Barbiecore vs Ballerina Chic—Which Aesthetic Is Winning This Summer?
If 2023 was all about the “clean girl” look, 2024 dipped into dopamine dressing, and now 2025 is shaping up to be the year of the feminine power aesthetic.
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Barbiecore vs Ballerina Chic—Which Aesthetic Is Winning This Summer? |
Two very distinct yet equally dreamy styles have taken over Instagram feeds, TikTok trends, and even your favorite coffee shop line: Barbiecore and Ballerina Chic.
Both are ultra-pretty, hyper-styled, and deeply rooted in nostalgia—but which one is really winning this summer?
Let’s break it down.
What Exactly Is Barbiecore?
Barbiecore exploded after the Barbie movie, but it’s far more than just wearing pink.
It’s the embrace of bold, unapologetic femininity. Think:
Bubblegum pink dresses
High-gloss lips
Oversized sunglasses
Playful accessories (heart-shaped purses, glitter heels)
It’s a high-energy, in-your-face glam that says, I’m here, I’m fabulous, and I’m not afraid to stand out.
Barbiecore thrives on a mix of early 2000s Y2K nostalgia and hyper-polished modern fashion.
A typical Barbiecore outfit could be a hot-pink minidress paired with metallic platforms, or pastel co-ords topped with rhinestone hair clips.
Key Barbiecore vibes: Extra, bold, statement-making, summer party ready.
What Is Ballerina Chic?
Ballerina Chic, on the other hand, is all about subtle elegance and soft romance. It’s ballet-inspired fashion without actually being on your way to rehearsal. Think:
Soft tulle skirts
Wrap cardigans
Satin ballet flats
Sheer layering and delicate pastels
It’s rooted in the “balletcore” movement but polished for everyday wear. Instead of hot pink, you’re leaning into blush tones, creams, champagne, and lilacs. This look whispers luxury without shouting.
A typical Ballerina Chic outfit might be a flowy tulle midi skirt with a fitted camisole, a cropped shrug, and a silk hair ribbon. It’s ultra-romantic and perfect for brunch, weddings, or summer picnics.
Key Ballerina Chic vibes: Romantic, airy, graceful, quietly expensive.
How They’re Showing Up This Summer
Scroll TikTok and you’ll notice Barbiecore girls living for:
Girls’ night looks in bright pink mini dresses
Glitter eye makeup and glossy pink lips
Sky-high heels and sparkly jewelry
Meanwhile, Ballerina Chic is dominating:
“Soft life” content
Coffee shop OOTDs in silk skirts
Neutral makeup and ballet flats
Cottagecore-meets-city looks
Barbiecore is for those out and about summer nights, while Ballerina Chic feels right for slow sunny mornings and chic city strolls.
Celebs Leading the Trend
Barbiecore Queens: Megan Fox, Hailey Bieber (on her pink days), and of course, Margot Robbie
Ballerina Chic Icons: Zoë Kravitz, Lily-Rose Depp, and Sofia Richie Grainge (her whole quiet luxury vibe fits perfectly here)
Which One Is Winning?
Here’s the thing—it’s not really a fight. This summer, both aesthetics are thriving, but in different spaces. Barbiecore is dominating events, parties, and vacation outfits. Ballerina Chic is stealing the show in street style, brunch fashion, and romantic dates.
If TikTok trends are anything to go by, Barbiecore wins in viral content, while Ballerina Chic wins in wearability.
How to Try Each Aesthetic
For Barbiecore:
Invest in one bold pink statement piece.
Add metallic or rhinestone accessories.
Go for playful, exaggerated makeup—think bold lashes and shiny lips.
For Ballerina Chic:
Stick to a soft, muted color palette.
Choose flowy silhouettes like tulle skirts or silk slips.
Keep accessories minimal—delicate gold jewelry, satin hair bows.
The Hybrid Trend
Fashion girls are now blending both: Barbie Ballerina. Imagine a blush-pink tulle skirt paired with a hot-pink corset top, strappy metallic heels, and a soft updo. This mix has been spotted on influencers who refuse to pick a side.
Bottom line:
This summer isn’t about choosing either/or. It’s about embracing the moments that call for bold Barbiecore confidence and the ones that deserve soft, Ballerina Chic elegance. After all, the ultimate power move is knowing when to sparkle loud—and when to glide gracefully.