Bright pink. But make it fashion. That seems to be the motto for Barbiecore, the bubbly new fashion trend inspired by everyone’s favorite doll, Barbie.

This playful style is all about embracing femininity and nostalgia. Think hot pink, plastic textures, metallic purples, and anything that evokes Barbie’s fabulousness. It’s a trend that’s taking social media by storm.

But what exactly is Barbiecore? Where did it come from and how can you try the look yourself?

Grab your pink convertible (or imagination) and let’s dive into the world of Barbiecore fashion.

The Origins of Barbiecore: Nostalgia Meets Y2K

Barbie has been a fashion icon since her debut in 1959, but Barbiecore truly taps into the aesthetic of 1990s and early 2000s Barbies. The bright neon colors, shiny fabrics, chunky shoes, and fun accessories all elicit nostalgia for the Y2K-era Barbie.

In the 90s and early 2000s, Barbie embraced a bold, vibrant style. Barbies often rocked crop tops, plastic choker necklaces, butterfly clips, and jelly shoes. The toys captured the fun spirit of the time.

Cut to 2022 and those 90s/Y2K styles are back in a major way. The resurgence of corset tops, low-rise jeans, and bright neons created the perfect foundation for Barbiecore to be born.

Add in a dose of nostalgia and love for the OG toy icon, and Barbiecore brings the vibrancy of the 90s/early 2000s Barbie into a fashion trend for today.

The Barbiecore Aesthetic: Pink, Plastic, Metallic, and More

The Barbiecore aesthetic fully embraces the doll’s signature look. First and foremost, expect lots and lots of pink. We’re talking hot pink, bubblegum pink, baby pink — every shade of pink under the sun.

In addition to pink, the Barbiecore color palette includes other bright, saturated hues like blue, purple, yellow, and green. Metallic fabrics are also popular, evoking Barbie’s shiny, plastic-fantastic finishes.

When it comes to textures, barbie-core loves shiny, plastic-like materials. Patent leather, PVC, latex, and metallic fabrics help capture the doll’s essence. For accessories, lucite bags and sparkly jewelry fit the vibe.

The Barbie style also spotlights feminine silhouettes, from bodycon dresses to mini skirts. Design details include ruching, cutouts, off-the-shoulder necklines, and strappy heels. Basically, imagine what Barbie would wear to a party, and that encapsulates the barbie-core aesthetic.

How Social Media Sparked the Barbiecore Craze

Like many recent fashion trends, barbie-core went viral on social media, especially TikTok and Instagram. Videos using the #barbiecore tag have over 550 million combined views on TikTok, showing enthusiasm for this trend.

Both influencers and everyday users began posting Barbiecore outfit ideas, makeup tutorials, and shopping hauls. The hashtag took off as people tapped into their inner Barbie fashionista.

During the Y2K fashion revival, barbie-core built up steam as it perfectly aligned with the nostalgic aesthetic already making waves online. The trend hit new heights in early 2022 and continues dominating fashion feeds.

For many, barbie-core evokes carefree childhood nostalgia. It allows people to re-engage with beloved Barbie styles in a playful, creative way. The trend provides an upbeat escape from everyday stress. No wonder it resonated so strongly on social media.

Putting Together A Barbiecore Outfit: Key Styling Tips

Want to try out the Barbiecore trend yourself? Start by incorporating one or two playful, doll-inspired pieces into your wardrobe. Here are some easy ways to nail the Barbiecore style:

• All about the accessories: Statement earrings, chunky plastic jewelry, and tiny sunglasses add quintessential Barbie touches. Purses in bright colors or lucite materials also fit the aesthetic.
• Opt for pink: Add pops of pink to your look through clothing, shoes, or accessories. A pink top pairs perfectly with jeans or a neutral skirt. Pink heels or a mini bag also work.
• Try shiny fabrics: Metallic skirts, latex leggings, or patent leather boots capture the plastic sheen of Barbie. Even a shiny pink jacket can transform a look.
• Play with cutouts: Off-the-shoulder tops, strappy dresses, and stomach cutouts mimic Barbie’s signature silhouettes. Cutouts on jeans or tops feel trendy too.
• Don’t forget the details: Scrunchies, hair clips, and choker necklaces encompass those 90s/early 2000s touches. Look for polka dots, ruching, or rhinestones as well.

The most important tip? Have fun with it! Don’t be afraid to embrace your inner child. Barbiecore gives you permission to be bold, experiment with colors and textures, and try looks you may consider “too much” otherwise.

Barbiecore Fashion Influencer Inspiration

One of the best places to find Barbiecore inspiration is through fashion influencer accounts on Instagram and TikTok. Some influencers leading the barbie-core movement include:

Natalia Bryant (@nataliabryant): Kobe Bryant’s daughter fully embraces barbie vibes, rocking everything from hot pink dresses to plastic choker necklaces. Her feed captures the trend perfectly.

Danielle Guizio (@danielleguizio): The designer behind the viral “Barbie” bucket hat, Guizio shares fun, bold barbie-core looks on her Instagram. She mixes loud colors, textures, and lots of plastic.

Maddison Whitman (@maddisonwhitman): This Aussie TikToker gained a following thanks to her ultra-feminine Barbiecore outfit ideas. Her videos offer tips for nailing the aesthetic.

Bretman Rock (@bretmanrock): Known for his over-the-top makeup looks, Rock also slays in Barbiecore fashion. He proves the trend transcends gender.

Following Barbiecore influencers provides endless outfit inspiration while showing how to make the trend work for your personal style. You’ll also discover new brands and products to try.

Barbiecore Fashion Shopping Guide: Clothing, Shoes, and Accessories

Once you’re hooked on the barbiecore aesthetic, you’ll want to fill your closet with doll-worthy pieces. Here are some key clothing, shoe, and accessory brands to shop for the trend:

Clothing

• Dollskill: This e-tailer offers tons of barbiecore staples, from pink corset tops to plaid mini skirts. They have apparel, lingerie, and accessories too.
• Loyal Chick: Head here for sequin mini dresses, printed co-ord sets, and Y2K party outfits. The LA-based brand nails the barbiecore vibe.
• Are You Am I: For elevated takes on barbie classics, browse this Australian label. Their cutout dresses and shiny sets pack style.
• Miaou: Known for corset tops and flared trousers, Miaou does barbiecore chic. Their neons and metallics play into the aesthetic.
• Skims: Kim Kardashian’s brand offers comfy loungewear and shapewear in hot pink and other Barbie-approved hues.

Shoes

• Irregular Choice: No one does whimsical shoes quite like this UK brand. Their heels feature everything from unicorns to cherries perfect for barbiecore.
• Mangue Shoes: Check out their lucite heels to get the plastic fantastic Barbiecore look. Their clear jelly sandals also fit the vibe.
• Ancient Greek Sandals: For flat sandals, their patent leather and metallic options work. The looks feel youthful yet sophisticated.
• Public Desire: With clear heels, fluffy sandals, and glossy thigh-high boots, this brand encompasses barbie footwear magic.

Accessories

• Susannas Vintage: Find authentic 90s/Y2K choker necklaces, butterfly clips, and jewels from this Etsy shop. The selections are peak barbiecore.
• Lele Sadoughi: Their beaded bags and luxe headbands, designed with bright colors and pearls, align perfectly with barbiecore accessories.
• Jennifer Behr: For head-turning hair accessories like giant bows, satin scrunchies, and jeweled barrettes, shop this luxury brand.
• Lulu’s: This retailer carries colorful jewelry, sunglasses, purses, and hair accessories ideal for barbiecore. Most pieces are super affordable too.
• By Chari: Carrie Bradshaw would approve of these beaded initial necklaces and nameplate pieces. The jewelry is very Y2K Barbie.

How to Get The Barbiecore Beauty Look

Barbiecore isn’t just about the clothing. It also represents a distinctive beauty aesthetic. Here are tips for nailing the barbiecore makeup and hair:

Makeup

• Bright eyeshadow: Opt for bold pink, blue, or purple eye looks. Metallic and glitter shadows fit as well. Use color all over the lids.
• Heavy blush: Dust cheeks with vibrant pink or coral powder blush to mimic Barbie’s permanently flushed face. Apply to the apples of the cheeks and blend up.
• Glossy lips: Shiny, light pink lip gloss gives you Barbie’s signature pout. You can also try sheer berry or nude glosses for variety.
• Full lashes: Volumizing mascara and false lashes accentuate eyes. Lashes are key for Barbie glam.
• Contour nose: Use a highlighter down the center of your nose and bronzer on the sides. The contour creates a button nose effect à la Barbie.
• Fluffy brows: Brush brows up and out. Soap brows are optional for extra hold. Keep the arches rounded like Barbie’s.

Hair

• Half-up styles: Create an Ariana grande-esque ponytail or space buns on top of the head. These can be fun, playful styles.
• Straight and sleek: Barbie is known for her long, straight blonde locks. Straightening your hair helps nail the look.
• Fun accessories: Oversize bows, pearl barrettes, and colorful scrunchies add barbiecore touches.
• Headband wigs: These tiktok popular wigs come in every color and emulate Barbie proportions. Pair with makeup for the full effect.

Overall, barbie-core beauty is about embracing your inner doll. Have fun with makeup colors, playful hairstyles, and anything pink. A smile completes the Barbie look.

Barbiecore for All: Inclusivity Within the Trend

While barbiecore originated around the Malibu Barbie aesthetic, the trend allows for creative interpretation. People of all genders, races, sizes, and abilities can rock their own barbie style.

Mattel has expanded Barbie offerings to be more diverse and inclusive. Likewise, barbiecore in fashion welcomes people featuring their unique spin on the trend.

For example, some choose edgy, goth-glam barbie looks in black and pink. Others go for more minimalist, French girl takes on barbie pieces. Barbiecore ultimately represents freedom of self-expression.

Celebrities like Rihanna, Lizzo, and Billy Porter have all embraced the trend by putting their personal stamps on the style. Social media shows just how customizable barbiecore can be.

Is Barbiecore Just Another Passing Fad?

Like many viral fashion moments, barbiecore may eventually fade from its current trending status. But the essence of Barbie — what she represents for generations of fans — will remain timeless.

Barbie has always encouraged identity exploration through style. She allows us to tap into our childhood joy and approach fashion without taking ourselves too seriously.

Even when barbiecore loses steam on TikTok, we’ll continue seeing Barbie pieces revived years later, whenever people crave some nostalgic fun. That timeless appeal ensures Barbie endures, regardless of trend status.

For now, barbiecore represents a chance to engage with fashion creatively. The trend won’t stick around forever, so we may as well embrace its spirit while we can. Fluff up your hair, slide on those pink mules, and have a totally Barbie day.

Pop Culture Embraces the Barbiecore Movement

Beyond social media users, barbiecore has infiltrated movies, music, and celebrity culture as well. The trend resonates across generations thanks to its nostalgic draw.

In music, barbiecore aesthetics appeared in Doja Cat’s candy-colored “Vegas” video and Megan Thee Stallion’s baby pink Stud Enterprises merch line. Both tap into Y2K dollcore vibes.

For cinema, 2022 brought a Greta Gerwig-directed Barbie film starring Margot Robbie, as well as a Project Runway challenge to create a barbiecore fashion line. Pop culture clearly loves the trend.

Celebs like Dua Lipa, Zendaya, and Gwen Stefani have all sported barbiecore looks on red carpets and beyond. After decades as a fashion icon, Barbie is back in the spotlight.

The Final Word on Barbiecore

Barbiecore reminds us to approach style with a sense of fun. This nostalgic trend celebrates femininity, self-expression, and embracing your inner child.

In a world where fashion often takes itself too seriously, barbiecore encourages playfulness. The trend allows you to tap into creativity without judgment.

While barbiecore may eventually fade into the next viral moment, its spirit will live on. Because at the core (no pun intended), it represents the joy of fashion and being whoever you want to be.

So don’t be afraid to try the look yourself. Mix some pink into your wardrobe, play with accessories, and channel your inner ’90s kid. Wherever you wear it, barbiecore equals freedom. Pretty in pink has never been so powerful.