BarbieCore: How To Achieve the Look
Written By: Mary Newsham
Photographed By: Britney Spangenberg
Modeled By: Nia Harrison, Sarah Nash, Sheny Delgado, Brinna Smith, and Jada Brandt
Hitting theaters and inspiring closets everywhere, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie is already setting trends. Anticipating its July 23rd release date, dedicated fashionistas and Barbie fans alike have joined forces to coin “Barbie core.” Although Barbie core’s main stylistic element is pink, it also zeros in on self-expression and celebrating whatever unique “Barbie” you are. There are so many ways to achieve and fully embrace your own Barbie style both effortlessly and sustainably with the help of forecasted trends from WGSN.
Per WGSN, the Coastal Cowgirl and #DenimonDenim trends is one being seen worn at Coachella, and in the Barbie movie. Barbie, played by Margot Robbie, is seen wearing a pink denim-esque cowgirl fit next to Ken, played by Ryan Gosling, while on the coast of Malibu. Like Barbie and Coachella-goers, combining these two trends is easy. Finding any type of denim such as a pair of flares, boot cut jeans, a pre-loved denim jacket, or a denim bustier top paired with pink accessories like a bandana. Finally, upcycle a cowboy hat you might own by putting a belt around the brim or decking it out with beaded necklaces, to top this look off.
Like #DenimonDenim, WGSN has coined #MatchingSet as another trend that won’t be fading anytime soon. Whether it be sets of denim or workout sets, this look can be achieved with minimal effort. Like Workout Barbie, you too can grab a cute workout leotard or one-piece swimsuit and layer it with colorful shorts or leggings you may have laying around to give a whole new meaning too! This look is cute both on and off rollerblades and can also be channeled in the office. Like dressing up for the gym, dressing up for work doesn’t have to be boring either and a hot pink set styled with a phone purse and updo, will garner you the nickname, “Girl Boss Barbie.”
With each matching set trend, comes a less cohesive and funky trend which WGSN says is #Doodle. Fortunately, there’s a Barbie who does just this and proves the saying, “dressing as your childhood self never goes out of style.” Doodle Barbie mix and matches personalized clothing, wears loud but cohesive outfits and has fun with her look. By using clothing as a canvas, having fun with spray paint, and channeling your inner child, you will create the ultimate doodle outfit. Pair the clothing with kitschy accessories and an out-of-the-line makeup design to fully become a Doodle-Barbie.
By taking inspiration from a WGSN key item trend for A/W 23/34, #RefinedPunk, you can fully channel Rock Star Barbie. For this key item, the color palette consists of darker colors but by adding in pinks, reds, and pops of colors, you can take it to new Barbie heights. You can achieve this trend by wearing distressed knits, and grunge outfits inspired by the 90’s. Pair it with “props” like a microphone on karaoke night, a stylish paperboy cap, or bangles to fist-pump with at a concert.
No matter if you identify as one Barbie, some Barbies, or every Barbie, you can achieve this ‘core’ by upcycling, creating, and being true to yourself. By nailing down these looks now, you are staying ahead of these trends and will be fully ready to grace the streets, gym, office, and movie theater as a Barbie this summer.
