Photo: Eirien
Hey, everyone! Are you excited about the Barbie movie premiere? It is going to happen just in a few days, and to celebrate the occasion, I thought it would be a good idea to unravel the secrets of one of the most celebrated fashion icons of all time: Barbie! The movie is promised to be hot and captivating and it already spawned a ton of memes and fashion articles all over the internet. And don't even get me started on the Barbenheimer. That's a whole other topic on the verge of fun and creepiness! I wouldn't forgive myself if we missed such a wonderful opportunity.
As a Barbie enthusiast myself, I can't wait to share my passion and tips to help you transform into a living Barbie doll. So, join me as we embrace the charm, elegance, and magic of Barbie's world, and let's make our fashionable mark! From her dazzling wardrobe to her signature accessories, we'll delve into every detail that makes her a true fashion legend.
Who is Barbie?
Before we start '' dissecting '' Barbie's wardrobe let's find out who is Barbie and why did she become a cultural and fashion phenomenon? First of all, Barbie is a fashion doll created by American businesswoman Ruth Handler and launched by the toy company Mattel in March 1959. Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, and at first, she was depicted as a young adult woman with a slim figure, long blonde hair, and a wide range of career and fashion choices.
Barbie has evolved over the years and has become a symbol of fashion, beauty, and femininity. She has had numerous professions, including doctor, astronaut, veterinarian, teacher, and many more, showcasing the idea that women can pursue various careers. Barbie has also inspired a line of clothing, accessories, movies, and animated series.
What does Barbie Wear?
Barbie dolls are known for their extensive wardrobe, offering a wide range of fashion choices that reflect current trends and timeless styles. The doll even spawned a whole genre of aesthetics, lovely called Barbiecore. Let's try to analyze what Barbie doll wears, so we can incorporate some of her favorite clothing into our wardrobes.
- Casual Wear: Barbie dolls often sport casual outfits like jeans, t-shirts, and skirts. These ensembles represent Barbie's everyday style and cater to a relaxed and comfortable aesthetic. Barbie's casual wear allows children to engage in imaginative play and envision her engaging in various activities, such as going shopping, hanging out with friends, or exploring new hobbies.
- Formal Attire: Barbie's formal wardrobe showcases elegant dresses, ball gowns, and evening wear. These outfits depict Barbie attending special events, parties, or even fictional occasions like galas or red-carpet events. Have you seen how wonderful Margot Robbie looked at the world premiere of the Barbie movie? She wore an iconic Schiaparelli dress inspired by the 'Solo In The Spotlight' Barbie doll release in the 1960s. Other Margot Robbie Barbie-inspired outfits include a hot pink polka dot dress inspired by Pink and Fabulous Barbie from 2015, as well as the jaw-dropping striped swimsuit from 1959 and "Day to Night" Barbie for the movie premiere in South Korea.
- Sportswear: Barbie dolls also offer a range of sportswear, including athletic outfits, yoga attire, and even sports uniforms. These outfits are meant to promote an active lifestyle and encourage children to engage in physical activities. Barbie's sportswear not only highlights the importance of fitness but also showcases different sports and encourages children to participate and explore their interests.
- Work Outfits: Barbie is a hardworking babe, therefore she has to have work-appropriate attire! For example, Barbie has outfits representing professions like doctor, astronaut, chef, and more. For instance, in 2018 Matell released the Year Robotics Engineer, featuring a sleek white lab coat, safety goggles, and blue pants. The outfit includes a shirt with a circuit board print, conveying Barbie's passion for technology and innovation. And in 2022 Barbie Career Nurse collection featured a blue nurse's uniform with a stethoscope and a medical bag.
Barbies Makeup and Hair
Barbie's makeup has always emphasized a glamorous look, featuring bold eyeshadows, long lashes, and a bright red or pink lip. This aesthetic mirrors the classic Hollywood glamour popularized in the mid-20th century, reinforcing the idea of Barbie as a fashion-forward, elegant figure. During the 50s and 60s Barbie's eyes were adorned with soft, neutral-toned eyeshadows, often in shades of brown or taupe, which complemented her overall sophisticated look. Thin, precise eyeliner was used to define the upper lash line, giving Barbie a polished and refined appearance. Her lashes were lengthened and enhanced to create a fluttery effect, accentuating her eyes and adding a touch of femininity.
In the 1970s, Barbie's makeup took inspiration from the disco and bohemian chic style popular during that time. Her eyes featured bright, shimmery eyeshadows in colors like blue, green, and purple, extending beyond the crease and creating a dramatic look. Thick, black eyeliner was used to define the eyes, while long lashes added to the overall allure.
Photo: Tracheotomy Bob
As the 1980s dawned, Barbie's makeup evolved to reflect the bold and glamorous aesthetic of the decade. The emphasis shifted towards larger-than-life features, with Barbie sporting exaggerated blush in bright, intense hues. The cheeks were often heavily contoured and had a prominent rosy or peachy glow. I especially adore the "Barbie and the Rockers" collection that epitomizes the spirit of pop music and the MTV generation.
Barbie's hair has been another central aspect of her identity. From her signature long, flowing blonde locks to various other styles and colors, Barbie's hair has showcased versatility and trends. Through her ever-changing hairstyles, Barbie reflects the evolving beauty ideals and cultural shifts throughout the decades. Her hairstyles have ranged from sleek and straight to voluminous curls, allowing children to experiment with different looks and explore their creativity.
Ilkyaz Ozel Paloma Strapless Dress // Christian Louboutin Loubi Queen Sandals // Stripped Swimsuit from Amazon // Skydance Checkerboard Zip Up Skirt // Alice + Olivia Kitty Puff Sleeve Bow Cardigan // Russell & Bromley Sling Back Point Pump // Versace Crystal La Medusa Mini Bag // Prada Odette Heart Bag // Tangle Teezer x Barbie Mini // David Webb Jamboree Earrings
How to Dress Up Like Barbie Doll?
Probably, the first thing that comes to everyone's mind about the Barbie doll is the ''Barbie pink'' color. But, that doesn't mean you have to dress up exclusively in a pink color palette. As we've already discussed, Barbie has a range of colors, styles, and trends at her disposal, worthy of snatching and copying. Whether it's the classic Barbie with her pink ensemble and high heels or a specific Barbie character from movies and animated series, selecting a style will serve as the foundation for your outfit.
- Pick up a signature style:
To dress up like a Barbie doll, you'll need to pick up a signature style, which you will later implement in your personal look. Barbie has had numerous fashion styles over the years, so select a signature look that resonates with you. Incorporate shades of pink, blue, purple, and other bright colors into your outfit. Look for dresses, tops, skirts, or pants with floral patterns, polka dots, or glitter to capture Barbie's vivacious spirit.
- Play with accessories:
Barbie's style is never complete without glamorous accessories. Look for statement jewelry pieces like oversized earrings, necklaces, or bracelets that add sparkle and shine. Consider wearing a tiara or a wide-brimmed hat to capture Barbie's elegance. Don't forget to match your accessories with your outfit to achieve a cohesive and polished look.
- Pay attention to hair and makeup:
Barbie is known for her flawless complexion, so paying attention to makeup is crucial. Opt for a glamorous makeup look with bold eyeshadows, long lashes, and a touch of pink on the lips. Remember, Barbie's makeup is often fresh and radiant, so focus on achieving a youthful and vibrant appearance. I believe the flawless glass skin look is an ideal base for your Barbie-inspired makeup.
For the hair pick a long cascading curls or a sleek updo. If your natural hair is not long enough, consider using high-quality hair extensions that match your hair color and texture. The iconic doll often sports various hair accessories, from bows and headbands to tiaras and clips. Incorporate these accessories into your hairstyle to add a touch of glamour.
Final Thoughts...
Even though throughout her history, Barbie has been criticized for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and gender stereotypes, Mattel has made efforts to diversify the Barbie brand. In 2016, Mattel introduced the Barbie Fashionistas line, which included dolls with different body types. These dolls came in a variety of sizes and shapes, including tall, curvy, and petite, challenging the traditional notion of Barbie's slim figure. The introduction of these diverse body types aimed to promote body positivity and embrace different body representations.
That's all for today, lovelies! I hope this article will inspire you to try something new in the fashion field. Remember, fashion is a canvas for self-expression, and dressing up like Barbie allows us to celebrate the diversity and creativity that defines us all. So, whether it's a special occasion or just an opportunity to have fun, take inspiration from Barbie, and let your inner fashionista shine bright with confidence and grace. After all, in the world of fashion, there are no limits – just like Barbie herself has shown us time and time again.
Lots of love,
Liz
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