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If you’re looking to channel your inner doll, these plus size Barbie outfit ideas are great ways to do so.
Since its original manufacturing in 1959, fashion figure Barbie has been famous for her modelesque stature, high-end style, and picture-perfect smile. The household phenomenon was created by Ruth Handler, a business magnate who reportedly gained inspiration after watching her daughter, Barbara, and friends role-play with paper dolls.
However, although Handler innovatively entered the market and the hearts of many, the lack of representation for little girls on the chubbier side often sparked debates globally. The earlier Barbies were slim, with runway features that weren’t realistic for the everyday woman. This later prompted the conversation of adding plump-shaped toys to the roster.
In 2016, Mattel, Barbie’s distributor, listened to the inclusivity calls and introduced a thicker design of the once-thin model in their diversity line. But… this, too, ignited controversy, as most questioned whether or not the imagery would “promote obesity” among children. Despite its mayhem, today, the billion-dollar empire is still one of the top doll brands in the world.
The Rise of Barbie Trends on Social Media
For years, we’ve seen Barbie displayed in everything from matinees and merchandise to crowds and costumes. With the peak of beauty creators in the 2010s, makeup tutorials on the character’s signature, pageant-girl look flooded platforms like YouTube. Not long after, those same online personalities hopped on the wave of get-ready-with-me videos rocking clothing inspired by Barbie.
Soon enough, it became a trend. Barbie’s impact continued to be a content throb around social media, but one thing remained… full-figured women in Barbie cosplay weren’t at the top of those hashtags. By now, we’re all familiar with the internet’s inhumane obsession with forcing socially obese people into hiding and condemning them for experimenting with their appearance. Whether 2014 or 2024, users still can’t fathom that bigger bodies aren’t confined to black clothing or sitting on the sidelines afraid to be seen anymore.
As the body-positivity community grew in size and visibility, heavier individuals eventually found comfort in the famous virtual movement #WeWearWhatWeWant, which made national news when plus size influencer Simone Mariposa brought the sensation to X (then Twitter) in 2016. Through the cyber world’s advocacy for larger frames, big women internationally began defying society’s norms and cultivating a lane of their own, specifically in fashion.
The evolution of plus size fashion has come a long way in internet years. Fluffy ladies have since proven that portrayals of Barbie’s famed aesthetic don’t rely on the width of one’s waist. In a world where ‘Barbie’ is often deemed the golden beauty standard, those of all shapes and sizes have shown that the long ideology of what that looks like has taken many forms. And the designers and retailers are taking note- making sure their Barbie capsule collections include plus size options!
Simultaneously, such depiction has given girls who look like the ones on their small screens the courage to define their own beauty standards. Be it through wearing an all-pink outfit or loving their reflection in the mirror past what they’ve previously been conditioned to believe. And today, we are all about the inspiration and plus size Barbie options to play in, as you channel your inner Barbie and walk it out.
So, if you’re still on a natural high from the live-action 2023 ‘Barbie’ film, this is the listicle for you. We’ve put together plus size Barbie outfit ideas that are perfect for embodying the ultimate doll!
7 Plus Size Barbie Outfit Ideas Guaranteed to Make You Feel Like ‘That Girl’
Come through, Nina Parker! The media personality’s plus size line is a winner all-around, but this Scuba Blazer & Pants set is the BOMB.com… for sure! With its satin makeup, the suit gives 100% business baddie. The blazer is available in 2X and 3X. As for the pants, those can be gotten in sizes up through a 28W.
What better way to look like a Barbie than to rock it… literally? This customized Barbie-printed dress is the leading outfit idea if you’d like to look like the pink babe herself! Unique Vintage offers up through a size 20 at $110.00.
You can’t go wrong with a classic skater dress, especially this one from Torrid! The Mini Foxy Skater Tank Dress is valued at $45 and ranges from sizes 12-30. Although the knit fabric offers stretch room, it’s a fun and flirty fit that will accentuate your curves in all the right places. Pair this with a sparkly pink jacket/vest, fancy pumps, and stand-out accessories and you’re good to go!
Priced at $39.99, this bodycon showstopper is definitely bound to turn a few heads. With its drawstring detailing on the front, the mini party dress is ideal for camouflaging the tummy and spotlighting your hips. What a way to bring out the sexy! Available from XL to 4X.
Because tulle is playful! This Delaney Tulle Mini Dress is great for hitting the town… or the bar! Beat your face and jazzy it up with your sky high stilettos. The item has a fit and flare bodice that shows off those legs, so the only thing that will be hot while wearing it is YOU! Sizing starts at XS and goes up to a 3X. Your Ken awaits!
LIIISTEN! Perfect Curves Boutique’s Keep Her Secrets Dress ($70.00) is a stage killa! All eyes will certainly be on you with this tight-fitted, fringe-designed piece. The tube dress is made with 89% polyester and 11% spandex and goes from 1X to 3X.
“This knit wrap top is made in a super soft & cozy fabric with two tone pink details. Adorned with a custom Barbie® pin from Canadian designer Biko, adding a flare to this outfit or any piece for that matter!” Available up through a size 4X, you are sure to make a statement in this one as you wear this to work, to play, or even lounge in!
Which of these plus size Barbie outfit ideas will you be trying? Let us know in the comments below!
The author’s content and opinions have not been pre-reviewed, approved or endorsed by Discover.
