Exploring Six Distinct Japanese Styles

**Exploring 6 Japanese Fashion Styles**

Japanese fashion offers a diverse array of clothing options and makeup inspiration. Known for being vibrant, bold, and sometimes theatrical, these styles can be tailored to fit anyone’s personality. Although some styles originated in youth movements as early as the 1950s, they’ve evolved to suit people of all ages and can be updated to match current trends.

**Keep It Fun:**

Japanese street styles might seem a bit out there to some Western audiences, with bold makeup trends that appear hard to pull off every day. However, they can inspire more subtle looks by focusing on one or two standout accessories and adding a pop of color to your outfit. Keep makeup comfortable and easy to wear by emphasizing simple dramatic features, like the eyes or lips. Most importantly, enjoy it! Japanese fashion is about expressing one’s identity and can be seen as a lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to the classic Lolita look or prefer the rockabilly-inspired Bosozoku style, get creative! If you’re curious about Japanese fashion trends, here are six to try out.

**Sweet Lolita:**

Though “Lolita” might have negative connotations in the West due to the literary work by Vladimir Nabokov, in Japanese fashion, it’s simply a style. Emerging in the 1990s, it was heavily influenced by the Hello Kitty craze for all things cute. Characterized by frilly skirts, lace, ribbons, and a touch of Victorian children’s clothing, it often includes bows, hairbands, long gloves, and dramatic makeup. There’s a wide range of ‘Lolita’ styles, but here’s a glimpse:

**Classic Lolita:**

In Osaka, Innocent World embodies a style that falls between ‘sweet Lolita’ and ‘classic Lolita’, the latter being a more refined version. This look offers a counter-culture vibe, rejecting adult norms and echoing a sense of innocence.

**Gothic or Punk Lolita:**

Despite the darker and more monochrome tones, the classic Lolita silhouette remains in Gothic and Punk variations. Influenced by Western punk music and brands like ‘Alice and the Pirates’, these styles are marked by bold stripes, shapes, and theatrical elements, also drawing from the ‘Visual Kei’ style seen in Japanese rock bands.

**Bosozoku Style:**

Bosozoku originally referred to Japanese motorcycle gangs from the 1950s, but you don’t need to join a gang to adopt this style. It combines rockabilly and soldier-inspired looks, featuring baggy pants, long coats, and sometimes a sash. Common accessories include sunglasses and leather jackets, with dramatic makeup often including heavily lined eyes and dyed hair. For a toned-down version, opt for a leather jacket and loose pants, adding army-style elements and bold makeup.

**Kogal:**

Popular among fashion-conscious school-age teens, this style is part of a subculture that includes unique slang. Key features are dyed hair and a tan. To mimic this look, combine a simple skirt with baggy socks and light makeup.

**Decora:**

If you crave color, Decora might be your style. Known for its bold prints and cartoon-inspired accessories, it has recently become part of the Visual Kei style, with an added theatrical flair. Although it may take time to achieve this look with its mix of vibrant colors and patterns, a simpler version features playful heels, patterned tights, and a quirky hat adorned with favorite cartoon characters.

For a dose of wardrobe inspiration, look to Japanese fashion. Its wide variety encourages creativity, so dive in and explore!