You may not realise it, but The Sims gaming franchise has been influencing pop culture since its original release some 20 years ago, and its impact continues to today with The Sims 4.
Only recently did head designer at Moschino Jeremy Scott collaborate with the game's makers to bring out an exclusive capsule collection that featured pixelated logo T-shirts, chain-print bumbags and accessories ranging from phone cases to hats. Before that Swedish high street giant H&M released an entire Stuff Pack for The Sims 2, allowing players to clothe their Sims in seasonally relevant garments, and who could forget Katy Perry’s limited-edition Showtime for The Sims 3? For the cherry on top, she even sung “Last Friday Night” in Simlish (not that this could ever compare to The Pussycat Dolls’ Simlish recording of “Don’t Cha”).
Now, with Covid-19 causing lockdown around the world, there has been a sudden surge in downloads of the new game, reigniting the love for this nostalgic, early 2000s diamond (or plumbob, as the iconic green diamond is called in the game). The Sims 4 features all the classics we know and love, but above all it features a much-updated men’s wardrobe overhaul.
Long gone are the days when your Sim would look like an extra from O-Town’s “Liquid Dreams” music video (although we could absolutely deal with this look); forget the oversized flame-print shirt, baggy cargo pants and the all important dog tag – the new wardrobe is enough to make any Sim green with envy.
It’s clear the latest Sim wardrobe has taken inspiration from the fashion weeks around the world. Thanks to the high level of customisation available, Thom Browne's iconic shorts, high socks and loafers have be reimagined in nearly every shade and finish, while Daniel Lee’s new neo-leather Bottega Veneta is echoed in futuristic, padded designs. There are even takes on the boiler suits shown at Fendi, Dsquared2 and Dior, which can be styled on your Sim.
Runway fashion not your thing? Chic James Bond-style loungewear can also be found in the new wardrobes, so whether you’re after a Derek Rose-style dressing gown or even a simple, understated loungewear look, it’s all been covered.
If James Bond's not your man, why not make like our very own Fashion Director Luke Day and explore a Western look? A classic Western shirt teamed with matching jeans and an obnoxious buckle belt is a firm favourite of ours (bow tie optional), but if you’re feeling extra adventurous, Lil Nas X-esque chaps can also be found.
Western to one side, there are also plenty of 1970s revival looks à la Harry Styles: high-waisted flares, heeled boots and argyle print jumpers can all be styled on your Sim.
And as if that wasn't enough, you can even dress your Sim in your favourite looks from any binge-worthy Netflix series. A varsity jacket in the style of Sex Education’s Jackson is very much available, while, similarly, there's a classic pinstripe suit which harks back to BBC’s White Gold.
So, it’s official, The Sims 4 is your new go-to for fashion inspo. You heard it here first.
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