Barbiecore - Barbie is Suiting Up

Since the highly anticipated release of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, the world has been taken by storm with a trend now known as ‘Barbiecore’. Inspired by the world's leading toy doll, wearing pink has never been so fun and infectious, becoming one of the biggest colour trends of 2023. In this journal we explore what Barbiecore represents, how it has influenced the fashion industry from workwear to wedding attire, and some top tips for incorporating it into your wardrobe.

What is Barbiecore?

Inspired by the Barbie Mattel doll produced in the 1950s, Barbiecore is a vibrant trend defined in particular by the colour pink. The aesthetic orbits around the doll’s historically kitschy outfits and embraces the nostalgia of bright, bold and unapologetically fun styles. But Barbiecore isn’t all about wearing a certain colour, it represents much more. It stands for channeling confidence and positivity into the world, thereby empowering yourself and others. Barbie is no longer just a childhood toy, she is spearheading one of the biggest fashion trends of 2023.

At King & Allen, we have the same ideology. We exist to empower individuals through the art of a good suit, helping people to feel comfortable and happy within their sexuality and gender identity with the help of what they wear.

Celebrity Takeover

Unsurprisingly, the biggest celebrity influence leading the Barbiecore trend is none other than Barbie actress Margot Robbie. She is living the look, going full Barbiecore couture for every promotional and press event. It’s no surprise that other celebrities have joined the trend, with personalities like Harry Styles and Sebastian Stan expressing their Barbie flair decked out in full pink wardrobes. One celebrity in particular, Anne Hathaway has been compared to Barbie herself when dressed in a sparkling minidress and hot pink heels. Most recently, Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield have been seen keeping Barbiecore alive, by wearing head to toe pink at Valentino’s Spring/Summer 24 show.

Barbiecore in Fashion

Given the number of celebrities jumping on the Barbiecore trend, it’s no shock that pink has spread like wildfire over the year, with designers integrating the colour into their shows. In particular, Valentino designer Pierpaolo Piccoili embraced the Barbie tones in his Autumn/Winter 22/23 and Men’s Spring/Summer 24 collections, showing that Barbie really is here to stay.

A Pink Wedding

From the catwalk to the wedding aisle! Barbiecore is influencing much more than just Celebrity and Fashion attire, with couples adapting the trend for their wedding theme. Monochromatic pink palettes are stretching from decorations to the outfits themselves. Bold pink suits and kitschy accessories including adorable love heart sunglasses are starting to trickle in, with no sign of them leaving before 2024’s wedding season. Even wedding food is getting the Barbie takeover with couples going for candy floss machines for that extra bit of childlike fun.

Business in Barbieland

By now it should be clear that Barbiecore doesn’t just represent the colour pink! It stands for empowerment, owning your sexuality and being bold. It has therefore spilled into workplace culture with pink power suits appearing in 2023. Power Dressing has been a staple this year, strongly contributed by Gerwig’s Barbie exploring femininity and empowerment for women, giving individuals the confidence to embrace positivity and intelligence, especially in the working world.

Suiting up in Barbiecore

So how can you incorporate Barbie into your next suit?

1. Go Full Pink!

Bold pink suits are a strong power move that make you look and feel great. If full Barbie pink is a little too much, try toned-down pastel shade that will keep the statement look.

2. The Extra Details

Not wanting to go full pink? Not to worry, there are still ways to add that nod to the trend, with unique lapels that add your unique style to your suit. Or even adding a pop of colour to your buttonholes. If you want to be slightly bolder, opt for a bright lining that really expresses your personality!

3. Accessorise

Already got a suit? You can still add bits of Barbiecore to your look by accessorising. It could be a tie, pocket square, socks or even jewellery to add that fun little touch. Pink is a great accent colour and can really level-up your look.

Whether you’re head to toe in pink or not wearing pink at all, the fundamental objective of Barbiecore is that whatever you decide to wear, it should make you feel great and empowered… that’s exactly what Barbie would want!

Feeling inspired? Speak to one of our team about how to embrace your own unique style. Book a consultation with us today. All initial consultations are free so you can design your garment before any commitment.