Carbon Costume

Weird Barbie, played by Kate McKinnon is from the new Barbie movie, by Greta Gerwig. Weird Barbie is based off of those Barbies that you may have had when you were a kid that you played with too hard, like cutting their hair and drawing on them with markers. Gerwig revealed that in the movie she is an all-knowing kind of character like The Giver and lives separately from the other Barbies in her own wacky house.

To dress like this hilarious character, use bright fabric paint on a pink puffy dress, a short blonde wig to cut up unevenly and add blue and pink hair chalk, face paint crayons, and pair with tall patterned boots.

Ken (played by Ryan Gosling) is the hunky counterpart to the titular Barbie from the upcoming live-action film. Barbie and Ken have been iconic toys for decades, and now they’re getting the full movie treatment as dolls brought to life. Ken wears several wild outfits in the movie, including a black and white cowboy ensemble and a glaringly neon outfit with plenty of funky patterns. You may have to get a little crafty to get as close as possible to Ken’s look, so don’t be afraid to attach some fringe to your cowboy shirt with a hot glue gun. Likewise, neon sneakers can stand in for roller blades if you don’t feel like skating all night.

Barbie (played by Margot Robbie), one of the most iconic toys in existence, is now getting the live-action treatment in her own film.  Cast out of Barbieland for not being perfect enough, Barbie finds herself transported to the real world alongside Ken.  Barbie’s outfits are bright and outlandish, perfect for a doll.  Getting exact matches for the costumes is going to be almost impossible, so focus on recreating the look as closely as you can while channeling the overall vibe.  You can use some iron-on star patches to add details to her pink cowgirl outfit, and if you don’t feel like rollerblading in your costume all night, a pair of neon high-tops can be easily swapped in.

Barbie is an American (and in many place, global) household name. And it’s not just a doll line. She long ago branched into movies. And some, like Barbie as The Princess and the Pauper have a huge fan following. For good reason, too! The songs (where Barbie is voiced by Melissa Lyons) are catchy and Barbie herself (voiced in speaking parts by Kelly Sheridan) is an inspiration.

If you want to channel your inner Barbie princess – and the good she tries to do – you’ll want to start with a pink ballgown. A few examples are included above since a princess rarely has only one dress. You’ll also need a long blonde wig, a gold tiara, a gold choker, and gold shoes. Gold ribbon can add bow details to your gown as well. And of course you’ll want a white cat just like the princess!

In Toy Story 3, Barbie is a pretty blonde doll who ends up being donated to Sunnyside Daycare with Andy’s toys, including Woody. There she meets Ken, who seems to be her the boy of her dreams. Barbie’s outfit is based on an 80s look, when aerobics, leg warmers, and bright fluorescent colors were in.

Barbie stole our hearts as a child! This was our very first toy — Pretty Hearts Barbie (#14473). Though it was released in 1996, it had that classic 80s look.