Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, a Fashion Icon: How to Dress Like Her

Tomb raider. Adventurer. Fashion icon. It seems like there's nothing Lara Croft can't do, and she isn't even a real person. She's the female Indiana Jones. She's also arguably the most popular video game character since Pac-Man. Lara Croft has not only conquered Playstations and X-Boxes worldwide, she is a movie and comic book icon as well. Whether it is Angelina Jolie on the silver screen or in digital form in the Eidos video game, Lara Croft has a very distinct look that has caught on in the fashion world. Anyone who wants to dress like Lara Croft no longer has to wait for Halloween. Thanks in no small part to Angelina Jolie's popularity, anything Lara Croft wears is now finding its way into everyday fashion. To celebrate the release of the latest Tomb Raider game, called Underworld, a competition was held in which ten famous designers created new costumes for Lara Croft. A charity fashion event was held to unveil the designs, and real-life models as well as digital video models showed off the designs. A board of judges led by Stephane De Luc of Dress to Kill Magazine chose one winner, and a second winner was chosen by a public poll. Both designs will become an official part of Lara Croft's wardrobe which players can download into their game and play. It seems now even fashion designers have "Tomb Raider" fever.

TWO DIFFERENT LARA LOOKS

There are actually two different Lara Croft looks: the Eidos video game version, and the movie version as portrayed by Angelina Jolie. Both looks are actually very similar, with subtle differences which we will detail here. While the outdoors/hiking look is not for everyone, for anyone who wants to dress like Lara Croft, there are a number of elements of her look that you can integrate into your wardrobe.

STARTING FROM THE TOP

Lara has brown hair and wears it in a low-maintenance braided ponytail, and likes to wear sunglasses. In the movies, Angelina Jolie wears Richard Walker rimless wire sunglasses made just for the film. In the video games, Lara wears round "John Lennon" style sunglasses. Both can be found in stores or online at retailers like SunGlassShack.com. A quick search for "Lara Croft Tomb Raider" at the site will reveal models for under $30.

In the video games, Lara wears an aqua tank top, and in the films, she wore a brown "babydoll" or "ribbed" shirt. Both styles of shirts are readily available in stores, but there are also a number of t-shirts with "Tomb Raider" logos and Lara Croft on them. While Lara Croft isn't afraid to show off some midriff, wearing a longer shirt is certainly a suitable option. Tops can often be found at retail under $25.

Lara Croft wears short olive/brown hiking shorts, and while hers are very short, even shorts of regular length have the same style effect. The shorts are highlighted with a thick black belt and a large chrome buckle. With so many buckles available now as fashion accessories, it allows the wearer to give the outfit a more personalized look. The shirts and hiking shorts are available at many outdoor retailers like Cabela's, or online at SoldierCity.com.

Hiking boots with grey sport socks complete the look. While Lara Croft wears tall boots, shorter, ankle high hiking boots may be more comfortable. Other accessories to your outfit are up to you, although it may be best to avoid wearing Lara's gun holsters. Wristbands, arm bracelets, and even her fingerless grappling gloves could be worn in the right situation.

While the "tomb raider" look isn't for everyone, if you are brave enough (and let's face it, you need to have the figure too) to dress like Lara Croft, you can certainly turn heads.

Sources: TombRaider.com, SunGlassShack.com, SoldierCity.com