The future is now; and the gaming, techie world has invaded the fashion industry with fantastically innovative results. With more and more magazines, cosmetic companies, and retailers offering online makeover tools and virtual fitting rooms it’s never been easier and more fun (not to mention less risky!) to experiment with your look. What brunette hasn’t fantasized about going blonde at least once in her life? Now you can actually test-drive a platinum ‘do before spending a mint at the salon, or frying your hair with bleach, only to discover that your walnut locks suited you to perfection. Remember Kim Kardashian’s post-Reggie Bush blonde phase? Lesson learned, ladies.
On the other hand, a sneak preview can give you that little boost of courage you need to take the plunge and create a fresh, modern, and stylish new you. Of course, nothing beats real life and natural light when it comes to getting the best fit or finding your most flattering color palette, but these virtual tools are fabulous for guiding your beauty voyage, helping you find the perfect dress, or just playing dress-up.
Even if you have never touched a video game, don’t be surprised if you find yourself coveting an Xbox in the near future. Last May, Topshop partnered with AR Door to preview their version of the Kinect Fitting Room at a store in Moscow. Now Swivel by FaceCake is poised to revolutionize your trip to the mall with the virtual dressing room, showcased in Microsoft’s booth at the National Retail Federation Expo in New York City last month. The body imaging technology allows you to stand in front of a monitor and see yourself in dozens of outfits, from all angles, with just a wave of your hand. It even offers a variety of backdrops so you can get the full effect of your winning ensemble out on the town. No more trekking from store to store, waiting in lines and struggling in and out of your clothes. Genius!
KnickerPicker It’s not the most appealing name for a lingerie shop, but you’ve got to love the concept! This site offers an array of models with various body types—you choose the one whose curves match yours, dress her up, and watch her strut her stuff. And these ladies look like real people, not impossibly air-brushed Victoria’s Secret models, so you actually can imagine yourself looking just as sexy as they do in their knickers!
H&M has its own, slightly less high-tech, version of the virtual dressing room. While you can’t see how the clothes will look on, you can dress up their model and mix and match different pieces with different accessories—like playing Barbie for grownups.
Planning a wedding can be completely overwhelming. Brides Magazine takes a little of the stress out of creating the perfect look for your big day. Without ever leaving the house, you can see yourself in endless wedding gowns and find the most flattering dresses for your bridesmaids. Then pay a visit to their virtual salon for makeup and hair ideas.
If watching It’s a Brad,Brad World has you fantasizing about hiring your own stylist, MyWardrobe might be a more affordable option. Upload photos of your own clothes, create an avatar, and discover new ways to wear the same old thing. They even provide personal style advice.
With award season upon us, bringing its seemingly endless array of gorgeous coifs and stunning jewels, and beautiful maquillage, Daily Makeover is a dream come true. Upload a photo of yourself and you can play celeb dress-up to your heart’s content. See yourself in an array of looks, like Michelle Williams’ pixie cut adorned with an adorable black headband or Selena Gomez’s lush side-swept waves, with just a click. This site could very well become addictive.
Modiface is the engine behind numerous online makeover tools for cosmetic companies like Stila, and pürminerals as well as fashion mags like Marie Claire, Glamour, and Bazaar. And of course they’ve got tons of apps so you can get your virtual makeover fix on the go.
