It seemed like everyone I spoke to this weekend had plans to see the new Barbie movie and I don’t think it was just because it was blazing hot and the movie theater is a popular place to get some cooling respite. Most surprising was the incredible cross section of people who told me they planned to see the film. Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, had a $155 million dollar opening weekend and the biggest debut ever for a film directed by a woman.

I wasn’t one of the many who headed out to see the movie but given the hype, I might just go and see what’s drawing people in droves. When I first heard about the movie, I had my reservations considering the beloved Barbie doll has long since been the subject of controversy with frequent criticism being that the doll promotes an unrealistic body image for young girls. Ironically, the movie, on the other hand, has become the subject of controversy among conservatives, mostly male, for being too woke and feminist. Poor Barbie, she just can’t catch a break.

Feminist criticisms of Barbie’s unrealistic body shape aside, hasn’t Barbie always sent a feminist or woke message? Yes, Barbie is pretty, but she has also been a doctor, a veterinarian, a salon owner, an astronaut, Olympic skier, a travel agent, and more. In fact, over the years, Barbie has had 200 jobs. That Barbie sure does hustle.

I didn’t grow up with a deep love of Barbie but I certainly owned them. I was too much of a tom boy to not have the inclination to eventually give my Barbies buzz cuts, mohawks or punk makeup. My parents didn’t have boys, so in addition to owning Barbies, my sister and I used to like drive our Barbie dolls around in a Tonka truck that fit them perfectly. Apparently, our Barbie dolls were big fans of off-roading in our backyard and sandbox.

From what I’ve read about Barbie, is that the movie is neither a male-dominated or female-dominated world is better. The message is that we should instead strive for equality. Barbie the movie points out that patriarchy isn’t just harmful to women who have to be subservient to men, but also to the men who play the dominant role in the system can never really be themselves either; they can only play a prescribed role. As to why some people find this concept so unsettling is completely lost on me.

STYLING BARBIE PINK IN YOUR WARDROBE: HOW TO WEAR PINK TO WORK

The biggest standout star of the Barbie movie had to be the pink featured throughout the film. In fact, I read that the makers of the the movie wiped out a company’s entire global supply of one shade of pink. Speaking of controversy, pink has always felt like a controversial color because of what it has implied over the years. Pink has been viewed as a passive, girly, delicate and dainty, shunned by women who mean business or have a modicum of intelligence despite the fact that, pink actually started out as a boy’s color. In recent years, women have reclaimed pink, particularly hot pink, as a feisty, grown-up shade of feminine power. In today’s post, I am styling bright Barbie pink for work to show that instead of being a color of submission it can be used by women as a color power.

OUTFIT #1

Let’s start with this suit from Argent which is a brand who styles suits for women to suit women’s needs. It’s a brand I appreciate for the fact that it has a very woman first, clothing second approach philosophy, very much like my own. Argent clothing is meant to support the woman and what she wants to accomplish approach. They offer many pieces in this powerful bright pink, including this double breasted blazer and pants suit. In such a bold shade, I styled it with a wrap top bodysuit, grey pumps, and a layered necklace.

OUTFIT #2

For a more casual workplace, I styled this bright pink oversized button-up shirt from Theory with a pair of skinny pants in navy from MM. Lafleur. I finished the outfit with a pair of Veja sneakers and double hoop earrings.

OUTFIT #3

If you like pink but don’t like, like pink, adding a pair of pink shoes can add some powerful pop to any look. I am not a huge pink person but, wow, do I love my magenta driving loafers. I styled these hot pink Birdies flats with a pair of olive pants, a Rag & Bone striped button-up, and a white double breasted blazer from Veronica Beard. I finished the look simply with a multi-strand necklace.

OUTFIT #4

Another way to add some hot pink to your life without going crazy would be to add the color as a coat. I styled this pink trench from Reiss to an understated navy and cream look with this blouse also from Reiss, a cream pair of trousers from Good American, a navy belt from The Fold, navy pumps from Stuart Weitzman, and knot studs from Bony Levy.

OUTFIT #5

If you’re all in with pink, try a dress. The color will be memorable and I don’t think there is anyone who would be seen as lacking confidence walking into work in such a bold shade. I styled this dress from Hobbs with a pair of soft pink patent leather pumps from The Fold, with a bracelet and earrings from By Alona.

SHOP FOR MORE BARBIE PINK

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