11 Best Barbie Halloween Costume Ideas for Halloween 2023

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 for Country Living

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 for Country Living

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

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.