Summary
One of the key features of cozy games is an emphasis on freedom and creativity, and nowhere is that more apparent than in how players choose to style their avatar. Games with dress-up elements, which have historically been aimedmostly at a young female audience,can often get overlooked when players think of what makes a game great.
However, there’s a reason why cozy games featuring fashion are so popular; whether it’s building a custom boutique or styling characters in the game world,fashion gameplay gives players a fantastic chance to get creative and express themselves.These are some fun cozy games, both new and nostalgic, which featurefashion-based gameplay.
10Stardoll
Style Meets Socializing
Stardollis a classic browser-based game which has been entertaining fans since 2005, having amasseda network of over 400,000,000 players. The game allows players to create custom outfits and enter their looks into competitions to win prizes.
The game also incorporates elements of interior design and encourages players to interact with other players in groups based on hobbies and interests. For those looking for a nostalgic return to the paper doll days of childhood or for a chance to experiment with exciting new looks,Stardollhas lots of relaxing fun to offer.
9Bratz: Flaunt Your Fashion
An Adorable Art Style And A Dose Of Nostalgia
Bratz fashion dolls took the world by storm when they hit the shelves in 2001, and there were still plenty of fans eager to step into the oversized shoes of Cloe, Jade, Yasmin and Sasha when this tie-in game was released in 2022.
Bratz: Flaunt Your Fashionis a fun, accessible gamethat will appeal to both adult fans of cozy gaming as well as young fans. The game can feel a little empty at times and lacks the magic of the olderBratztitles, but the ability to put together hundreds of combinations of looks is great fun and there are some brilliant DLC options to expand the in-game wardrobe.
8Cosplay Club
A Cute And Crafty Turn-Based RPG
Behold Studios’Cosplay Clubis an adorable RPG that allows players to design and craft their own cosplay costumes to flaunt at comic cons. Each costume the player crafts can be equipped with real-life superpowers, allowing the player tofulfill the fantasy of becoming a Magical Girl as they take part in turn-based combat matches.
The game’s beautiful music, quirky art style and super cute environments make it a fun, low-stakes game for anyone looking for a chance to relax and flex their creative muscles.
InHello Kitty Island Adventure,friendship is the name of the game. Players will get to know Hello Kitty and her friends, including Kuromi, Chococat and My Melody.There are plenty of opportunities for players to accessorize their animal character,including the ability to style themselves as a mermaid,as they complete quests to unlock new costume pieces or pop into Tuxedo Sam’s fashion boutique to purchase items.
Players can then show off their new looks as they explore the large open world, nurture their friendships withthe most popular Sanrio characters,and enjoy cozy activities like fishing and diving.
Disney Dreamlight Valleygives players the chance to jump into a magical world where they canbefriend beloved Disney characters.There are plenty of ways for players to get new clothing items to customize their character, and there’s even the option to create custom clothing patterns using the ‘Touch of Magic’ tool.
However, much like fellow life simulation gameThe Sims,this Disney title has faced criticism for failing to provide enough masculine clothing optionsto allow all players to shine.
From a cursed King Tut mask to a questionable-looking ice cream hat, theAnimal Crossingfranchise has always been known for its weird and wonderful fashion.Animal Crossing: New Horizonsintroduces even better fashion options than ever before.
Players can gift and receive items as they befriendthe adorable animals who live on their island,or can unlock the Able sisters' shop to purchase items with Bells.With the ability to create new patterns by uploading photos,there are plenty of ways to get creative with in-game looks.
TheStyle Savvyseries has been a hit among fans of fashion-related games since the release of the first game on the Nintendo DS. Since then, there have been a further three games, with 2017’sStyle Savvy: Styling Stararguably being the stand-out.The game gives players the chance to become a true fashionista by running their own fashion boutique and styling their customers.
Unfortunately for developers Syn Sophia, their latest fashion-based game for the Switch, 2023’sFashion Dreamer,was deemed a poor successor in spite of its beautiful art style.
In spite of its boxy graphics, this 2005 PS2 title manages to far outshine the modern Bratz entry on this list. The game boasts a vast array of wardrobe options, butthere’s more to the game than just dress-up—as well as fun story missions and mini-games, the game offers an impressive amount of creative freedom, with a free-form makeup tool and the ability to design custom t-shirts.
Supported bygreat voice acting and a relatively open world,Bratz: Rock Angelzremains a largely undiscovered cozy gaming gem which is more than deserving of a remaster.
WhileThe Sims 4has been criticized by some for not living up to the heights of its predecessors, one of the ways in which it excels is in its CAS (Create A Sim) system.The game even includes a style influencer careerand the chance to snap pictures of your Sim’s looks, meaning thatthere’s plenty of fun to be had for players who enjoy playing with fashion.
Withdozens of expansion packs availableand a thriving modding community, the possibilities are endless for creating fun and fashionable Sims.
In this open-world game, players take on the role of Nikki and explore Miraland with her companion Momo on a quest to findmagical costumes known as Miracle Outfits.
Though recent story changes and the series’ gacha system have been criticized by some, it is undeniable that Infinity Nikki signalsan evolution in what dress-up games can achieve.
With an impressive range of stunning outfits anda beautiful open world,those who enjoy the genre can hope to see its influence in more upcoming cozy games that incorporate having fun with fashion.
