How to wear hot pink without looking like a Barbie doll

In the realm of unexpected fashion trends, Barbiecore was probably the one we least expected. For the uninitiated, Barbiecore was fuelled by the recent screen caps from the upcoming Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Reynolds.

It gained further momentum when celebs like Lizzo and Gigi Hadid began donning head-to-toe hot pink looks on the red carpet, followed with the likes of Megan Fox and Kim Kardashian debuting pink hair looks.

Hot pink is certainly having a moment. But what if you want to wear it, without looking like a life-sized Barbie doll? The key is to find modern ways and unexpected twists to styling hot pink pieces. From safari-inspired pieces to textured must-haves, here's a rundown of five ways to wear hot pink confidently.

Wear it with: Tailoring

Spruce up in a hot pink blazer, like this look from Chanel. Feminise the look with a pink skirt, and add pops of white or gold accessories to break up the look from feeling too monotonous.

Steal the look: Tailoring

To recreate the look, start with a boxier jacket — plus points for ease and comfort! — finish with timeless cream pumps and a handbag. Lastly, plump up your lips with a juicy pink lip tint.

Shop this look (clockwise from top left):

Textured Double-Breasted Blazer, $45.90, from Zara

Lyocell Wrapover Skirt, $49.95, from H&M; buy it here.

Leather Heels in Beige, $89.90, from Pedro; buy it here.

Moments Charm Hoop Earrings in Rose Gold, $99, from Pandora; buy it here.

03 Rose Edition Atelier Small Leather Tote, US$3,470 ($4,777), from Valentino; buy it here.

Dior Addict Lip Tint in 351 Natural Nude, $54, from Dior; buy it here.

Wear it with: Lots of texture

Texture is a surefire way to add some interest to your look, and elevate it from feeling humdrum. Here, Emilia Wickstead demonstrates how classy hot pink can feel when cut into a chic midi-length dress with plenty of delicate 3-D florals.

Steal the look: Lots of texture

Taking our cue from Emilia Wickstead, we'd recommend starting flattering dress that's trimmed with lace for an accessible take on floral details. Minimalist accessories complete the look, so the attention stays on the standout frock.

Shop this look (clockwise from top left):

Broderie Anglaise Ramie Midi Dress, US$698 ($961), Zimmermann at The Outnet; buy it here.

Knotted Ankle-Strap Ballerina Flats in Chalk, $46.90, from Charles & Keith; buy it here.

Leather Medium Tote Bag in Light Beige, US$225 ($311), from COS; buy it here.

Cat-eye Acetate Sunglasses, US$428.14 ($589), from Celine at Net-A-Porter; buy it here.

Power Fabric+ Foundation, $90, from Armani Beauty; buy it here.

Wear it with: Utilitarian pieces

Here's a great way to add a surprising twist to hot pink: pair the girlish colour with safari-inspired pieces, such as a canvas jacket or cargo pants! This Eudon Choi runway look is a masterclass in mixing different fashion moods - where princess-y pink meets Lara Croft-inspired "tough girl" accents.

Steal the look: Utilitarian pieces

If it isn't broke, don't fix it! Rather than reinvent the look, we're following Eudon Choi's direction by mixing a tailored pink shirt with classic brown pants. Glam up the look with a bit of bling (pink, of course) and casual accessories for a fabulous smart casual look.

Shop this look (clockwise from top left):

Pockets Straight Trousers, $49.90, from Mango; buy it here.

Balloon Sleeve Top, US$99 ($137), from COS; buy it here.

Millenia Necklace in Pink, $800, from Swarovski; buy it here.

Advantage Shoes in Cloud White, $100, from Adidas; buy it here.

Anagram Cut-Out Bag, $1,350, from Loewe; buy a similar style here.

Cheek Pop Blush in Ginger Pop, $32, from Clinique; buy it here.

Wear it with: An unexpected colour combo

Speaking of twists, here's another idea courtesy of Paul Smith: try an unexpected colour pairing! Mix hot pink with green, purple, blue or (in this case) orange, and experiment with different palettes to find one that really appeals it.

Steal the look: An unexpected colour combo

Like the Paul Smith look, we're doing an orange and pink look. The difference? We're working it into a casual look that you can wear wear to brunch! A draped skirt and very comfy mules are great pieces to have in your arsenal of casual pieces.

Shop this look (clockwise from top left):

Decorative Knot Skirt, $49.90, from Mango; buy it here.

Ribbed Knit Top, US$150 ($207), from Frame at The Outnet; buy it here.

Voyage Canvas Medium Shoulder Bag, $620, from Kate Spade New York; buy it here.

Clear Sparkling Crown Solitaire Ring, $159, from Pandora; buy it here.

Lipstick in Tokio Rose, $74, from Byredo; buy it here.

Wear it with: A monochrome fit

Lastly, embrace the idea of a contemporary monochrome look, such as this Michael Kors ensemble. It's a no-brainer look for when you need an outfit that's fast and presentable.

Steal the look: A monochrome fit

The Michael Kors look is great for the boardroom, but for those days when you're just dressing to stay comfy and low-key, a loose-fitting pink twinset is a great option. Comfy sneakers keep you on your feet sans discomfort, and gold jewellery add an effortless jolt of glamour.

Shop this look (clockwise from top left):

Flowing Top With Knot Detail, $49.90, from Zara; buy it here.

Relaxed Trousers, $49.90, from Zara; buy it here.

Zelma Gold-Tone Clip Earrings, US$246.16 ($339), from Cult Gaia at Net-A-Porter; buy it here.

Golden Chain Pearl Necklace, $120, from Bimba Y Lola; buy it here.

Espadrille Trainers, $49.95, from H&M; buy it here.

Bright Crystal Eau De Toilette (90ml), $155, from Versace at Sephora; buy it here.

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This article was first published in The Singapore Women's Weekly.