Womenswear in games has always had a touch of fantasy, but in 2017 the best of these were detailed and thoughtful. Nier: Automata's 2B isn't just a sexy android, she's a confident, mature, TLC-in-silk-pajamas kind of sexy android. Her outfit is covered in small, specific details that make it feel luxurious and touchable, as well as intimidating. There's a long slit up her thigh, but her legs are covered in thigh-high boots that wouldn't look out of place on Rihanna. There's a cutout on her chest, but it's overlaid with delicate lace and mesh. Sometimes it looks like her dress is made out of a soft, touchable velvet, but underneath is a harsh, dominatrix-esque latex leotard. The push and pull of accessibility and impenetrability is what makes this outfit intriguing, and its also at the core of 2B's character. Being sexy can feel good or powerful, but it can also make you vulnerable. What's nice is that despite being a sexy video game outfit, what 2B wears isn't the kind of thing that would only work on a video game body. She might be dressed like a pop star, but this is still an outfit made of real world pieces that make sense with each other.
