Gen Z are getting style inspiration from The Sims

Modern fashion and over two-decade-old video games aren’t usually a match made in heaven. However, thanks to a new collaboration between fashion marketplace Depop and The Sims 4, you can look just as good online as you do offline.

Depop and The Sims worked together to design new original in-game fashion items, which players can purchase for their teen Sims in the game’s local thrift store and boba hangout, ThrifTea in The Sims 4’s latest Expansion Pack, High School Years. The Expansion Pack takes players on a journey of self-discovery as their Sims navigate their teenage years and experience the drama of high school. 

Depop sellers that are featured include US-based Bella (@internetgirl), with her pinstripe capri pants and a custom beaded necklace, and Jeremy (@happyxloco) who has designed a selection of graffiti-inspired jackets and sweatshirts in his signature style. British sellers Selena Williams (@Selenasshop) and Lapoze McTribouy of Sooki Sooki Vintage (@judaku) have also created items, including Y2 K-inspired flared jeans and a red cropped corset. 

With the Y2K and vintage clothing trend still going strong, it seems as though The Sims and Depop have partnered up at just the right time. “Y2K was trending on Depop way before it went mainstream, but the buzz has definitely maintained the demand. I love Y2K as an era, it’s so nostalgic,” said Williams.

“It reminds me of my early teen years where I was exploring fashion for the first time, much like The Sims Teen Years expansion pack. I stock mainly 70s and 80s fashion now, which I predict will be the next major trend…watch this space.”

Despite this collaboration, The Sims has never focused itself on the fashion of its avatars. However, it was always one of the most enjoyable things about the game. It doesn’t really get any better than seeing your sim, who works as an astronaut, go to work in a bee costume. This carefree and ridiculous aspect of the game is one that’s inspired Williams’ fashion choices:  “Working with The Sims has reminded me to have more fun when choosing outfits and wear items of clothing that genuinely bring me joy, lift my mood, and help me to express my personality.”

Not only have The Sims worked with some of the most recognisable Depop sellers, but also some of the biggest fans of the franchise with Williams stating “I was a huge Sims geek as a teen. I absolutely loved the game and would spend hours creating my dream home and styling my Sim in the coolest outfits possible. So, when this opportunity came along, I was so excited and jumped at the chance to be involved.”

McTribouy, whose clothes will also make an appearance in the game, shared a similar adoration for the title despite not being allowed to play video games at the time. ” I remember being around 7 or 8 when the first PC Sims game came out. My older cousin would play it constantly, I was not allowed to play video games at the time unfortunately, but I would watch over his shoulder in amazement, excited for the day my mum deemed me old enough to play.” It doesn’t get much more full circle than that.

Although other games like Fortnite have jumped on the luxury fashion scene with their Balenciaga collaboration, fashion usually takes a back seat when it comes to gaming. While it’s great to see your in-game avatar wear the garms you so desperately wish you could afford, it’s also just as exciting to see your virtual counterpart in clothes you would actually wear. 

“We’ve seen so many instances of luxury fashion houses collaborating with the gaming world or becoming available in the metaverse, but the truth is, the second-hand fashion market is booming so it’s great to see a brand like Depop get the recognition,” added Williams.

One of the reasons Depop and Y2K clothing has become such a huge trend is due to an improved focus on sustainability in the world of fashion. “Seeing something I’ve created/own being put into a video game that was a part of my childhood was very affirming, not only for me but for second-hand, sustainable fashion,” said McTribouy. While sustainability may not matter in the world of The Sims, it’s certainly important that EA and Depop gave this recognition to emerging, sustanability driven creatives instead of a quick pay day from a fast fashion brand. As younger generations move towards a conscious approach to fashion, it only makes sense that our in-game avatars will also be supporting the cause.

The Sims 4 High School Years Expansion Pack featuring the Depop collaboration will be available for purchase on 28th July, 2022.