Barbie Costume | How to Dress Like Barbie for Halloween

Here at Fun Place, we are super excited for the launch of the new Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling!

It’s very likely that this Halloween, we’ll see many interpretations of the iconic Barbie and Ken look.

The great thing is that there are so many versions of Barbie to inspire your unique look.

You can dress up as the original black and white swimsuit Barbie, the 1980s workout Barbie, the diva Barbie, Toy Story Barbie, princess Barbie or rockstar Barbie – the possibilities are endless!

In this guide, we’ve got 6 Barbie Halloween costume ideas that will turn heads at any party.

Your guide to creating the best Barbie Halloween costumes
Barbie costume ideas
1. Festival Barbie outfit
How to dress for a Barbie theme party
Is Barbie a good Halloween costume?
How to do Barbie makeup for Halloween

Your guide to creating unique Barbie Halloween costumes

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your perfect costume.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through some creative ideas and tips to help you bring your favourite doll to life this Halloween.

1. Choose Your Barbie Persona:

Barbie has been around for decades, and she has had countless careers and styles. The first step is to decide which Barbie persona you want to embody.

Do you want to be a glamorous fashionista, a fairy princess, an astronaut, or maybe even a mermaid?

Selecting the Barbie persona will set the tone for your costume and help you make other design choices.

2. Research and Gather Inspiration:

Once you’ve chosen your Barbie persona, it’s time to gather inspiration. Look up images of Barbie dolls and costumes related to your chosen character.

This research will help you understand the key elements of the costume, such as colours, accessories, and hairstyles.

Pinterest and Instagram are great platforms to find visual inspiration and DIY Barbie costume tutorials from fellow enthusiasts.

3. Create Your Costume:

Outfit: Start by focusing on the outfit. Identify the distinctive clothing items associated with your chosen Barbie persona.
- Whether it’s a dress, a jumpsuit, or a specific colour palette, try to incorporate these elements into your costume. You could start by choosing a pink dress that reflects Barbie’s fun aesthetic
- Or opt for a mini dress with a fitted silhouette or a tulle skirt for an extra touch of glamour
- Pair it with pink heels or sandals to complete the look from head to toe
Accessories: Barbie is known for her extensive collection of accessories.
- These could be a statement necklace, a tiara, gloves, or even a prop related to her career
- Add flair to your costume with pink sunglasses, cat-eye sunglasses, or even a cowgirl hat for a touch of Western-inspired Barbie flair
- Remember to layer on the jewellery, such as statement necklaces, oversized earrings, and sparkling bracelets.
Hair and Makeup: Barbie’s hairstyles are often iconic and can play a crucial role in capturing the essence of your chosen look.
- You can find numerous hairstyle or makeup tutorials online or consider using wigs or hair extensions
- As for makeup, go for a glamorous look that complements your chosen Barbie persona
- Bold eyes, pink lips, and rosy cheeks are some classic Barbie-inspired makeup ideas

Barbie costume ideas

1. Festival Barbie outfit

You don’t need to wait until Halloween to channel your inner Barbie – consider a chic festival Barbie look in the meantime!

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to dress like festival Barbie

Rainbow catsuit: To start off your festival Barbie transformation, slip into this rainbow catsuit to instantly make you the centre of attention
Pink wig: Barbie is known for her luscious locks, so top off your look with a fabulous pink wig
Pink sweatband: Accessorise your outfit with a pink sweatband. This adds a sporty and playful touch to your festival attire
Neon belt: Enhance the shape of your rainbow catsuit and add a fashionable accent with a neon belt to cinch your waist and create a flattering silhouette
Lennon glasses: No festival Barbie outfit is complete without a pair of groovy Lennon glasses – channel the retro vibes with colourful lenses.

Finally, these mesmerising pastel jewel face gems will add a touch of enchantment to your festival Barbie transformation, making you the embodiment of festival glam!

2. Just Ken outfit

Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about the Ken in your life! Here’s what you’ll need to achieve the perfect Ken costume:

Short chocolate or copper colour latex wig: Ken is known for his impeccably styled hair. To replicate his look, find a short wig in a chocolate or copper colour
Aloha shirt: Ken is often spotted wearing vibrant and eye-catching aloha shirts. Opt for a colourful and bold one that reflects his lively personality
Baby blue neck tie: To complete the shirt’s look, include a baby blue neck tie. This small detail adds a touch of sophistication and authenticity to your Ken costume.
Light blue chino shorts: Ken sports light blue chino shorts which match his laid-back yet fashionable style
Gold jean belt: Add a touch of flair to your shorts by accessorising them with a gold jean belt to tie the outfit together.

White loafers: No Ken costume is complete without a pair of white loafers or tennis shoes. These classic shoes are a staple in Ken’s wardrobe and add a polished touch to your overall look

3. Cowgirl Barbie costume

Yeehaw! Are you ready to channel the spirit of the Wild West and dress as cowgirl Barbie? Here’s our guide to becoming a John Wayne-inspired Barbie:

Baby pink cowgirl hat: Every cowgirl outfit needs a hat! Opt for a baby pink cowgirl hat to add a touch of femininity to your look
Boot covers: Transform any pair of shoes into fabulous cowgirl boots with boot covers. Slip them over your pink boots or pink shoes to instantly achieve that authentic cowgirl style.
Rose gold fringe jacket: Make a bold fashion statement with a rose gold fringe jacket. The shimmering colour and flowing fringe will add a touch of glamour to your cowgirl Barbie look
Neon pink wig: Barbie is known for her luscious locks, so choose a neon pink wig to capture her iconic style. The vibrant colour will make you stand out in the crowd and add a playful twist to your cowgirl ensemble. Style it in loose waves or braids to complete the look.
Fluffy cow print shoulder bag: Every cowgirl needs a trusty sidekick, and a fluffy cow print shoulder bag will do the trick! This cute and quirky accessory not only adds a touch of whimsy to your outfit but also provides a practical place to store your essentials as you ride into the sunset.

Don’t forget to complete the look with cowgirl-inspired makeup, such as natural tones and a touch of blush, to enhance your cowgirl charm.

4. Rockstar Barbie costume

Here’s your guide to dressing like a glamorous rockstar Barbie! Get ready to rock the stage and turn heads:

Pink tutu kit: Kickstart your rockstar transformation with a pink tutu kit, complete with a hair bow and fingerless gloves
Black body stocking: Amp up the rocker vibe with a sleek and stylish black body stocking. This form-fitting garment will create a fierce and empowering silhouette
Long blonde wig: Channel your inner rockstar with a long blonde wig. This iconic hairstyle will give you the signature rockstar look
Holographic glitter: Add some sparkle with holographic glitter. Apply it to your face, body, or even hair for a dazzling effect that will make you shine
Padlock collar: Embrace the edgy side with a padlock collar. This bold accessory will add a touch of rebellion and attitude to your look
Pink feather boa: Bring a touch of glamour and playfulness to your rockstar barbie outfit with a pink feather boa. Drape it around your neck or shoulders
Black heart-shaped sunglasses: Finally, complete your rockstar Barbie look with a pair of black heart sunglasses

Embrace the attitude, confidence, and style of a rockstar, and let your inner diva shine! Whether it’s a costume party or a themed event, this rockstar look will make you the ultimate fashion icon.

5. 80s Barbie costume (with bonus Ken outfit)

Step into a time machine and transport yourself back to the iconic era of the 1980s with these amazing ’80s Barbie and Ken costume ideas:

’80s workout jumpsuit: Slip into a vibrant ’80s workout jumpsuit, complete with a headband and wrist cuffs. This retro-inspired ensemble will take you back to the days of Jane Fonda workout videos and jazzercise classes
Neon eyelashes: Make your eyes pop with bold neon eyelashes. Choose vibrant hues like hot pink or electric blue to match the colourful and energetic spirit of the ’80s
Legwarmers: No ’80s outfit is complete without leg warmers. Slide on a pair in a contrasting colour
Neon pink UV face paint: Go all out with neon pink UV face paint to achieve an eye-catching and electrifying look
Blonde wig: Transform your hairstyle into a classic ’80s Barbie look with a fabulous blonde wig. Go for big curls, crimped locks, or a sleek ponytail
Neon necklace: Accentuate your outfit with a neon necklace. Choose a bold and chunky design in a vibrant colour
80s lace leggings: Mix and match your look with the accessories you prefer

Pink visor: Complete your ’80s Barbie ensemble with a pink visor for a retro and sporty touch

Bonus Barbie and Ken couple’s costume:

Aerobics instructor outfit: Dress up as Ken, the ’80s aerobics instructor! Put on a vibrant workout ensemble complete with leggings, a tank top, and sweatbands for an authentic aerobics-inspired look
Brown men’s wig: Transform your hairstyle with a brown male wig. Go for a mullet or feathered style to match the era’s trendy hairstyles.
Inflatable beach float: The 80s Malibu Barbie look is complete with the trendy red inflatable rescue float inspired by Baywatch

Throw in some classic ’80s dance moves, and you’ll be the life of any party or themed Halloween event!

6. Queen Barbie costume for adults

With a touch of elegance and a sprinkle of pink, you’ll embody the meaning of a ‘Barbie girl in a Barbie world!’ In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential elements to create a stunning queen Barbie costume for adults:

Pink Flapper Dress: To start your transformation, we recommend the pink flapper dress. While traditionally associated with the roaring ’20s, this dress can be repurposed to embody the regal spirit of queen (or princess) Barbie. Complete the look with a classic pearl necklace to add a touch of timeless glamour.
Light pastel pink makeup: Opt for a light pastel pink colour palette to create a soft and feminine appearance. Highlight your eyes with subtle pink eyeshadow and a hint of shimmer. Enhance your cheeks with a gentle blush to achieve that rosy glow. Finish it off with a glossy pink lip colour, and you’ll be ready to conquer the fashion world.
Beachy waves pink wig: To truly embrace the spirit of queen Barbie, complete your look with a beachy waves pink wig – it takes a true queen to pull off this vibrant hairstyle!
Long satin gloves: This costume isn’t complete without a pair of long satin gloves. Choose a shade that complements your pink ensemble, such as a soft pastel or a bold fuchsia
Golden crown: To embody the regal essence of Queen Barbie, top off your ensemble with a golden crown. As you place it on your head, you’ll feel the weight of your majestic persona, ruling over your Barbie kingdom!
Daisy ankle socks: To add a touch of playfulness to your costume, opt for daisy ankle socks. These cute and whimsical socks will peek out from your heels or flats
Finally, complement your ensemble with a baby pink neck scarf, which adds a stylish flair. These accessories will showcase your fashion-forward sense and complete the transformation into the queen of style.

Remember, it takes a true queen to pull off this extraordinary look, so embrace your inner Barbie and let your royal presence shine!

How to dress for a Barbie theme party

If you’re attending a Barbie-themed party, take the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Barbie’s world. Consider a vintage Barbie look, inspired by the original Barbie doll named Barbara Millicent Roberts.

Look for pictures of vintage Barbie outfits for inspiration and recreate her iconic ensembles.

A pink outfit with a matching denim jacket, flare pants, and elbow pads is a fantastic choice for a nostalgic Barbie look.

To add a modern twist to your costume, draw inspiration from recent Barbie appearances on the big screen. For example, Margot Robbie’s portrayal of the iconic doll in the upcoming Warner Bros. movie has generated all the hype.

You can recreate her chic and contemporary style by incorporating a tulle skirt, leg warmers, and a denim jacket into your costume.

Don’t forget to accessorise with pink sunglasses and a pair of fashionable heels to complete the look.

Is Barbie a good Halloween costume?

Absolutely! Barbie is a classic and universally recognized character that has stood the test of time.

Whether you’re a long-time doll enthusiast or simply admire her fashion-forward image, dressing up as Barbie for Halloween is a fantastic choice.

With the wide range of Barbie costumes available, you can find the perfect ensemble to suit your personal style and preferences.

Whether you want to embrace the vintage look or put your own unique spin on the character, dressing up as Barbie guarantees a cute and eye-catching costume that will make you the star of any Halloween party.

How to do Barbie makeup for Halloween

No Barbie costume is complete without flawless makeup.

Achieve Barbie’s signature look by focusing on a few key elements.

Start with a flawless base using foundation and concealer to create a smooth and radiant complexion.
Emphasise your eyes with a cat-eye eyeliner and volumizing mascara.
For a playful touch, add a pop of pink eyeshadow or glitter on your eyelids.
Barbie is known for her perfectly contoured cheeks and a rosy glow.
Apply a soft pink blush to the apples of your cheeks for a youthful and fresh appearance.
Finally, complete the Barbie makeup look with a bold pink lipstick or a glossy nude shade.

Remember, Barbie is all about embracing your individuality, so feel free to experiment and add your own unique twist using the best costume makeup.

For more inspiration and ideas, be sure to check out our content partner Eskx on TikTok or Instagram, where you’ll find the best Barbie Halloween costume looks to ignite your imagination.