A new video game, Dress to Impress, has quickly gained popularity on Roblox, a platform which features a wide variety of genres ranging from roleplay to horror. Released in October 2023, this multiplayer dress-up game was developed by seventeen-year-old creator “Gigi.” In the game, players can showcase their creativity by competing in themed dress-up challenges, aiming to earn different titles such as “Top Model.”
“I would recommend DTI to someone who has never played before. This game is one that anyone–no matter age or gender–can play and have a great time,” junior Mannat Sandhu said. “It also allows people to explore different styles and influence them to maybe even incorporate some styles they like into their real-life clothing.”
Each round starts with a randomly chosen theme, such as “Beach” or “Retro Glamour.” Players are given 325 seconds to browse the in-game lobby for clothing, hairstyles, accessories and nail art. The outfits are highly customizable, with 230 unique pattern options and the ability to select colors for each item, offering endless possibilities for styling and outfit combinations.
Once the timer runs out, players present their outfits on a virtual runway. As their avatars strike poses, they receive ratings from other competitors. The highest-rated outfits earn stars, boosting the player’s model rank.
“My initial opinion is that the game allows for creativity and trial and error to find the best combination of clothing for the theme. This seems to be like creating art, where artists often start with a concept, attempt and fail in the sketching phase, and then end up at their final piece,” art teacher Ms. Crimi said.
“Hearing about this game, it sounds fun,” science teacher Ms. Lombardo said. “I would think that this game promotes creativity by designing unique outfits based on themed challenges.”
The game is also notable for its storyline focused on Lana Lore, a non-playable character who evolves from a nail salon worker into a more prominent figure as new updates are released. Debuting in an April Fools’ update, Lana’s diary entries showcase her discontent with her role, frustrations with the game’s creators and a desire for revenge. In one diary entry, she expresses a strong desire to set the studio on fire and includes a list of game developers’ names, presented in a hit-list style. Later updates have introduced new characters and plot twists, including Lana’s imprisonment and many more.
“DTI holds a deeper meaning than what the game might appear to offer at first glance,” senior Isabelle Do said. “There is essentially a metaphor for overworked salon workers who don’t get the recognition they deserve.”
DTI has become the latest sensation on social media and within the Roblox community. Beyond the dressing-up aspect, players are drawn to the game for the opportunity to develop creative skills, manage their time effectively and design outfits that reflect their personality and values.
