These days, a teenager’s idea of fun is about more than just going shopping or gossiping about the latest school news; it’s about staying in and playing the internet’s hottest new game, Dress To Impress.
The virtual gaming platform known as “Roblox” has been around since the early 2000s, where millions of users from across the globe can create, discover, and freely interact among online servers as colorful, blocky avatars in thousands of different settings. From attending magic school, to working in retail, to building tycoons, Roblox has games, or “experiences,” for all walks of life, and Dress To Impress is no exception. In fact, many internet users have created Roblox accounts for the sole purpose of checking it out.
With over four billion visits, Dress To Impress is exactly what it sounds like; a dress-up, fashion utopia where players can express their creativity through outfit making and fit styling. The goal is simple; to create an outfit in five minutes that corresponds to the random theme that is given out, and earn as many votes as possible from the other players. The players with the most votes, or stars, will earn a spot on the server’s podium, and the stars they get will help them level up their fashion rank. The higher the rank, the more perks that are available, including special dress-up items reserved for experienced players, or access to join exclusive “pro” servers.
Ashley Katz, a senior and member of troupe 3266, talks about her love for the game and how she applies it to her work in theater. “I get to play with my friends, and it also helps me come up with costuming ideas when I have art block. Also, the game graphics are really nice.”
While the premise of Dress To Impress may seem simple, there’s a lot more to it than just competition. Many users can be found playing in the game’s free play mode servers, where time limits don’t exist and players are free to design their avatars as intricately as they like. Customization is limitless, with dozens of different tops, bottoms, accessories, and props to choose from. Whether you want to be a character from your favorite TV show, or create an outfit based entirely on a specific aesthetic, the possibilities are endless.
Like any other game on Roblox, certain features in the game can only be purchased with “robux,” or the platform’s form of currency, which can only be obtained by exchanging actual money. One of the most popular perks in Dress To Impress is its VIP area, where players can customize their avatars with exclusive items that aren’t available to the general public. Other robux items are available as well, including game passes that allow players to fully customize their makeup, increase the speed of their movement, which is meant to save time during competitions, and a pass that increases the amount of in-game money you earn.
Katz, who currently owns three different game passes, says that the cost was worth it because it greatly enhanced her gameplay. “Two of them were gifted to me, but they help a lot because I’m indecisive, and it also helps enhance outfits and stuff.”
Health Academy senior Amaya Cadman, on the other hand, expresses her views on VIP and why it isn’t so great. “It’s not fair to those that don’t have it. The people who have VIP try way too hard because they have all the special stuff. I think VIP should be banned because there are too many sweats [over it].”
Dress To Impress still continues to be one of the most played games on Roblox, perhaps of all time. It’s a great way for people to show off their creativity, have fun with their friends, and… dress to impress!