Every Barbie girl knows that “thinking pink” doesn’t just stop at wearing a color. These days, pink has become a symbol of strength, playfulness, and confidence in one’s femininity. Thanks to the release of the 2023 movie Barbie, both the color pink and vintage fashion have been making a steady comeback, with ladies all over the world using their creativity to blend classic 20th-century glamour with modern feminine sensibilities. Today, we’ll be walking you through some of the fundamentals of this distinct style and giving you a peek at our Barbie collection, so you can start shopping for your favorite pink pieces just in time for spring.

How to Create the Perfect Vintage Barbie Look

Did you know that the original 1959 Barbie had more looks than just the striped swimsuit? In fact, Barbie’s wardrobe was a gorgeous mix of colors, textures, and silhouettes. This means you have a lot to choose from when looking to her for inspiration, and you definitely don’t have to limit yourself to head-to-toe hot pink. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some ideas you can try:

● 1950s Swing Dresses: This iconic retro silhouette nips in the waist for a flattering silhouette that’s perfect for dates and parties.

● Dreamy Vintage Gowns: Aim for a princess-like aesthetic with lace, satin, and ruffles in soft pink hues.

● Chic Suits: Embody Barbie’s can-do attitude with feminine yet sophisticated suits featuring tailored blazers and pencil skirts.

● Playful Accessories: Doll up your look with pieces like vintage silk scarves, pearl necklaces, gloves, and cat-eye sunglasses for a polished finish.

Barbie Outfits & Inspiration

Here at Retro Stage, we’ve got fabulous fashion options for every type of Barbie imaginable! Let’s take a look at a few of our favorite ways to get dolled up.

Fun in the Sun

Few things feel more classically Barbie than a chic swimsuit. From the very first Barbie fashion doll to the beloved Malibu Barbie, relaxing in style at the beach is practically in her DNA.

The Black & White 1950s Barbie Striped Halter Swimsuit was made specifically as an homage to the doll collectors call “Number 1.” Featuring the bold black-and-white striped pattern and low-cut hem we all know and love, this piece brings the original suit into the modern day with creative additions like a halter strap neckline and a bow-accented keyhole cutout at the bust.

If you’re looking for that vintage Barbie charm but prefer the contemporary pink branding, the Pink 1940s Halter Polka-Dot Bow One-Piece Swimsuit is where it’s at. This suit takes inspiration from 20th-century swim dresses with its modest one-piece design and ruffled skirt, but it takes a more daring approach with the halter neckline and eye-catching polka-dot print.

Of course, bold and bright isn’t for everyone. For fans of softer shades of pink, we have the Pink 1950s Halter Plaid Bow Swimsuit, a gorgeous gingham two-piece that hugs the body with its sculpted cups and mini pencil skirt with a hidden bikini bottom insert. The top of the suit ties at the back of the neck to match the bow accent on the front of the bottoms, and the whole look is finished off with two pink buttons at the bustline.

The Pale Pink 1950s Solid Ruched Swimsuit is another fantastic choice if you’re going for a sweet, ultra-feminine vibe with your swimwear. It’s made from a lovely knit fabric with a soft, textured surface that’s ruched from the waist to the hips to flatter your curves. Not only that, but it also features a ruffled hem and a bust that’s gathered above a small cutout to look like a large pink bow.

Dazzling Daytime Plaid

You don’t have to save your retro Barbie looks for a beach day or a special occasion! You can stay true to yourself by flaunting your favorite pink plaid as comfortable daywear.

The Pink 1950s Plaid Spaghetti Strap Romper is the definition of simple elegance, with its rosy pink gingham fabric taking center stage as a comfy romper with a ribbon belt and a charming scalloped hem. And it doesn’t end there—in the back, you’ll find two more lengths of ribbon that can be tied into a bow to form a wide rectangular keyhole for a little splash of playfulness.

If you prefer something more structured, the Pink 1960s Plaid Heart Slit Strap Dress might be the one for you. The highlights of this piece are without a doubt the highly tailored bodice, the adorable white heart buttons, and the seductive side slit formed by heart-shaped cascades of fabric. Paired with the Retro Bow Decor High Heel Shoes in pink, this dress makes for a beautiful daytime look.

Now, it would be impossible for us to talk about pink plaid without bringing up the icon herself, Margot Robbie’s Barbie from the 2023 film. You can effortlessly recreate that unforgettable silver screen look with our 1950s Plaid Strap Swing Dress or the Pink 1950s Spaghetti Strap Plaid Swing Dress, either of which would be perfect for a day out or a lunch date in the city. 

Ready for Romance

Whether you have a Ken in your life or you’re taking yourself out for Valentine’s Day, it’s always worth dressing the part for that extra boost of festive confidence. Retro Stage’s stunning pink date wear is just waiting to come home to your Dreamhouse closet!

The Rose Red 1960s Satin Solid Pencil Dress boasts a breathtaking minimalist design in standout Barbie-pink satin—at least, that’s what it seems like at first glance. Upon turning around, the intriguing asymmetrical collar gives way to a plunging V-back illusion accented with a big pink bow! We like to think of this refined dress as a new and surprising take on 1977’s Superstar Barbie.

Sometimes, though, a special evening calls for something even more extravagant, and that’s where the Pink 1950s Wicked Glitter Mesh Swing Dress comes in. This magical ball gown begins with a strapless bodice covered in swirling sequined embroidery and then explodes in layer upon layer of exquisite lettuce-edge tulle, every inch of which is adorned with thousands of silver stars. In this showstopping display of sparkling pink radiance, you’ll feel just like you’re modeling the iconic finale dress from Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale.

Barbie has always been dedicated to helping others, so even though it’s not pink, we wanted to end off on this groovy date night pick that supports a great cause. The 1960s Dress Promoting Autism Awareness was designed by a young autistic girl named Lori whose passion for fashion inspired her to make her own Barbie clothes. When we saw her work, we were so blown away that we just had to make a full-size replica! All proceeds from this chic flower power halter dress go to the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, a nonprofit run by and for autistic people that works to spread not just awareness, but also understanding, representation, and acceptance. What could be more Barbie than that?

Barbie Inspired Styling Tips

Makeup & Hair

The details of Barbie’s look have changed countless times over the years, but certain aspects have remained consistent. You can count on Barbie’s makeup to feature winged eyeliner and a bold lip in red or pink, and as for hair, soft Old Hollywood waves or a curled high ponytail like the 1959 first-edition doll will help to complete your vintage look.

Matching Shoes

If there’s one thing we know about Barbie, it’s that she would never be caught wearing shoes that clashed with her outfit. Make sure you coordinate your footwear to match your vintage vibes by opting for some Mary Janes, simple classic pumps, or flirty bow-accented sandals.

Color Combinations

Pink is always a fierce color on its own, but the way you pair it with other colors can have a huge impact on your final result. White can add a soft, romantic feel to a look, black can be used as a bold, dramatic statement, and red hearkens back to beloved mid-century trends that used that same palette. Being choosy about your color pairings and demonstrating that eye for detail is just one more way you can be like Barbie!

Embrace Your Barbie Dream with Retro Stage

The Barbiecore trend is more than just a passing craze; it’s a celebration of unapologetic femininity and limitless self-expression. Barbie is a timeless character that speaks to the potential of every young girl, proving that you can be whatever you want to be and look fabulous while doing it. If you’re looking to channel your inner do-it-all doll, check out Retro Stage’s Barbie collection today and bring your vintage fantasy to life!