Gen Woo’s Guide to the Barbiecore Aesthetic

Acing the Barbiecore Aesthetic

Margot Robbie dressed in a pink gingham dress for the new live-action Barbie movie by Greta Gerwig. Image: Warner Bros.

If you feel like your vision has gone pink recently—you're not alone. 

Since Valentino's Pink PP Collection graced the Parisian catwalk and colour experts Pantone announced magenta as the 2022's fall colour of the year, an entire Barbiecore movement has unfolded with the trend further amplified by paparazzi photos of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling on the set of Greta Gerwig's forthcoming Barbie movie.

Valentino’s iconic Pink PP Collection at Paris Fashion Week Fall 2022. Image: Valentino.

Many of us wanted to be a "Barbie girl in a Barbie world" at some point in our life. And if that's true, you likely also spent much of your time trying to convince your parents to buy all the pink clothing you laid your eyes on. 

Barbie is known for her impeccable sense of style—and fashion enthusiasts are rejoicing as the iconic fashion doll is being brought to life by Australian actress Margot Robbie with Oscar-winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran.

Margot Robbie in character as Barbie for the 2023 movie. She is pictured driving Barbie’s iconic pink car. Image: Jaap Buitendijk/Warner Bros.

But what is the Barbiecore aesthetic? Chances are you’ve seen plenty of pictures of Ryan Gosling with bleach-blonde hair for his upcoming role as Ken. If you have, you’ll know that the highly anticipated Barbie movie is set to hit theatres in 2023. Directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie as Barbie, the film takes the character out of the toy box and into the real world. Well, almost the real world. 

In the hours after the trailer was released, Barbie fashion-related searches doubled, according to Google Trends. On Wednesday, searches for fluffy mules — which Robbie wears in the opening shot — were up 115%, while searches for pink fashion rose nearly 80% on the shopping app Lyst.

Synonymous with Barbie, the colour pink has become deeply embedded in the collective psyche as a shorthand for all things, both feminine and femme. Pink is the flush of first love and stands for nurturing femininity, and it symbolises youth, good health and playfulness.

As we all drool-over candy-coloured fits and gingham checks, we thought now would be the perfect time for a guide to Barbiecore 101. At Gen Woo, we have all the best looks inspired by the plastic-fantastic blonde bombshell.

(L-R) Margot Robbie wearing a pink gingham dress with a matching hair bow as she waves overlooking Barbieland. Image: Warner Bros. A teen girl models the Girls Pink Gingham Tiered Dress by Gen Woo.

Pretty in pink, Margot Robbie was spotted in a Barbie classic. The Amsterdam star donned a pink gingham ladies dress and matching hair bow as she waved to her beachfront town—which does include “some pink dream houses.”

Get the Look

Gen Woo’s Pink Gingham Tiered Dress is a warm-weather staple. Comfortable and airy with delicate shirring detail and an a-line skirt cut to fall below the knee, this pretty girls dress is the perfect springtime picnic look, especially when paired with some casual sandals or trainers for a relaxed look.

(L-R) Margot Robbie breaks up a disagreement between two Ken’s, Ryan Gosling and Simu Liu, wearing another iteration of Barbie’s pink gingham dress with pink shell necklace. Image: Warner Bros. Credit: Elle. The model wears the Pink Gingham Ladies Maxi Dress by Gen Woo.

Margot Robbie has some tiny, plastic shoes to fill, but dolled up in the iconic Barbie-esque style proves her to be the perfect fit. In a behind the scenes snippet from the movie, Barbie is spotted talking to the Ken wearing another pink gingham summer dress, this time accompanied by a pink shell necklace.

Get the Look

Nothing quite says summer like our Pink Gingham Ladies Maxi Dress. Perfect for a picnic, our lightweight gingham dress features a flattering square neck with adjustable spaghetti straps to finish. Style yours with a straw hat and strappy espadrilles for sunshine-infused events.

(L-R) Margot Robbie hits the beach wearing a cute pink gingham print mini dress with an accompanying sun hat. Image: Warner Bros. Credit: YouTube. The young girl wears the Pink Gingham Check Retro Baby Romper by Gen Woo.

Hi Barbie! Margot Robbie was also pictured in character sporting a pink check beach outfit and matching sunhat as she stops to say hello to her friends—who are all clad in colourful retro resort wear.

Get the Look

What could be cuter than a cotton romper for baby this summer? Gen Woo’s Pink Gingham Check Retro Baby Romper is the perfect choice when the temperatures are hotting up. Pair this retro romper with sweet sandals, or let her run barefoot for an effortless, carefree style. 

(L-R) Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in character wearing 80s-inspired hot pink and neon yellow athleisure looks. Image: Warner Bros. The teen girl wears the Pretty Pink Girls Cycling Shorts and the Girls Retro Floral Print Bubble Top by Gen Woo

Come on, Barbie, let’s go party! Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling were spotted skating along the beachfront in bold, brash and certainly Barbie-approved outfits. The hot pink 80s-inspired looks were complemented by neon yellow knee pads, sweatbands and skates. 

Get the Look at Gen Woo

If your daughter is made to move, she can be an active Barbie in our pink gingham top and shorts combo. Soft to the touch and cut to a 3three-quarter length, the leggings are easy-to-wear and cotton-rich. The matching gingham shirred strappy crop top makes the perfect matching outfit, Barbie style. 

A favourite of ours, Gen Woo's Retro Floral Bubble Top for Girls, will allow her spring/summer wardrobe to blossom. With the versatile option to wear on or off of the shoulder, the elasticated neck, hem, and cuffs mean a cute daytime look that can easily be transformed into evening attire! Add a pair of our Pretty Pink Girls Cycling Shorts for the go-to daytime fit. In a feminine yet playful hot pink colourway, the shorts have a hidden elasticated waistband that ensures optimum comfort without compromising on style. Ideal for styling with an oversized tee and stylish sneakers for a street-style look.

Two teen girls are laying down side by side wearing matching Pink Gingham Shirred Strappy Girls Crop Top and Pink Gingham Print Girls Leggings  from Gen Woo’s Retro Psychedelia Spring fashion collection.

Love it, or loathe it—Barbiecore fashion is here to stay, so why not try the trend and become a Barbie girl in a Barbie world?

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GEN WOO x

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