Clothes Inspired by Video Game Heroes: Donkey Kong and Vault Boy

When Leia asked me to do a “Clothes inspired by…” article I had to pause and think.  What the hell do I know about fashion?  I know you don’t wear white after Labor Day, but I’m not sure why.  I know high-tops are (and always will be) cooler than any other shoes.  And to base the outfits off of superheroes?  I don’t know too much about comics.  I know Batman’s secret identity is Peter Parker and that’s about it (joking, seriously).  It was a formula for disaster.

Then it hit me like an old Hanson song.  I had to base my outfits off of MmmBop… wait… no. What was I talking about again?

Oh yeah! So cutting to the chase, I have been granted the grace to make “Outfits Inspired by Video Game Characters“, because I know video games like the back of my hands.  This is my first attempt so go easy on me, but if it goes well I have a few other characters I think will turn out well.

Hit the jump to see some outfits for men inspired by Donkey Kong and Vault Boy

DONKEY KONG

• Year first introduced – July 9, 1981
• First game – Donkey Kong
• Interesting Trivia – In the first Donkey Kong, the woman DK has captured is named Pauline and is not Princess Peach

                                                               Formal Outfit Inspiration

For Donkey Kong’s fur I decided to use a burgundy as most browns were either too dull or lacked enough red to really showcase what I envision Donkey Kong like.  Plus, all guys look great in burgundy.  You can find the shirt available at Men’s Warehouse for 29.99$ (Click here for a direct link).

For DK’s fur-less regions I considered a very light tan, but in the end liked a buckskin khaki available at Dockers for 59$ (Direct link here).

For accessories I felt staying true to the colors of his signature tie was a must, but without the DK lettering so it isn’t too “obvious”.  There’s a very affordable tie here for only 6.95$. If you are a seasoned DK fan, you know occasionally he puts on some shades in victory and I felt Sunglasses Warehouse had a pair true to the style of DK (and Funky Kong) for 12.95$ (here).  And just as a head nod, I have included a small banana pin you can order from Amazon for 8.99$ (here).

Casual Outfit Inspiration

For the more casual look I couldn’t pass up on the clever shirt you see above which you can find here for 20$ (Scraggly hair not included).

The pants come from a company I’m very comfortable recommending for jeans.  ASOS jeans does em’ right.  I chose a skin tone for the pants, because… well, Donkey Kong doesn’t wear pants.  See.  It’s an illusion…. Anyways, go here to snag you a pair of these babies for 45$.

For another 20$ you can get you a sweet DK hat on eBay.  I recommend you go check out the site and look at the underside of the bill.  It’s awesome.  Here.

 Now unfortunately, those sweet custom vans aren’t for sale, but you can go to THIS blog and find some advice on how to acquire a pair.

Vault Boy

• Year first introduced – 1997
• First game – Fallout
• Interesting Trivia – Also known as “Fallout Boy”, predating the band, but coming after the Simpsons character.

Casual Inspiration

For the casual look I decided to stay with the simple layout Vault Boy uses.  Where VB uses a jump suit, I took apart the basic color scheme and made it into three core pieces.  The jean jacket (ever so timeless), a t-shirt, and the jeans.  This specific jacket can be found at ASOS for 80$. Right here.

Now for the shirt, I decide to give two options.  Nuka Cola or Vault Boy himself.  Nuka here and VB here. Both under 20$.

For the jeans I picked a dark tie-dye style to represent the wear and tear a pair of jeans would endure during an apocalypse.  On sale now, you can get a pair for 35$ over here from Alex and Chloe.

If you would like a custom pair of Fallout shoes like the ones seen above, go here and contact this artist at his DeviantArt page, as he is currently doing requests on commission.  The price will vary on your request.

Well that’s all for now.  I didn’t make a formal look for Vault Boy, because it would end up simply being a blue suit with a yellow shirt, which could be hideous.  I hope you enjoyed this and if you have any character requests, put them in the comments below.