Why Barbie Is Our Summer Fashion Muse (2024)

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It’s a Barbie world, and even if you’re not a Barbie girl, you might want to consider her this summer’s ultimate shopping muse. Fearless when it comes to fashion and always dressed for the task at hand, Barbie’s versatile wardrobe can inspire whatever plans you have for the season.

Need something for your trip to outer space? Barbie’s got a getup (namely, a metallic Proenza Schouler dress) that’s out of this world. Headed to the office? Make like Barbie and shimmy into Saint Laurent’s bold-shouldered pin-striped skirt suit set. Executive realness Barbie takes care of business—just don’t forget your mobile! Spending a day at the beach? Barbie’s swim look is a lesson in print clashing. On top? A polka-dotted Marni top. On the bottom, Norma Kamali’s striped bikini briefs.

If last summer was all about Pierpaolo Pink, this one is about Barbie pink—and to get your Valentino fix, look to the Italian house’s polka-dotted gown for inspiration. All the looks below are perfectly suited for fun in the sun—or a trip to the movie theater to catch Greta Gerwig’s very highly anticipatedBarbieflick. Below, the film’s star, Margot Robbie, models some of fashion’s most-wanted pieces, photographed by Ethan James Green forVogue’sSummer issue. Let these images and Barbie-inspired outfits inform your summer shopping list. After all, life in plastic isfantastic.

Black-Tie Barbie

Barbie’s social calendar is chock-full of glamorous events. Carolina Herrera is her first stop for black-tie looks that ensure she’s dressed to the nines—and 10 and 20s.

Swim Barbie

Fun in the sun calls for a retro swimsuit—one that mimics Barbie’s iconic striped one-piece. Switch things up with a splash of polka dots. White shades add to the classic look. Just don’t forget the SPF!

Office Barbie

Taking care of business is all the easier when you’re wearing Saint Laurent—just ask Barbie. (She’ll also tell you that phones are even better when they’re bedazzled.)

1980s Barbie

If she could turn back time, she would likely head to the va-va-voom 1980s. The hair was bigger, the ruffles were unmissable, and the sartorial drama was worthy of a telenovela. A Valentino Haute Couture gown would also feel right at home.

Dressed-Down Barbie

Don’t call her a minimalist, but sometimes Barbie likes to dabble. Fashion is about fun—and trying new things! A beige look can still get the doll-treatment with a pair of satin mules.

Cowgirl Barbie

Giddy up! Barbie’s headed to the rodeo. Fringe, gingham, starry belts, and a bedazzled cowboy hat finished off the look—correction: cowgirl hat.

Roller Girl Barbie

What’s got eight wheels and lots of pizzazz? Roller girl Barbie! Larroudé’s skates are pluperfect and a two-piece set perfects the look.

Road Trip Barbie

Get in, she’s going shopping! Bottega Veneta’s sunshine yellow print is perfect for catching some rays in Barbie’s pink convertible. Beep beep, chic chic!

First Class Barbie

When Barbie travels, it’s first class all the way. She needs her luggage to be worthy of the journey. SteamLine’s cases and hat boxes hold all of her Barbie belongings.

Astronaut Barbie

Dressing for outer space means embracing space-age fashion: minis, chainmail, metallics, and more. Barbie is a star wherever she goes, but when she’s traveling through the galaxies, she likes to shower herself in them.

Night Out Barbie

The sun has set and Barbie is going out! Empowered and ready to paint the town pink, she’s showing skin in a Versace two-piece set.