So unless you’ve abandoned Planet Earth, you probably know that this is the summer of the new movie Barbie and that all things “Barbie” have suddenly exploded into popular culture, including fashion. As an older adult, you may wonder if all this hoopla has any relevance for you. Beyond the fact that many of us experienced the joys of playing with Barbie and her friends when we were youngsters, or perhaps played along when our children or grandchildren developed their own attraction to Barbie, you may find it interesting to know that Barbie’s creator, Ruth Handel, was a woman way ahead of her time. One of the founders of the toy company Mattel in 1945, along with her husband and another business partner, Ruth Handel became an astonishingly successful businesswoman and marketer at a time when women barely rose in the corporate ranks, and she created an entirely new genre of advertising toys directly to children through television. To find out more about Ruth Handel and her phenomenally successful career, grab your high heels and click here.

For today’s times, the question is, will you be embracing your inner Barbie, either with the confidence she exudes that “You can be anything” – regardless of your gender or age- or with wearing the bold pink color that’s emblematic of all things Barbie. In fact, instead of the “Coastal Grandmother” look of last summer, this summer’s fashion trend is all about “Barbiecore”, suggesting a hint of nostalgia and a splash of the boldest pink you are comfortable wearing. It’s a mash of femininity, confidence, and “lighthearted youthfulness” that may be just what we all need in contrast to the previous summers of Covid or the current grim climate news. After all, Barbie herself is technically in her 60s and look how she dresses!

If you’re wondering whether pink might be an option for your own wardrobe, we’ve previously encouraged you to break fashion rules and choose color to make pops in your wardrobe. This summer that might mean a pink shoe or handbag (accessories are a great way to bring pink into your wardrobe) or maybe go more bold and wear entire outfits that scream pink. For some reasonably priced pinks to perk up your closet this summer, try looking here.

Finally, if you’re just curious what it would be like to have a Barbie doll today, and wondering what kinds of houses, accessories, and gizmos are sold along with Barbie, put your Ken doll in the Barbie car and take a look at all things Barbie here.