Wearing your favorite clothes is always fun. Aside from feeling more confident, they also show your preferences in clothing. And in a sense, wearing your favorite clothes will give people an idea of who you are. But every once in a while, we may want to wear something different or unexpected. And if you feel like posting something unique for your #ootd, Japanese fashion trends might pique your interest.
Like any other country, Japan has a unique approach to fashion. Aside from what people might usually associate the Land of the Rising Sun with, such as anime or cosplay, this country also has fashionable trends and different types of aesthetic. And if you want to post something inspired by Japan, you are lucky! From the casual streets of Tokyo to the fashionable region of Harajuku, here are six Japanese fashion trends you can try rocking.
1. Street Fashion
Let us kick off the list with a relatively easy or timeless fashion style. Perhaps the broadest trend in this list, Japanese street style can come in a variety of colors, styles, and appearances. Said looks may range from discrete or sleek clothing to vibrant, colorful, and eye-catching apparel. And because of its variety, you can mix and match your clothes to have an aesthetic similar to Japanese street fashion.
When you look for inspiration or ideas online, you can encounter several approaches to this trend. This variety can then give you more ideas on how you will do this fashion style. Do you want something casual or discreet? Go for it! Wear a unique combination of vibrant shirts, pants, shoes, and accessories. And if you want something more creative, feel free to wear intriguing hoodies, jackets, or any other attachments.
2. Gyaru Kei
Are you feeling stylishly girly? Do you want to show off and flaunt a womanly approach in your style? If yes, gyaru kei might be a Japanese fashion trend that might suit your fancy! Transliterating the English slang word “gal,” gyaru kei focuses on dramatic cosmetics, including black eyeliner, fake eyelashes, and occasionally white eyeshadow. By the early 2010s, this fashion trend also applied tanned skin and elongated artificial nails, though some people consider this look a subgenre.
And speaking of subgenres, this trend, like street fashion, is a pretty broad spectrum style. Some subcategories include agejō, which has a ladylike and mature approach, and amekaji, which has elements or appeals similar to American culture. Overall, if you want a feminine look, gyaru kei might be your cup of tea.
3. Mori Kei
Maybe you think urban street trends are too overrated, redundant, or just not your thing. Perhaps you want something down-to-earth, discreet, and close to nature. If you want a nature-inspired aesthetic, mori kei, might be the fashion style perfect for you. Compared to several Japanese clothing trends, mori kei has an earthly or natural appeal, with the term mori meaning forest in Japanese.
Mori kei usually involves dresses with color shades mostly focusing on shades of white, green, brown, and blue. This color scheme gives this fashion trend a natural or laid back appeal – not too vibrant or over the top because of its usual hues. So if you feel like wearing something close to the earth and natural, this style might be for you.
4. Decora Kei
Do you enjoy wearing colorful and vibrant clothes? Are you fond of eye-catching and bright decorations or accessories? Should you say yes to either or both, you might want to check out decora kei. Based on the Japanese word decora meaning decorations, this trend has a playful approach to fashion. Instead of relying on clothing combinations, this style focuses more on accessories, color schemes, and motifs.
Expect bright and vibrant colors, such as yellow, pink, and light or sky blue, when looking for ideas online. Although some use darker hues, most people who dress in this trend usually prefer brighter colors. Colors and themes are usually the highlights of this fashion trend, as clothing is more of a secondary concern. Furthermore, ‘80s cartoon characters and aesthetics are vital inspirations in this fashion style.
5. Visual Kei
Although it may look like you are cosplaying anime or Japanese game characters on the surface, visual kei is far from that definition. Many Japanese rock and metal bands practice and sport this fashion trend, with some people considering this style also as a music genre. It is characterized by heavy use of cosmetics, elaborate hairstyles, eye-catching costumes, and occasionally androgynous aesthetics. These characteristics make this genre akin to Western glam rock, originating in the early ‘70s.
Emerging in the ‘80s Japanese underground scene, rock, punk, and metal bands like X Japan, Dead End, Buck-Tick, D’erlanger, and Color pioneered this trend. The term is from one of X Japan’s slogans, “Psychedelic Violence Crime of Visual Shock,” which is on the cover of one of their albums. Visual kei also has subgenres, ranging from the vibrant and colorful oshare kei to the dark and gloomy Nagoya kei.
6. Lolita Fashion
And lastly, some people find Victorian aesthetics unique, appealing, intriguing, or alluring. So, in Japan, such a trend includes these characteristics added with cuteness or personal touch. Inspired by Victorian apparel from the Rococo period, lolita fashion is a trend that features dresses that can range from cute and pretty to grand and striking. Some even believe this style became popular, especially in the ‘90s, as a form of street style inspired by Hello Kitty.
Generally, lolita fashion has three subgenres: classic, sweet, and gothic. Classic lolita exudes maturity as Victorian and Edwardian elements heavily inspire this version. Meanwhile, sweet lolita gives off a cute, youthful, and princess-like approach. Lastly, gothic lolita has a dark and mysterious appeal due to its use of dark colors and cosmetics.
In contrast to the neon colors or bright shades of other mainstream brands, gothic lolita emphasizes dark tones and minimalism, making it wearable for various personalities. The wide range of gothic clothes available lets you find something that can be your personal style, melding it with any outfit. If you enjoy wearing black clothing and want to expand your wardrobe in unique ways and try something different from the norm, giving gothic lolita a shot is worth it.
In a Nutshell,
Wearing your favorite clothes, whether to post something for #ootd or you simply feel like it, is always enjoyable. However, it is natural if you want to explore other fashion styles and trends since curiosity is a good thing for anyone. So, if you want to post or try a different style, these six Japanese trends are some of the many options you can pick. For more tips and tricks in the trendiest styles, visit CitizenSide.com.
