9 Barbie Costume Ideas: Pink Lingerie Sets for Halloween and Beyond

Barbie-inspired dressing did not end with the film. It has settled in as a reliable costume theme for Halloween, hens nights, themed parties and content shoots, and the reason is simple: it is instantly recognisable, everyone gets the reference, and you can build it around a single pink piece.

Here are nine takes on it, each built around a set from our Barbie Lingerie Collection.

1. Cowgirl Barbie

Western trim, chain and bow detailing. The Pink Chain & Ruffle 5-Piece Set does the heavy lifting; add a sparkly hat and boots and the look is finished. Five pieces means you can restyle it three different ways.

2. Fifties Barbie

The original doll, essentially. Satin and an oversized bow: the Pink Bow 3-Piece Set. Red lipstick and white cat-eye sunglasses complete it, and both are easy to find.

3. Disco Barbie

Sheer pink mesh, fish-boning and diamantés. The Pink Diamanté Mesh 3-Piece Set catches light exactly the way seventies disco should. Platforms and loose hair.

4. Eighties Barbie

The easiest one on the list if you are short on time. The Neon Pink Transparent 4-Piece Set plus things already in your wardrobe: leggings, white sneakers, oversized earrings, crimped hair.

5. Heart Barbie

Heart cut-outs and glitter detailing. The Pink 1/4 Cup Heart 3-Piece Set is the softest, most romantic take here, and the most Valentine's-appropriate if you are planning ahead.

6. Party Barbie

Feathers and chain. The Pink Feather & Chain 3-Piece Set is the loudest option on the list and photographs extremely well, which makes it the pick if the night involves cameras.

7. Malibu Barbie

Beach or pool. The Pink G-String Swimsuit in baby pink, high-cut legs, and not much else required. Sunglasses and a scrunchie if you want to be literal about it.

8. Sleepover Barbie

Softer and more delicate. The Pink Floral Lace 3-Piece Set in floral lace with bra, panties and suspender. The pick if you want pink without the full plastic.

9. Mermaid Barbie

Appliqué flowers on sheer mesh. The Pink Flower Appliqué 2-Piece Set has an underwater, coral-like texture to it. Add shell jewellery and wavy hair.

Putting it together

Three things make a Barbie costume land rather than look like an afterthought:

• Commit to one pink. Mixing bubblegum, neon and blush reads as accidental. Pick a shade and build around it.
• The accessories carry the reference. The lingerie sets the tone, but the hat, sunglasses or hair are what make people say the word Barbie.
• Layer for the venue. Most of these work under a jacket, a mesh cover-up or an oversized shirt if you need to get somewhere first.

Doing Barbie and Ken as a pair works well too, and the coordination is easier than it looks: match the pink, not the outfit.

Browse the full Barbie Lingerie Collection, seventeen pieces from $23.99, sizes S to XL, shipped discreetly worldwide.