How You Can Wear Japanese Street Style
Japanese fashion and culture have inspired the fashion industry for a very long time, however, we may not always recognise or appreciate that. The unique style and flair for experimenting is something not often seen in western culture, only with a handful of designers choosing a path of experimentation.
Japanese street style is something very integral in Tokyo and something many participate in; being photographed in the streets with their fashion looks is very popular and similar to what we would call ‘outfit of the day’.
I am here to show you the various styles seen on the streets of Japan and how you too can channel the fashion of the streets.
Punk
Punk is showcased on the streets of Japan through a combination of key items to the look.
An oversized leather jacket is perfect for this look as it brings rocker vibes which make it edgier. Adding studs to your leather jacket will also enhance the look and make it stand out from a regular plain jacket. If you have a flair for creativity or just want to try your hand at decorating, you could even spray paint your jacket with some sort of design or image to make it more personal to you.
Belts and chains are also accessories often times found in punk outfits as they add a cool element to the look and give more edge to the vibe.
Chunky boots or shoes are also essential to the look as they add height but also add to the whole oversized element of the look.
The punk style is about taking items and enhancing them to look larger than life. Layering is a technique used in many different looks but for punk, it is about layering the correct elements in order to create one final, confident look.
Mode
If you are a minimalist and like the simpler things in life, Mode fashion could be for you.
Mode fashion is characterised as being a very minimal style often in black.
You would often see a connoisseur of Mode fashion wearing very long, drapey looks which are made head to toe in black. Occasionally you would see a small hint of white but this would most likely have something black over the top.
The style is also very shapeless and loose, designed to be worn by either men or women. This makes it a perfect couple outfit to be worn with your significant other as it is so neutral and simple.
Retro
Japan has a strong vintage revival which has brought back a lot of retro looks and inspired people to get creative and customise their own clothes fitting with the vintage renewal trend.
The retro trend can be strongly characterised by the bright and colourful prints and patterns. Floral and animal prints in bright colours are popular among followers of this trend as well as the neon colours they often feature.
Accessories such as sunglasses in interesting shapes can also be found on wearers of retro.
The retro style is very interesting due to their strong passion for recycling old items and bringing back styles of the past, often times taking it upon themselves to do the work by hand to sew and customise elements.
Preppy
The preppy style tends to be on the cuter side of the spectrum but can be worn in various different ways.
Some opt for a more conservative look with simple jumpers and cardigans in very neutral pastels or creams to complete the look. Cute dresses, frilly blouses and blazers can also be seen on many to create a very simple and elegant look. Patterns may feature things like cartoon animals or fruits for a cute look.
Others may choose to be more cool and chic with bolder looks that grab attention. The clothing will feature more striking colours such as red or blue and patterns such as checks and gingham. Some might opt for maxi skirts with a pattern or a short checked skirt. A bomber jacket may also be paired with a checked skirt for a very chic preppy look.
Overall, the look has many variations and relies on the individual to decide their personal style.
Sporty
Sporty looks are popular among many as a way to give off a casual vibe while still being very fashionable.
The sporty look may feature a lot of oversized hoodies worn as dresses or with shorts underneath for an effortless look.
Cropped hoodies may also appear to be worn with a cool pair of track pants, usually in a fabric other than typical sweatpants. Some may wear leather pants with a pull waist for an added cool look.
Sneakers are also preferable but not exactly essential. Sneakers are sometimes worn with a chunky sole as opposed to the regular sole for a vintage sporty vibe.
Caps and beanies are also popular accessories within the look to keep on trend with the sporty theme.
