, you can get one in every shade of pink.

Hair clips are making a comeback, in line with many other early 2000s trends, which is a win in our book.