By 
When Barbara Millicent Roberts, better known to the world as Barbie, debuted in 1959 at the American International Toy Fair in New York City, she was a petite 11-inch piece of plastic with a perky ponytail and black-and-white striped bathing suit. Six decades (and an impressive 200+ careers) later, the once-diminutive doll is larger than life—and sporting a lot more pink—thanks to the marketing juggernaut known as the Barbie live-action movie. (You've heard of it, right?)
In the film, Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) leave Barbie Land for the real world and, well, you'll just have to see for yourself, because we're not here to serve up spoilers. We are, however, here to talk Halloween costumes. Given the movie's mid-summer release date, all things Barbie and Ken are destined to dominate the upcoming Halloween season, and we're here to help you dream up your own Barbie-inspired costume. From playful do-it-yourself variations (Home Reno Barbie! Coastal Grandma Barbie!) to more traditional takes on the iconic character, you're sure to discover your best Barbie self. Here's how to pink outside the box—even if you're posing inside one.
IF YOU LIKE TO DIY...
With a cardboard box, hot glue gun, and a few thoughtfully chosen props, you'll be well on your way to costume contest glory.
Farmhouse Barbie
Chicken coop sold separately!
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Supplies Needed: Rectangular cardboard box, X-Acto knife or box cutter, pink spray-paint or solid-colored pink paper, white cardstock paper or white acrylic paint, stuffed toy chicken, egg collecting basket and fake farm eggs, pink bandana, denim overalls, two pieces of sturdy ribbon, like grosgrain
Directions: Trace an arched window shape on the front of a rectangular cardboard box, then cut out the window with an X-Acto knife or box cutter. Spray-paint the box your desired shade of pink or cut out and secure pink paper to cover the exterior, using hot glue or other desired adhesive. To create a vintage-inspired logo (there have been many variations through the years), find a comparable font and print your preferred wording on 12 by 18 paper, then cut around the outline as desired and secure to the box with adhesive. (If you don't have a printer, you can try your local UPS store.) Alternatively, you can freehand a logo on to the box with white paint.
Home Reno Barbie
Because you can't trust the Kentractor.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Supplies Needed: Rectangular cardboard box, X-Acto knife or box cutter, pink spray-paint or solid-colored pink paper, assorted pink paint swatches, a drill and/or safety goggles, two pieces of sturdy ribbon, like grosgrain
Directions: Trace an arched window shape on the front of a rectangular cardboard box, then cut out the window with an X-Acto knife or box cutter. Spray-paint the box your desired shade of pink or cut out pink paper to cover the exterior, securing with glue. To create a vintage-inspired logo (there have been many variations through the years), find a comparable font and print your preferred wording on 12 by 18 paper, then cut around the outline as desired and secure to the box with adhesive. (If you don't have a printer, you can try your local UPS store.) Alternatively, you can freehand a logo on to the box with white paint.
Antiquing Barbie
She's sweet but she's not afraid to haggle.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Supplies Needed: Rectangular cardboard box, X-Acto knife or box cutter, pink spray-paint or solid-colored pink paper, wool cowboy hat, assorted vintage (or vintage-inspired) finds, two pieces of sturdy ribbon, like grosgrain
Directions: Trace an arched window shape on the front of a rectangular cardboard box, then cut out the window with an X-Acto knife or box cutter. Spray-paint the box your desired shade of pink or cut out pink paper to cover the exterior, securing with glue.
Coastal Grandma Barbie
Have you seen her tortoise shell reading glasses?
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Supplies Needed: Rectangular cardboard box, X-Acto knife or box cutter, blue spray-paint or solid-colored blue paper, white wine glass (wine optional!), cheese board, white wig, woven sun hat or canvas bucket hat, two pieces of sturdy ribbon, like grosgrain
Directions: Trace an arched window shape on the front of a rectangular cardboard box, then cut out the window with an X-Acto knife or box cutter. Spray-paint the box your desired shade of blue or cut out blue paper to cover the exterior, securing with glue. To create a vintage-inspired logo (there have been many variations through the years), find a comparable font and print your preferred wording on 12 by 18 paper, then cut around the outline as desired and secure to the box with adhesive. (If you don't have a printer, you can try your local UPS store.) Alternatively, you can freehand a logo on to the box with white paint.
IF YOU'D RATHER BUY...
You can piece together these movie-inspired looks with some savvy add-to-cart curation.
Retro Beach Barbie
Please take all of your costume photos from this angle and this angle only.
Shop the Beach Barbie Look
Shop the Beach Barbie Look
Beret Barbie
Emily in Paris could never serve up such solid side braid.
Shop the Beret Barbie Look
Nautical Barbie
She only trick-or-treats for lobster rolls.
Shop the Nautical Barbie Look
Western Barbie
Watch her lasso a mini Snickers bar!
Shop the Western Barbie Look
Rollerblade Barbie
It's the fastest way to canvas the neighborhood.
Shop the Rollerblading Barbie Look
Hot Pink Adjustable Visor
Weird Barbie
The most relatable of all, tbh.
And How Could We Forget Ken?
Pulling together this look won't demand much Kenergy at all.
Shop Ken's Denim Look
*We regret to acknowledge that we could most definitely accidentally forget Ken.
Rachel Barrett is the Editor-in-Chief of Country Living. She can't pass up a vintage seascape, drives an '89 Woody Wagoneer (that is, when it'll start), and hopes to buy you a lemonade at a future Country Living Fair.
