Barbie Basics was the Barbie collection launched in 2009 around interchangeable little black dresses and fashion basics.
The collection presented Barbie as a fashion model wearing modern wardrobe staples rather than a character-specific costume. Its central idea was that a simple black dress could be styled in different ways with shoes, jewelry, bags, and other accessories.
Barbie Basics also highlighted different face sculpts and model-like presentation, giving collectors several versions of the doll within one fashion concept. The emphasis on a shared clothing theme made comparisons between dolls part of the appeal.
Barbie Basics is distinct from the Barbie Fashion Model Collection, which began in 2014 with a more couture-oriented collector focus. It is also separate from Barbie Looks, a later contemporary fashion line.