Here’s a pile of things I think are important for people who want to dress more Harajuku but don’t really know how. This also goes out to newcomers to the Harajuku Fashion Walks or to people who want to improve their looks.
Update: The key features of Japanese street style
Japanese street fashion often contains one or more of these elements, mixed and matched to form unique styles.
remake or upcycled vintage fashion
unconventional garment pairing, including layering clothes and accessories.
Unconventional colour pairing
colour blocking using single or dual colours
Overloading colours
Unique small details like special trims or embellishments for clothing, or unique accessories
Unconventional methods of wearing garments
Oddly sized or proportioned garments and accessories
Elements of Deconstruction (in which garments seem or are cut apart and put back together in new or unconventional ways)
Important things to note for how to dress in Harajuku style
♔ Accessories are key!
Accessories can really boost an outfit from basic casual wear (something you can wear daily), to something more special and finished. Sometimes just an extra necklace or two or a few hair clips can really improve a look. If it’s meant to be minimalistic, simple accessories like a set of plain snap clips or bobby pins can finish off a look and make it more complete.
Even something as simple as a brooch or a pin, or a statement necklace can help. Detail is key, and paying attention to detail helps to bring an outfit together.
♔ Try layering or adding prints
Sometimes printed clothes can help to finish off an outfit. If you’re in all black, for example, you can add in a print in monochrome to add more dimension to your look. You could even go for a mix of prints if you want to be more maximalist, but that takes a little more practice and trial & error to really match everything.
Alternatively, go for more plain fabrics but add more texture. Contrast smooth and rough, pleated and ruffled. Sometimes that contrast can be the final touch you need to make your outfit stand out.
I think this is especially important for people who want to wear decora.
♔ Wear makeup!
It may not seem like a big deal to some, but wearing makeup is actually really important to finish off a look. A fully put together outfit can look unfinished if the makeup isn’t done. As much as makeup can be troublesome to wear for some, the end result paired with a put together outfit can greatly improve a look.
♔ Don’t forget to do something to your hair
Just like makeup, hairstyles and hair accessories can bring an outfit together and really give it a finished look. If you are able to, wear a wig that matches your outfit, in terms of both colour and style. If you can’t wear a wig, then some hair accessories and styling your hair would help. Unless the style absolutely calls for it, the hair should not be left unstyled. Unstyled hair can make the whole look appear unfinished.
♔ Do your research!
Perhaps the most important thing is to do your research on what you’re trying to go for. If you’re wearing Lolita fashion, make sure you’re wearing the right petticoat/pannier, covering your shoulders and cleavage, etc. If you’re wearing Decora, find out where to get the accessories and clothes you need and look at references for how to use or layer the things you got. Since Harajuku fashion doesn’t follow the distinct substyles as closely as they used to, it’s perfectly fine to combine styles and experiment. Just be aware of what you’re going for. (imo it’s better to overdress than to underdress)
Remember that if you want to dress in Japanese street style, your final look needs to have that ‘feel’ to it. It has to at the very least look like it’s Harajuku/Japanese street style and not Korean or French or just casual. So the best thing if you’re new or unsure is to ask for advice or look for inspiration. I find mine on instagram from tokyofashion and harajukufashionwalk
