The release of the Barbie movie has supercharged a fashion trend known as “Barbiecore”, a way of incorporating key aspects of Barbie dolls in a woman’s wardrobe.
This includes whole outfits and shoes creating a complete Barbie look.
Barbiecore means dressing like Barbie, but a very specific and “core” aspect of Barbie: the very pink, high heel wearing, dress-loving version of Barbie. The fluffy pink mules worn by Margot Robbie in the Barbie movie are a typical example of Barbiecore.
While the movie has helped, Barbiecore can be seen as originating in costuming and dress from a much earlier time. Think early 2000s Paris Hilton, or the 2001 hit Legally Blonde staring Reese Witherspoon which became a hit musical.
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In other words, Barbiecore reflects back to the very first Barbie dolls by focussing on the features that made them famous and still make Barbie popular today. Think stiletto mules, heavy make-up and form-fitting glamorous clothing that reflected the female form in all its (then impossibly-proportioned) glory.
We should be quick to say that Barbie has diversified since she was first introduced as a compulsorily-heeled white woman who aspired to be a model. Barbies now come in 35 skin tones, 9 different body shapes and have careers, disabilities and other traits (like the ability to wear flat shoes) which 1959 Barbie did not contemplate.
However Barbiecore footwear is less diverse. It is usually pink, often in a mule style and has a stiletto heel. Here’s some of our favorite Barbiecore shoe picks.
Five inch pink stilettos
Elisabet Tang’s 5 inch stilettos are made for the Barbie-foot: they’re definitely high and pointy.
And while they promise comfort – we don’t know about that – they certainly deliver on the look. There will be no mistaking which doll you’re getting your shoe inspiration from.
These heels are available now via Amazon (affiliate link).
Pink two strap mule heels
Life in plastic is fantastic thanks to vivianly’s clear-heeled double strap mules available via Amazon (affiliate link).
The shoes combine the ongoing clear-heel trend with the pink hue of Barbiecore, celebrating two looks in one but with their own individual twist. Two straps make this mule much easier to walk in than just one, while a four inch heel provides plenty of height for the whole night.
Three inch pink heels
Nobody actually said a Barbie-lookalike actually had to have impossible heels, right?
It’s great to have the look but also important that you can walk around in it.
Our pick of a walkable pink high heel is the Tiffany elegant low stiletto heel from Dream Pairs available via our Amazon affiliate link.
This three inch heel is practical as well as pink and the round toe has rave-reviews for comfort.