33 Best Barbie Outfit Ideas for 2024

The excitement of the Barbie movie may be wearing off, but Barbie never really goes out of style, and that means that Barbie outfit ideas are still going to be an absolute must for the upcoming Halloween season (and any Barbie theme party that may pop up outside of spooky season). How are you going to dress up as America’s favorite doll this year? 

What does Barbie wear? Well, what doesn’t she wear? Barbie isn’t just a fashionista. She’s a doctor, a politician, a vet, a nanny and so much more. She’s worn many (figurative and literal) hats since she first arrived in the 1950s, and new Barbies are always hitting the shelves. According to an article published by Ferris University, Barbie’s creator wanted Barbie to represent the fact that women had choices. In other words, Barbie can be anything. 

So what should you wear to dress up as Barbie? Let’s talk about it. Read on for both store-bought and DIY Barbie outfit ideas for parties and events. 

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• Best Barbie Outfit Ideas for Adults
• Best Barbie Outfit Ideas for Couples
• Best Barbie Outfit Ideas for Kids

Best Barbie Outfit Ideas for Adults

1. Original Bathing Suit Barbie

Step into the 1950s with this classic bathing suit Barbie. This timeless look features a sleek black and white striped swimsuit, cat-eye sunglasses, and perfectly curled hair. Perfect for a day of soaking up the sun at a Barbie beach party. Wear sheer stockings to stay warm if it’s a Halloween costume. 

2. Malibu Barbie

Malibu Barbie is an easy DIY Barbie outfit idea. The classic Malibu Barbie wears a light blue one-piece bathing suit, but modern Barbies can wear any simple monotone bathing suit. Don a pair of sunglasses and carry around a surfboard or bodyboard and wear a blonde wig if you’re not already blonde. It’s not the most obvious Barbie outfit, but it totally fits the theme. 

3. Classic Ken

On his own, Ken isn’t super recognizable. At a Barbie party, however, he’ll be obvious. Not all Barbie outfits are for female partygoers! Get ready for a blast from the past with the original Ken. This look features plain red swim trunks, a pair of cool shades, a red striped shirt and a charming smile. 

4. Barbie In Her Box

This is such a fun Barbie outfit idea for a party. It’s a bit tough to move around in, but people will know what you are from across the room. You can really wear anything you’d like. The star of the show is the Barbie box you’re either going to buy or make from cardboard and clear plastic. You can even make accessories to strap into the box with you. 

5. All Pink Barbie Girl

While Barbie has certainly branched out, we often think of pink as “her color.” If you have blonde hair and an all-pink outfit with a few ultra-feminine touches (like pink platform heels), your outfit will easily read as “Barbie,” and this DIY Barbie outfit idea will be a success even without classic Barbie costume elements. You can shop your closet for this one. 

6. Weird Barbie

The Barbie movie brought us a fun new character: Weird Barbie. Weird Barbie has short messy hair, a rumpled and paint-splattered pink dress and a unique pose that non-contortionists may not be able to replicate. This Barbie outfit idea is a lot of fun and you should do it while it’s still recognizable. 

7. Just Allan

Who’s Allan? He’s Ken’s buddy. He and Ken share clothes. However, a recognizable Allan should likely wear the outfit from the movie. A colorful striped shirt and some blue shorts are all you need for this simple DIY Barbie outfit idea. Now go find a Ken to buddy up with. 

8. Totally Hair Barbie

Totally Hair Barbie is a classic Barbie doll with long and flowing locks, perfect for fun hairstyles. The doll wears a groovy outfit patterned with 60s-style swirls, along with a pink headband. Her blonde hair goes down to her feet. A long blonde wig is in your future with this Barbie outfit idea. 

9. President Barbie

Barbie has been many things, and a presidential candidate is only one of them. This is a particularly timely Barbie outfit idea in 2024 due to it being an election year. A pink pantsuit, a “President Barbie” sash and a briefcase will let people know that this Barbie is feeling presidential. 

10. Diamond Anniversary Barbie

The Diamond Anniversary Barbie is a fun Barbie outfit idea for Barbie enthusiasts. This is the 60th anniversary Barbie doll, and she wears a long and glamorous silver dress. This outfit idea is perfect for anyone who has serious sewing skills and it’s a total show-stopper. 

11. Holiday Barbie

If your Barbie event is during the holiday season, consider dressing up as a holiday Barbie. There are many of these Barbies, and they’re either called Holiday Barbies or Celebration Barbies, depending on the year. Consider choosing the one from the year you were born!

12. Pink Gingham Movie Barbie

The Barbie movie created a new recognizable (and simple) Barbie outfit. The classic pink gingham dress is iconic now. Wear a high blonde ponytail and some pink vintage heels and you’ll have a full Barbie outfit. 

13. Doctor or Vet Barbie

Barbie is a very educated lady, and she’s been a medical professional many times. Doctor or vet Barbie is a great option. While the uniforms don’t have to be pink, they can make Barbie easier to identify, so consider a pink medical coat or pink scrubs. Wear a stethoscope and carry a clipboard to complete the look. 

14. Toy Story Barbie

Toy Story Barbie looks like she’s ready for jazzercise class. She’s a less common Barbie now that the Toy Story movies are behind us, but she makes a great Barbie outfit idea. She wears a teal bodysuit, a pink belt, and colorful leg warmers. She also has a high blonde ponytail to complete the look. 

15. Beach Ken

Beach Ken’s job is “beach.” Like Malibu Barbie, you can really use any swimsuit for this outfit, but in the movie, Ken wears a pastel-striped set and carries a surfboard. This will be the most recognizable option. 

16. Tour Guide Barbie

This is another Barbie that showed up in Toy Story. She has a super-sweet demeanor that’s fun to mimic at parties, so if you’re willing to stay in character, she’s a great choice. She wears a dark blue short-sleeved button-down dress with a green belt and a matching blue pillbox hat. She also has a “Barbie” name tag. 

17. Mermaid Barbie

Barbie can be anything, even a mermaid! Mermaid Barbie goes all-out with accessories. A bedazzled bikini top and a long wavy blonde wig full of beachy accessories are essential. You’ll also need a tail, preferably in pink. Have a friend help you get around if you’re going to a party in this fun and aquatic Barbie outfit idea.

Best Barbie Outfit Ideas for Couples

18. Rollerblading Barbie and Ken

Also from the Barbie movie, Rollerblading Barbie and Ken are dressed in matching neon-colored outfits, complete with helmets and knee pads. They're ready to go for a roll down the boardwalk (or into the nearest Halloween party). Due to the Barbie movie, you can buy these outfits from costume shops. 

19. Midge and Allan

Midge and Allan aren’t as popular as Barbie and Ken, but that’s okay. There are several ways to go about this couple’s Barbie outfit idea, but we recommend the Happy Family version for pregnant couples. Midge wears a purple dress and has her reddish hair in a half-up-half-down style. Allan wears a blue flannel shirt, a white tee and khakis (or he can wear the classic striped outfit). 

20. Ken and Allan

Ken and Allan are buddies who share clothes. Make of that what you will. A Ken and Allan pairing makes an excellent men’s couple’s costume (or friend costume, of course). Pair Allan with one of the Kens from the previous section for this cute couple Barbie outfit idea. 

21. Western Barbie and Ken

In the Barbie movie, Barbie and Ken don adorable Western-themed outfits. Due to their popularity, they’re easily available in costume shops if you don’t have the ability or desire to make your own. Barbie is wearing a sparkly pink cowgirl set while Ken looks more classic in a black cowboy ensemble. These fits are super recognizable and fun. 

22. Matching Barbie Box Set

This is a fun idea, but it takes up quite a bit of space and it’s not sustainable long-term. However, for photos it’s fantastic. You and your partner can dress up as Barbies that fit the same theme (like two Malibu Barbies, for example). Then, fit yourselves into the same box as if you come as a set. You may want to practice walking in this Barbie outfit idea before the day of the event or party.

23. Barbie Marriage Set

This Barbie outfit idea is (hopefully) living happily ever after. The Barbie marriage outfit set features a bride and groom (or two Barbie brides), dressed in their wedding finery, complete with a veil, dress, suit and bouquet. Go completely over the top with this one. You can often find fun wedding dresses at thrift stores.

24. Toy Story Barbie and Ken 

On his own, Toy Story Ken isn’t very recognizable. With Barbie, however, the pair becomes obvious. Match the Toy Story Barbie from the previous section with Ken. He wears teal pleated shorts, a blue leopard-print button-up tee, and a teal ascot to match Barbie’s teal bodysuit. 

Best Barbie Outfit Ideas for Kids

25. Awesome Skateboard Stacie

Stacie is another younger sibling of Barbie. This fun outfit features a colorful outfit, knee pads, and a pink skateboard, making it a great outfit for a girl who loves extreme sports. Stacie wears cargo pants and a t-shirt and her safety gear is all hot pink. 

26. Babysitter Skipper

Skipper is Barbie’s teen sister, and one of her most popular styles is her babysitter style. This is a great Barbie outfit idea for any young teen, but especially one with younger siblings. There have been several versions of babysitter Skipper, but she usually wears a dress or a skirt and top and she has a baby and baby accessories with her. Teens without younger siblings can hold dolls instead. This is niche, but an excellent part of a family costume.

27. Power Wheels Kelly and Tommy

If you have two little ones, this is such a fun Barbie outfit idea for kids. You’ll need a Barbie Jeep (or a handmade one made from boxes). For Kelly, the Jeep can be pink. For Tommy, it’s blue. Both children can sit in the jeep wearing the classic doll outfits. Tommy is in pastel blue striped overalls and Kelly wears a sweet pink dress. Again, niche, but perfect for family costumes. 

28. Princess Barbie

What are some different Barbie themes? Well, “princess” is a common one. There are many Barbie princesses, and princess Barbie combines two things that most little girls love. A pink fluffy dress, a blonde wig and a tiara will make your little princess’s dreams come true.

29. Ballerina Barbie

This is an awesome Barbie outfit idea for a little girl alone, but it’s also great for moms and daughters or older and younger sisters. Ballet Recital Barbie and Kelly was a doll set that came with matching outfits for both dolls. They both wear pink tutus and shoes. Barbie wears a tiara while Kelly wears a bow. This is an adorable Barbie outfit idea for female family members.

30. Gymnast Stacie

Feeling inspired by the Olympics? The original Gymnast Stacie doll from 1995 makes an excellent Barbie outfit idea. She wears her long blonde hair in a tight braid. She also wears an absolutely iconic pink bodysuit covered in silver stars.

31. Barbie Makeover 

This one is super fun and easy. It makes a great last-minute DIY Barbie outfit idea. How do you style like a Barbie? Let other partygoers decide. Give the child a long blonde wig and a pink cape like they’d wear at the hairdresser. They also get a bag of play makeup and hair accessories. At the costume party, other kids can make her over as if she were a Get Glam styling head. This is such a fun and interactive costume idea. 

32. Original 1991 Stacie 

The first Stacie doll came out in 1991. If you’re trying to do a whole family costume with classic Barbies, you don’t want to leave her out. This doll is in a totally 90s outfit with a neon green top, a pink floral skirt and a matching pink jacket. She has fluffy blonde hair and bangs. Try thrifting this Barbie outfit idea.

33. Classic 1960s Skipper

Speaking of classic Barbies, let’s end the list with the original Skipper. Skipper changed a lot over the years, but the original one had light brown hair and wore a red nautical outfit. This outfit may not be well-known, but it pairs perfectly with other classic Barbie outfit ideas and any true Barbie enthusiast will be able to identify it immediately. Or visit the next decade and adorn yourself in a Flower Power alternative for a great 70s outfit.

This is only a fraction of the Barbie outfit ideas you have to choose from. After all, like we said, Barbie can be whatever she wants to be. So what should you wear to dress up as Barbie? Whatever feels right. As long as you make it high-fashion (and maybe pink), it will fit the Barbie theme. So which of these Barbie outfit ideas for parties, events or photoshoots will you try?

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