Since her inception in 1959, Barbie has captured and recaptured the zeitgeist — and our imaginations — in a way that few cultural figures have managed before and since, and doing so with a lot of iconic outfits. Across six decades, the beloved doll has served as a sign of the times, her many reimaginings reflecting the intersection of trends both cultural and sartorial. Back in the 1950s, she was an Old Hollywood bombshell in hotpants and wiggle dresses to rival Marilyn Monroe. During the space race, she geared up in a silver spacesuit à la Neil Armstrong. As we’ve lived it — or watched from the sidelines — Barbie’s done it: she’s been a beach bum, an Olympic gymnast, a mallrat, a Y2K popstar, and much, much more, and all in fun, flashy garb to match.
But Barbie’s not just a mirror to the zeitgeist, she’s a barometer of social progress. From the sexually-liberated miniskirts of the 60’s to the Working Girl shoulder pads of the 80’s, Barbie’s many looks have charted the trajectory of women’s lives and rights throughout the last two centuries. In 1968, Mattel introduced the first Black Barbie, Christie, and, since, has continued to expand the Barbie universe to become a more inclusive, accurate reflection of the world we live in, including the introduction of Hispanic and AAPI Barbies, Barbies with physical disabilities, and Barbies with more diverse body types.
As the much-anticipated Barbie movie finally arrives in theaters, we look back at some of the iconic doll’s most iconic outfits.
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Number 1 Barbie, 1959
Barbie’s been an astronaut, a surgeon, and a popstar. But did you know she actually had her beginnings in fashion? Released all the way back in 1959, the very first Barbie doll was marketed as a “teenage fashion model.” Her signature cardboard box featured illustrations of the doll wearing an array of stylish outfits including ball gowns, tutus, sack dresses, hoodies, and swing coats. The IRL doll, however, arrived in one iconic outfit: a black-and-white striped bathing suit with matching mules. Chic! But we wouldn’t expect anything less from a budding fashion superstar.
Solo in the Spotlight Barbie, 1961
By the 1960’s, Barbie switched career tracks from fashion model to nightclub singer. And it’s really no surprise why: at the time, the nightclub was a staple of American life and the nightclub singer, a staple figure in American culture. Throughout the 1950s, the nightclub singer was immortalized on celluloid in films like Dark City and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. And in 1961, she was eternalized in plastic as Solo in the Spotlight Barbie. Silver mic stand in tow, this Barbie wears the nightclub singer’s unofficial uniform: the same long wiggle dress, evening gloves, and choker that Marilyn Monroe and Lizabeth Scott wore as they crooned to club-goers on the silver screen.
Malibu Barbie, 1971
After a decade in the entertainment industry, a girl deserves a break, right? So, that’s why, in 1971, Barbie took to the beaches of Malibu for some much-needed R’n’R. Accompanied by friends Christie and PJ, Malibu Barbie sported a trendy turquoise one-piece and a serious tan.
Day to Night Barbie, 1985
She’s back at it! In 1985, Barbie, just like some 80% of single, American women, joined the workforce. Just as her name suggests, Day to Night Barbie really does it all — and has the multi-tasking wardrobe to prove it. Here, she sports her 9-to-5 look: a pink power suit, a smart pair of pumps, and a little boater hat because, why not? But that’s just the beginning. Tucked away in her briefcase is this Barbie’s after-hours look: a sequinned cocktail dress, a tiny shoulder bag, and her signature mules.
Totally Hair Barbie, 1992
Meet the best-selling Barbie of all time. Released in 1992, Totally Hair Barbie sold a record-breaking ten million units worldwide. This Barbie featured an 11.5 inch-long ‘do, the longest in the doll’s history, at the time. To take care of her extra-long mane, Totally Hair Barbie was equipped with a scrunchie, organza hair clips, a comb, and hair gel. Oh, and this amazing Pucci-inspired mini dress.
Earring Magic Barbie, 1992
Who says Barbie gets to have all the fashion fun? In 1992, Mattel released Earring Magic Barbie, who came with an array of mix-and-match earring charms that could be shared between the doll and its owner. Alongside her statement-making earrings, this Barbie also donned a vinyl minidress and a matching waist chain.
Jam ’n Glam Barbie, 2001
After stints as a scuba diver, an Air Force pilot, and an Olympic gymnast throughout the 90s, Barbie rode the turn-of-the-millennium zeitgeist to pop stardom in 2001. Drawing from the outrageous Y2K stylings of stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, Jam ‘n Glam Barbie took to the stage in a fur bolero, vinyl pants, a new purple ‘do, and, of course, the requisite headset mic.