Dress to Impress, the Roblox game that’s a hit with adults
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The world of video games is constantly evolving, but some trends are surprising in their scope and popularity. This is the case for Dress to Impress, offered by the platform Roblox since 2023, which, against all odds, has managed to captivate an audience of adults and celebrities. Even Léna Situations is hooked on it, and Charli XCX collaborated with the game last August. On TikTok, the game is, of course, a huge hit. And for good reason, DTI awakens the Barbie fan within us, the lover of dress-up dolls, and the inveterate competitor.
325 seconds on the clock to dress a model according to a theme, and face a horde of nerdy aspiring designers: the challenge has already been accepted billions of times since the game’s launch.
Dress to Impress, what is it?
Literally, it means “Dressing to Impress”. Launched on Roblox, a platform for online games created by enthusiasts for the community, Dress to Impress is based on a simple but addictive concept. The idea: create a character and a look based on a given theme, in just 5 minutes.
The goal? To get the highest scores during the fashion show to win the game. Accessible, interactive, and offering an infinite number of artistic possibilities, Dress to Impress has managed to attract a wide audience, appealing to both online gaming enthusiasts and makeover lovers.
Each round presents a new theme: Met gala, superheroes, plant monsters, or even the first day of school. Players must search through a vast virtual wardrobe to dress their avatar and earn points.
This is followed by a fashion show where all participants judge each other. Theme adherence, originality of the outfit, creativity: you’d think you were in a virtual version of *Les Reines du shopping*. All that’s missing is Christina Cordula.
Why do adults love this game?
A trip back to childhood
A free and quick trip back to childhood, that’s what the game Dress to Impress offers above all. By revisiting simple activities like virtual dressing and outfit creation, adults rediscover the carefree joy of the games they played when younger. This nostalgic aspect, combined with the absence of pressure and the freedom to express oneself through fashion, allows players to escape from daily life while reconnecting with their childhood imagination and creativity.
Dress to Impress offers adults a form of nostalgia. For some, it’s a way to relive childhood games, especially those related to fashion and dressing up. This return to a more carefree moment, coupled with the satisfaction of creative competition, makes this game a true guilty pleasure.
Quick break, or almost
Need a stress-free break? DTI is the perfect game. 5 minutes of challenge, just enough time to see all the models go by. And voilà, 10 minutes of joy. However, be careful, those 10 minutes can quickly turn into 1.5 hours if you don’t tire of the challenges…
Competitive spirit
The success of Dress to Impress is also due to its strong competitive spirit. It’s worth noting that the game is not just about creating outfits; it encourages players to compete for the best scores and to outdo themselves in creativity. Each round is a challenge where you must impress other participants and earn rewards. Critiques, praises, and comments on outfits fill the chat. What, your outfit for the Met Gala theme didn’t convince? No problem, you can play again. And before you know it, you’ve spent two hours on Roblox.
How to play Dress to Impress?
The gameplay of Dress to Impress is as intuitive as it is fun. Here’s a simple guide to get started:
1. Create a Roblox account
Before playing Dress to Impress, you need to have an account on Roblox. If you haven’t explored this platform yet, know that it is easy to access and free. Once your account is created, you can access thousands of games, including Dress to Impress.
2. Enter the game
Once on Roblox, simply search for Dress to Impress. After clicking “play,” you will automatically be directed to the game lobby where other players are also connected.
3. Hair & Make-up
Each round begins with the announcement of a theme. You have a limited time to choose your avatar’s outfit. Start by heading to the booths to select an appropriate skin tone, then to the beauty salon chairs to style your hair and make-up. Next, browse a vast selection of clothes, accessories, and shoes to create the perfect look. You can even choose specific colors and patterns to further customize your outfit.
4. Strut your stuff
Once everyone has finished dressing their avatar, players judge each other. You must rate the outfits of other participants from 1 to 5 stars based on their creativity, theme adherence, and originality. You will also receive a rating for your own outfit.
The creators thought of everything, even making you pose. Jump, dance, make faces, by choosing the poses on the right side of the screen. You can even invite another player to strut with you in a duo.
5. Level up
As you progress through the rounds, you move from aspiring model to essential fashionista. The game offers a chance to become VIP, but be careful, this means buying a pass with Robux, the currency of Roblox, which can be purchased with real money… So be cautious if you let your kids play Roblox. To obtain free upgrades (clothes, hairstyles, accessories…), codes are regularly offered online.
6. Master the player lingo
Since DTI is played internationally, players often communicate in English in the chat. You’ll learn that “tysm” means “thank you so much”, that “slay” means you absolutely nailed it, just like “ate” which literally means you totally “owned it”. Yes, it’s a compliment.
Feeling a strong urge to “Dress to Impress” in everyday life? Head to your favorite wardrobe. The theme? You choose!
Photos: screenshots from Dress to Impress – Roblox – Marie Raymond
