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I’ll admit it – I wasn’t the biggest Barbie fan growing up.
As a child of the 90s, my toy box was filled with everything from Tamagotchis to ‘Alien’ eggs, but the iconic Barbie doll always felt a bit…well, too pink and perfect for my tomboy tastes.
Lately, however, I’ve found myself drawn to the vibrant, unapologetically feminine energy of the Barbiecore aesthetic.
And I’m not alone – this playful trend has taken the fashion and beauty worlds by storm, captivating everyone from TikTok influencers to Hollywood A-listers.
So what exactly is Barbiecore, and how can you infuse a little (or a lot) of this Pepto-Bismol-hued magic into your own wardrobe and lifestyle?
Let’s explore!
The Rise of the Barbiecore Trend
The Barbiecore trend first started bubbling up a few years ago, but it really hit the mainstream in 2020 as the world looked for ways to inject some much-needed joy and whimsy into our lives during the pandemic.
And if there’s one thing Barbie is known for, it’s unwavering positivity and an infectious sense of fun.
But the Barbiecore phenomenon goes beyond just a passing fad.
This trend is deeply rooted in the enduring cultural impact of the Barbie brand, which has evolved alongside changing beauty standards and societal attitudes over its 60+ year history.
From the original 1950s Barbie with her cinched waist and hourglass figure to the diverse range of body types, skin tones, and career paths represented in the modern Barbie line, the doll has always been a reflection of the times.
And now, with the highly anticipated Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling set to hit theatres in 2023, the world’s most famous fashion icon is poised for a major resurgence.
Cue the rise of Barbiecore – a trend that celebrates Barbie’s unapologetic femininity, boundless imagination, and infectious joie de vivre.
Defining The Barbiecore Aesthetic
At its core, Barbiecore is all about embracing the doll’s signature aesthetic: bold, bright, and unabashedly girly. Think head-to-toe pink – from fuchsia frocks to pastel-pink diamante pumps.
Glitter, shimmer, and rhinestones are welcome, as are retro-inspired silhouettes like puff sleeves, flouncy mini skirts, and corseted bodices.
But Barbiecore isn’t just about recreating Barbie’s exact look. It’s also about channelling her confident, adventurous spirit and infusing it into your own personal style.
Celebs like Zendaya and Hailey Bieber have all put their own unique spin on the trend, pairing Barbie-esque pieces with edgier elements for a fresh, modern take.
At the end of the day, the beauty of Barbiecore is that there’s no “right” way to do it.
Whether you want to go all-out with a head-to-toe bubblegum pink ensemble or simply incorporate a few subtle Barbie-inspired accessories, the most important thing is to have fun and let your inner Barbie shine through.
Bringing The Barbiecore Trend Home
Of course, the Barbiecore aesthetic isn’t limited to fashion. This playful, pink-powered trend has also infiltrated the worlds of home decor, self-care, and beyond.
Scroll through Instagram, and you’ll find no shortage of Barbie-themed throw pillows, vanity trays, and even entire rooms awash in shades of fuchsia and millennial pink.
The beauty world has also embraced the trend, with Barbie-inspired nail polishes, makeup palettes, and even skincare products promising to help you achieve that perfect Barbie glow.
For me, tapping into the Barbiecore lifestyle is all about finding little ways to infuse that sense of joy and whimsy into my everyday routine.
Maybe it’s treating myself to a luxurious pink-hued bubble bath or painting my nails with a vibrant, Barbie-approved polish. Or perhaps it’s elevating my morning coffee with a Barbie-themed mug or coaster.
It’s about discovering what makes you feel like the best, most confident version of yourself – even if that means going a little extra with the pink.
If you’re more interested in the fashion side of the trend, here’s how to channel your inner Barbie with some key Barbiecore style staples:
Key Elements Of Barbiecore Fashion
The Centerpiece: The Pink Dress
No Barbiecore wardrobe is complete without a show-stopping pink dress. Whether it’s a voluminous tulle ball gown, a structured mini with a corseted bodice, or a flowy midi with romantic ruffles, this is the foundation upon which you’ll build your entire look.
The Accessories: Barbie-Inspired Adornments
Elevate any outfit with playful, Barbie-esque accessories. Think oversized pink satin bows, glittery hoop earrings, pointed pink stilettos, and chain-strap handbags in shades of bubblegum and fuchsia.
The Mix-and-Match: Combining Trends
Remember, Barbiecore is all about having fun and putting your own unique spin on the trend.
So don’t be afraid to experiment by pairing your pink pieces with other playful, feminine elements like ruffles, puff sleeves, and bold graphic prints.
You can even mix in touches of adjacent aesthetics like Y2K, balletcore, and plazacore to create a look that’s truly your own.
And don’t forget the power of the coquette bow – this delicate, romantic detail is the perfect Barbiecore accent to elevate any outfit.
The Beauty: Punchy, Playful Makeup
Complete your Barbiecore ensemble with a makeup look that’s just as vibrant and unapologetic. Think bold fuchsia lips, shimmery pink eyeshadows, and a touch of rhinestone embellishment for extra drama.
The Barbiecore Denim
Denim is a surprisingly versatile canvas for the Barbiecore trend. Try a pair of hot pink jeans, a baby pink denim mini skirt, or even a fuchsia denim jacket to add a punch of colour to your look.
