Barbiecore’s grip on society is truly a force to be reckoned with. Thanks to Greta Gerwig’s upcoming film Barbie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the movement has retained a ubiquitous presence online. As of July, #barbieoutfits has surpassed over 56.5 million views – case in point.
However, the fuchsia fad didn’t start when Margot slipped her perfectly primed feet into those baby pink stilettos. Barbiecore was coined in 2022 when Valentino’s creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli set his one-colour tonal decree for his autumn/winter collection. A stream of stars adopted the role of poster girl for the brand’s think pink ethos, with the likes of Anne Hathaway, Florence Pugh and more falling prey to the pink. In short, ‘Valentino pink’ walked so Barbiecore could run.
But of course, no Barbiecore look is complete without a handbag. As Robbie demonstrated during her jam-packed press tour for the film, kitschy-cute bags are akin to a vital organ for the character. With a helping hand from her stylist Andrew Mukamal, the actress hit the red carpet clasping many a Barbie-esque bag, spanning names such as Chanel, Vivienne Westwood and Versace.
Naturally, the popularity of the hue within designer collections trickled down into the high streets stores, meaning all could enjoy the nostalgic trend. Everyday totes, party-ready purses and Y2K staples exploded onto the scene in shades of hot pink, blossom and magenta, tapping into the universal desire to embrace dopamine dressing.
The trend isn’t solely for women either. Menswear has been whole-heartedly welcomed into the Barbiecore discussion, with famous faces such as Harry Styles, Lennon Gallagher and Lil Nas X championing the gender-bending theme.
Barbie star Ryan Gosling dubbed the male impulse to toy with Barbiecore ‘Kenergy,’ encouraging men to ditch gender stereotypes in favour of some blonde hair dye and pink (or pastel) garb - bags included.
In the spirit of all things Barbiecore, we’ve rounded up the ten best bags to doll up your accessorises arsenal. Whether you’re a minimalist looking to experiment with a pop of pink, or a maximalist adding to the archive, Barbiecore has got you covered.
See below
Best handbags for travelling that are stylish and practical
Best crochet pattern bags: Tote and shoulder bags to shop the on-trend style
Best crossbody bags for travel
Best basket bags: The straw, raffia and macramé styles for summer
Best iconic designer handbags to invest in
Best appliances to give your home a Barbie movie-inspired look
JW Anderson Bumper-12 Crossbody Bag
In the two shades of baby pink and blue, this bag is Barbiecore personified. This popular piece, sported by Gen Z It-girls Mia Regan and Iris Law, is a preppy everyday essential. With the ability to punctuate any outfit with colour, while conjuring up Barbiecore brilliance, JW Anderson’s cloud-like offering is a must-have for the trend’s enthusiasts.
Buy now £650.00, Farfetch
MM6 Maison Margiela Leather Mini Crossbody Bag
One for the minimalists, MM6 Maison Margiela’s petite crossbody in flamingo pink is an easy-breezy sling-on option when you want to go hands-free. The gender-neutral accessory holds the essentials such as keys and cards and is cut from a buttery smooth calfskin leather. An ideal choice for the micro-silhouette shoppers among us.
Buy now £273.00, Farfetch
Diesel Logo-plaque Leather Shoulder Bag
With the ubiquity of 90s fashion, it was only a matter of time before Diesel reclaimed its supreme status. Mania for the Italian fashion house is taking over, meaning we have a feast of stylish nostalgic accessories to delve into. The brand’s Logo-Plaque shoulder bags are seriously hot property and fuse motor-inspired detailing with space age shapes and metallics.
Buy now £397.00, Farfetch
Stone and Mason Hot Pink Disco Ricky
Hens and holidays have never been easier to accessorize thanks to Stone and Mason’s Disco Ricky collection. Featuring a hot pink rhinestone-clad frontal panel, a vegan leather lizard-effect body, practical internal pockets and a chunky beaded top handle, the crossbody is perfect for storing all your evening essentials.
Buy now £275.00, Stone and Mason
Vivienne Westwood Pink Granny Frame Bag
For one of her many photo calls in London, Margot Robbie graced the red carpet in a skirt suit by Vivienne Westwood. The sweetheart set featured a recycled polyester-blend cloquet and an all-over jacquard floral pattern. The label’s Granny Frame bag is the coordinating piece, meaning you can recreate Robbie’s look to perfection.
Buy now £164.00, SSENSE
Ottolinger Off-White Signature Baguette Bag
Barbiecore is given some edge courtesy of Ottolinger’s baguette bag. The pretty in pink accessory features bows in a soft pale hue, silver hardware and a recycled hand sculpted silhouette.
Buy now £293.00, SSENSE
Guess Belle Vintage Denim Shoulder Bag
Gucci’s love child Guess is a go-to for all things Y2K. This monogram baguette bag in fuchsia is reminiscent of loud Noughties accessories beloved by Paris Hilton and Britney Spears alike. With a peppering of glitzy gold hardware, zip detailing and a denim blend fabric, this vintage-inspired shoulder piece serves up copious sartorial sass.
Buy now £115.00, Guess
Balenciaga Le Cagole XS Leather Shoulder Bag
For those with a penchant for luxury, then Balenciaga’s Le Cagole XS leather shoulder bag is the ultimate buy. The designer piece is a flirty reimagining of the brand’s archival Motorcycle and is topped off with a cute detachable heart-shaped mirror. The bag’s girlish hue and peppering of biker-style studs makes for the ultimate Noughties design.
Buy now £1113.00, Net-A-Porter
Marni Leather-trimmed Shearling and Vinyl Tote
Texture fiends rejoice as Marni has supplied the perfect pan-fabric bag. This zesty number features a hot pink hue and swathes of vinyl-encased fuzzy shearling – the ultimate OTT purchase that proves that more is always more.
Buy now £735.00, Net-A-Porter
Bimba Y Lola Aquamarine Bananas Mix Print Mesh Bucket Bag
This Barbie is a mermaid! This pool party-ready piece exudes mermaid magic and showcases dazzling ones of aquamarine and tropicana yellow. We think it would be fitting to be adorned on the arm of Dua Lipa sea-based Barbie.
Buy now £69.00, Bimba Y Lola
Roop Baby Furoshiki Bag
Shop smartly and support local brands at the same time by adding Roop’s Baby Furoshiki bag to your online wish list. The made-to-order design is crafted from traditional Japanese wrapping cloth which was originally used to transport clothes, gifts and other goods. The scrunchie-style knot design will put a sartorial spring in your step.
Buy now £48.00, Roop
Reclaimed Vintage 90s Shoulder Bag
Erring on the side of nostalgia is Reclaimed Vintage’s 90s shoulder bag. Simply fill the spacious piece with your day-to-night staples, hook over your shoulder and head out in true Barbie style. The piece is reminiscent the popular silhouette of Prada’s Re-Nylon bag without the luxury price tag.
Buy now £24.99, ASOS
Anthropologie Beaded Shoulder Bag
Beaded jewellery is one of this summer’s most sought-after trend and if you’re looking to go matchy-matchy with your accessories, look no further. Anthropologie’s playful beaded shoulder bag packs a playful punch whether you’re out and about in the city or holidaying in style.
Buy now £88.00, Anthropologie
Mango Natural Fibre Sack Bag
It goes without saying that heading to a far flung destination requires the perfect vacay tote. Woven styles are a seasonal favourite and can effortlessly infuse your beachside attire with a dose of boho chic. Mango has fused the worlds of Barbiecore and Cottagecore when creating its fabulous functional shopper, which boasts a bucket silhouette and is crafted with natural fibres. Life in plastic may be fantastic, but sustainable is more maintainable.
Buy now £35.99, Mango
Ganni Crochet Frill Tote Bag
Spice up your holiday wardrobe with this striking tote. This unapologetically feminine bag is made from certified organic cotton and features two straps, ruffled edges, a crochet design and Ganni’s delicate insignia.
Buy now £140.00, Ganni
Kiko Kostadino Purple Trivia Sioux Bag
A shoulder bag is an essential whether you’re popping from A to B in the capital or exploring new territory on a city break, and Kiko Kostadinov’s lilac offering is ideal for those wanting a capacious piece with a futuristic design.
Buy now £387.00, SSENSE
Charles & Keith Este Printed Trapeze Bag
Charles & Keith’s affordable trapeze bag nail picnic panache with its striking check print finish and structured silhouette. Team with any all-black office look and mules for the most covetable look.
Buy now £65.00, Charles & Keith
