This is the first of hopefully many posts in a new series I created called “What Would They Wear?” I wanted to combine my love for fashion with video games & animation. For a while, I thought the two were irreconcilable. I mean, just look at video game & anime fashion! For the most part we’re stuck with ill-fitted, gaudy shirts at Hot Topic with a printed image from the game or animation. For example – see this post on Game Radar. So not chic, but for the avid geek it’s the best we got.

There’s always been a huge nerd in me, and what better way to celebrate geekdom culture and fashion than to dress up my favorite characters! You know, if Princess Peach were a real-life person, would she rather wear a Diane Von Furstenberg or Oscar de La Renta dress to her tea party? I think one of my dream jobs would be to be the clothing designer for a major animation studio or video game company. Can you imagine me designing the wardrobe for the characters of Diablo III? That would be pretty epic.

So for the first post, I thought I’d choose one of my favorite characters from an all-time classic game – Zelda: Ocarina of Time. But I focused my attention on Sheik – the shadowy ninja-like figure who assists Link throughout his adventures. We assume Sheik is a male, but he (well actually no, she) turns out to be Zelda’s butt-kicking, deku-nut throwing alter ego. How BAMF is that?

As you can see in the top images, Sheik’s color palette tends to stay with cooler and neutral colors. She also has an all-black outfit in Super Smash Brothers that I draw inspiration from. Fit is paramount, with leather, latex, and neoprene being favored materials. Pleated fabrics and wrap dresses are go-to  for Sheik, as well as combat boots and high-top sneakers. Since Sheik is technically a woman, I’ll also throw in some women’s clothing into the mix, even though she pretends to be a man. Brands like Rick Owens and Herve Leger are perfect for her. Here’s what Sheik would wear:

1. Herve Leger – Bandage Dress with lace detailing | It’s got wraps and lace – and Sheik is all about the bandage wrap and laced fabric.

2. Herve Leger – Structured blazer with with lace and leather detailings | Lace and leather and different types of black, perfect for assassinating in style.

3. Gareth Pugh – Black neoprene top | A bit more volume that Sheik would normally wear, but she’ll need more layers for the winter right?

4. Rick Owens – Washed black leather  vest | And for warmer climates when trying to preserve the balance of the Triforce, this comes in handy.

5. Bandage Leggings – YesStyle.com | More bandages! And this time in the form of leggings? Win | Buy it here

6. Super skinny black jeans with zipper accent – YesStyle.com | Most people think she’s a man, so why not guy hipster jeans like these? The zip detailing and tight fit is just what Sheik ordered.| Buy it here

7.  y-3 - Yohji Star High-Tops | Have you seen Sheik’s double kick attack in Super Smash? Now imagine that with some help from our pal Yohji Yamamoto.

8. Balenciaga – Classic studded work bag | While Sheik might get a hammerspace in video-game land, she’ll need to store all her fairies, potions, and ninja stars somewhere…

9. Herve Leger – Python and chain-detail sandals | Chains, chains and more chains. Did I mention Sheik can also attack with chains?

10. Ileana Makri – Gold diamond ring | This major luxe ring (with various types of precious gems including sapphires and diamonds) is a good complement to the bleed eye motif on her usual garb.

Let me know what you think! And if I’m missing any other articles of clothing that Sheik would wear in real life, be sure to share! Also feel free to suggest characters for the next What Would They Wear post!

Image Credits:

Sheik (first image, left side): Super Smash Dojo | link

Sheik (first image, right side) : Fimbulwinter-Wolf’s Deviant Art | link