How to incorporate Japanese street style into your wardrobe

One of the key points of Japanese street style is its loud creativity, its unwavering individuality and its innovative approach to merging diverse aesthetics. Under the global fashion spotlight, this is what Japan is familiar with. 

The Japanese approach emphasizes the wearer’s mindful connection to their clothing. That is, it is not merely about sticking with fashion trends, but carrying culture and personal style on your skin. 

Whether it means layering textures or pairing unexpected colors and patterns. 

(Photo: Example of Japanese street wear)

Many people have long adopted the Japanese street style. The good news is that this style does not only exist within Japan. A number of intentional tweaks to your style can help you adopt elements of Japanese street style to your wardrobe. 

The following are the ways to seamlessly integrate elements of Japanese street fashion to your everyday wear without straying too far from your personal style.

Layering Properly

Popular on the streets of Japan is the fine art of layering. That means, clothing pieces are intricately stacked in such a way that is visually pleasing, and implies depth and dimension. This fashion style is quite the contrast to Western fashion which typically displays streamlined silhouettes. The Japanese street styles are all about the complexity of fashion.

In layering, it is best to begin with basic clothing like a plain T-shirt or turtleneck or a simple dress. This outfit can be layered with a cardigan or structured jacket. This combination should complement the first layer by being a contrast in texture and length and sometimes even color. 

(Photo: Layering in Japanese Outfit)

Going full Japanese? You should finish with a third piece; another jacket, preferably an oversized one or a coat. This look of sophistication is the signature layered look of Japanese street style. By layering with pieces of varying lengths, textures, and patterns, you create a dynamic outfit that feels thoughtful and balanced. 

Aim for a balance between fitted and loose pieces — pair a voluminous outer layer with a more tailored underlayer to maintain structure. It is wise to be conscious about your frame so that you do not overwhelm it. Also, breathable fabrics should go with heavy ones for the sake of comfort. 

Also Read: THE APPEAL OF JAPANESE FASHION: WHY GLOBAL SHOPPERS SEEK OUT HARAJUKU, LOLITA, AND VISUAL KEI STYLES

Play with Colors and Patterns

The Japanese are chiefs of color and pattern. It is Japanese culture to boldly mix unseeming colors and patterns, particularly in areas like Harajuku. It is a Japanese miracle how they make this work. 

The key to this combination is to move beyond the basic color matching and experiment with bolder pairings. 

To incorporate bold colors and patterns, begin with one item that makes a statement. A neon jacket or pants with prints would be a great starter. You can keep the rest of your look more neutral. 

You can try the Japanese miracle by mixing more than two contrasting patterns. Stripes, polka dots, florals and plaids are your friends. The tip is to be confident enough to strut your stuff. Think of it this way; the color or pattern clash is your light attractor. 

If you're worried about wearing bold colors, you can ease into it by wearing accessories or shoes in brighter colors.

(Photo: Colors and Patterns of Japanese Style)

Consider monochromatic color blocking by choosing pieces in varying shades of the same color for a cohesive yet striking effect. Don’t be afraid to mix primary colors with pastels, or blend earthy tones with neons. 

In Japanese fashion, these bold contrasts aren’t considered clashing—they’re celebrated for their individuality and creativity.

Also Read: THE FUTURE OF JAPANESE STREET FASHION: EMERGING TRENDS FROM TOKYO'S UNDERGROUND SCENE 

Go for Oversized Pieces

If you've seen Japanese street fashion, surely you must have taken note of their oversized silhouettes. Oversized clothing such as baggy coats, sweaters, or a pair of wide-legged pants, gives off a cool vibe, when intentionally styled. 

It complements the more tailored, shape-fitting styles. You must be careful to not appear slouchy. Intentionally make a silhouette that blends comfort and design. 

Know that the key to striking Japanese fashion right is carrying it right, with pride of culture and confidence. 

To rock oversized fashion, begin with a baggy top or outerwear. For example, a large sweater, hoodie, or jacket will be well paired with slimmer-fitting bottoms to create balance. 

(Photo: Oversized Japanese Outfit)

If you're going with baggy bottoms such as wide-legged trousers or jeans, wear a slightly loose top, or a fitting top. Oversized outerwear will go with fitted base pieces. 

It is a great note to choose high-quality fabrics for oversized pieces to avoid looking shapeless. Well-constructed materials like wool, denim, or linen will hold their form better, ensuring your outfit still looks polished.

Also Read: HOW TO BUY DEARMYLOVE CLOTHES FROM DREAMS JAPAN

Embrace both High and Low Fashion

Japanese street styles are fascinating in that they combine the most expensive designer, haute couture, clothing with inexpensive everyday wear. This method gives more life and personality to the outfits, making them look easy yet fashionable.

How to put together High and Low Fashion

Add a designer piece of jewelry or a designer handbag with casual clothes like jeans, a simple t-shirt or sweatshirt.

Select a single most striking fashion piece, for instance, a tailored jacket or a couture dress, and dress it down with cheaper or plain items.

Try looking for pieces that can be used in your high-low mix at secondhand or vintage stores. In Japanese street fashion, thrifted or DIY pieces are as precious in making the look as expensive pieces.

(Photo: The mix of High and Low Fashion)

This high-low mixing enables more people to access the designer’s creativity and wear the clothes without fear that they are too expensive and high fashion.

When wearing affordable pieces alongside expensive garments, it is important to pay attention to the fit and condition of the more affordable garments, so that they do not detract from the overall look.

Also Read: SUKAJAN SOUVENIR JACKETS FROM JAPAN

Introduce Kawaii Elements into your Outfits

Japanese street fashion does not all revolve around the concept of “kawaii” (cute). Kawaii fashion, which draws heavily from Japanese culture, is however, a fashion phenomenon that incorporates many “kawaii” and child-like traits. 

This concept is the kind of fashion that loves sophisticated girly things, in softer shades, with a lot of playful prints and accessories. 

(Photo: Kawaii elements in Japanese Outfit)

And even if you wouldn’t want an utterly kawaii look, things like these can help in bringing some fun and creativity to the otherwise monotonous closet.

Ways to add Good Kawaii Stuff

 Use minimal embellishment to begin with and focus on cute small items like lacy hair clips or colorful socks or funky bags which play a complementary role to the clothing.

Use soft pale colors, for example baby pink, lavender and mint green in the color mix.

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Conclusion

The Japanese style is a wonderful concept to infuse in your wardrobe. It's about mixing individuality, experimentation, and creativity. 

With the right mix of colors and details, you can bring the essence of Japanese street style into your wardrobe in a way that feels authentic and uniquely you. 

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