How to Dress a Barbie Doll

Co-authored by Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: December 16, 2021

When you dress a Barbie doll, you want her to look her best. Make or buy an assortment of Barbie clothes so you have lots of options. Decide how formal or casual you want your Barbie to be and then try different combinations of shirts, skirts, dresses, and pants. Once you've dressed your Barbie, finish her look by adding shoes, hats, and accessories!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making and Buying Barbie Clothes

1
Use a sewing machine to make a simple dress. Choose a lightweight fabric in a pattern that you'd like for the dress. Cut a 5 x 12 in (12 x 30 cm) rectangle that will make the bodice and cut a 2.5 x 6 in (6 x 15 cm) rectangle for the skirt. Wrap the bodice around the Barbie so you can see what size to make it. Gather the top of the large rectangle together and sew the smaller rectangle to it. Attach a 4 in (10 cm) long strip of velcro along the back and stick the dress shut.^{[1]
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- You can embellish the shirts and dresses by sewing on straps or using different types of fabric.
- Try making a simple dress using an old shirt sleeve in your favorite fabric.
2
Create a no-sew shirt or dress. Get out an old sock in a color and fabric you like. Cut both ends from the sock so you're left with a tube of fabric without elastic or a heel. Trim an end of the fabric until it's the length you want the shirt or dress to be. Snip arm holes out near the top of each side and slip the shirt or dress onto your Barbie doll.
- Dress socks will make softer dresses that lay well on your Barbie doll while woolen socks will make rustic looking dresses.
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3
Cut out a skirt and tie it with a sash. Take a square of fabric at least 4 in (10 cm) wide and fold it in half. Fold it in half again and cut a curve along the open edges. Unfold the trimmed fabric to reveal a circle. Cut out a small 3 in (7.5 cm) circle in the center so you can push your Barbie doll's legs through. Pull the skirt up and onto the Barbie's waist. Wrap a 4 in (10 cm) long strip of fabric around the waist to secure the skirt.
- You can use cotton, satin, lace, velvet, or any sturdy fabric. If you want a lighter fabric such as tulle, you'll need to use several layers to fill out the skirt.
4
Check craft fairs for clothes. Go to local craft fairs or shops and buy handmade Barbie clothes. You can usually find a large variety of styles and fabrics. If you don't see what you're looking for, talk with the crafter and ask if they can design something just for you.
- You may be able to find a tailor or seamstress who can adjust doll clothing to fit your specific Barbie doll.
5
Buy Barbie clothes online. Check your favorite online websites for used, new, or vintage Barbie clothes. You can buy handmade clothes from Etsy or check eBay for handmade and commercial Barbie clothes. Message the seller to ensure the clothes will fit your exact Barbie doll. Once you've found the right clothes, have an adult make the purchase for you.
- You can buy Barbie clothes in bulk or search for a single outfit.
6
Knit or crochet your own Barbie clothes. Use your favorite yarn to knit or crochet dresses, skirts, hats, and shirts for Barbie. You'll need to use small needles to create a tight knit that won't stretch out when you put the clothes on the doll.
- Check fabric stores for patterns you can purchase or check online for free patterns.
7
Buy Barbie clothes from toy stores. One of the easiest ways to ensure you get clothes that fit your doll is to buy the clothes from a toy store. If you're dressing a newer Barbie that has a different body style, you'll have to buy clothes specifically made for its body type.
- For example, buy clothes made for original, curvy, petite, or tall Barbie.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Styling Barbie Outfits

1
Decide how formal you want Barbie to look. If your Barbie will be going to a dressy event, you'll want a stylish outfit with lots of matching accessories. For example, choose a sweeping gown with jewelry and high heels. For a more casual daytime look, you might dress Barbie in classic slacks with a colorful blouse. To keep things informal, choose sneakers or a slouchy hat.
2
Choose clothes based on the activity she’ll be doing. To dress your Barbie for a story you're playing, make sure the clothes match her activities. For example, she'll need a sweater and thick pants if she's going on a ski trip. If she's dressing for the first day of school, your Barbie might wear slacks and a blouse.
3
Choose a skirt, dress, pants, or shorts. Match the fabric and color of the item to the style you're going for. For example, pick a dark velvet fabric for an evening dress or use a denim skirt for a simple daytime look.^{[2]
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- If you're picking a cold weather outfit for Barbie, choose corduroy or thick-textured pants that you can pair with boots.
4
Select a top. If you're unsure which shirt, blouse, or sweater to match with Barbie's pants, skirt, or dress, hold a top up to the bottom. Try unexpected combinations to see what you like. You might try a fun, cropped t-shirt with a bright skirt. You could even mix a solid black top with a floral print skirt.^{[3]
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5
Put the outfit on your Barbie. Once you've selected a fashionable outfit for your doll, start putting the clothes on it. If the clothes have velcro, peel the velcro apart and slide the dolls arms and legs into the right holes. Bring the velcro back together and push it to secure the clothes. Some clothing may have snaps that you need to push and pop together.
- Avoid pulling the clothing with snaps too hard or the snaps may pop.
6
Finish the outfit with a jacket. Try layering several thin shirts or jackets for a simple casual look. You can also create a formal look by putting a thick coat or shimmery jacket over an evening gown. For example, pair a creamy jacket or coat with a solid color shirt and black leather pants.
7
Keep textures and colors in mind. Decide if you want to use colors and textures that match or if you want to switch things up. An outfit using a single color such as cream or black can look stylish and sophisticated. If you'd like a unique look, mix different colors and fabrics.
- For example, give your Barbie a light tulle wrap if she's wearing a heavy velvet dress.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Accessorizing the Barbie

1
Match the outfit with the accessories that came with it. If you're dressing your Barbie with an outfit that you purchased, it probably came with accessories to complete the look. For example, if you're dressing your Barbie as a doctor, the outfit probably came with a stethoscope and lab coat. If your Barbie is in her swimsuit, she'll need a towel and beach ball.
- Don't be afraid to mix and match accessories. Your Barbie can have as many interests and occupations as you want, and her outfit should reflect that.
2
Add a hat or gloves. If you want the Barbie to look casual, put a floppy sun hat, slouchy hat, or beanie on her head. You can also pull the doll's hair back with clips. For more formal looks, dress her in hats with veils, flowers, or jewels.
- You can knit or crochet your own Barbie hat. Check fabric stores or online sewing sites for patterns. For example, knit a Barbie beret in your favorite color.
3
Include jewelry, glasses, or sunglasses. Put reading glasses on Barbie or sunglasses, if she's going to be out in the sun. You can also include jewelry like beaded necklaces or dangling earrings to make your Barbie look glamorous.
- You can also style your doll with crowns, headbands, and bracelets.
4
Put on shoes that complement the outfit. Try on a variety of shoes to see which style matches the outfit you've chosen. Choose from sandals, high heels, boots, ballet shoes, or sneakers. You'll need to push the Barbie's feet firmly into the shoes so they don't fall off.
- To make it easy to find pairs of shoes, store the shoes in a divided container that you can snap shut. For example, keep them in a jewelry case that has divided tabs.
5
Find a purse or bag for your Barbie. Many formal dresses for Barbie come with matching handbags or clutches. If you want your Barbie to look more formal or polished, have her hold a bag. For more casual looks, have the doll hold a backpack or slouchy bag.
- Some office or business Barbies may come with a briefcase or messenger bag.