Japanese street clothing style has influenced fashion trends around the world, particularly for young people. These styles include Harajuku, Ganguro, Gothic Lolita and punk clothing trends and influences. Since most of us can't fly to Tokyo to shop for a new wardrobe, how can you bring the look of Japanese clothing to your own wardrobe at a price that you can manage? Creatively putting together outfits, combining pieces and refashioning or sewing can all work to help you get that Japanese street style look, wherever you live.
The Gothic Lolita Look
Gothic lolita or gothic loli style is a Victorian little girl look, focused more on cute than sexy. Variations include classic lolita and sweet lolita. Gothic lolita style consists of knee-length full skirts, often with crinolines, over the knee socks and lots lots of lace. Most outfits are black and white. Pale foundation, black eyeliner and red lipstick are common. If you want to make your own gothic lolita style clothes, buying the "Japanese Gothic & Lolita Bible" purchased via eBay or Amazon Japan offers sewing patterns and fashion style tips. You can also find do-it-yourself tutorials for lolita style clothing on crafting websites (see Resources).
Harajuku Style
Harajuku style takes its name from the creative and thriving Harajuku district of Tokyo. This style is playful, brightly colored and driven by the teens themselves, not by trends. Decora, kawaii and visual kei styles all qualify as Harajuku fashion. While some subcultures are full time, centered around music, literature or politics, Harajuku fashion is all about costume and play. Feel free to tote around a Hello Kitty backpack, wear a bright pink wig or put a huge bow in your hair and jangly plastic jewelry when dressing in the Harajuku style.
Cosplay
Cosplay or costume play has also made its way into Japanese street fashion. This style began at conventions, with young people dressing as their favorite anime or manga characters. Cosplay has moved out of the convention halls as some young people dress up for daily life. Cosplay cafes have opened up, and friends often gather dressed up even without an event to attend. Long robes, short schoolgirl outfits and more all have a place in cosplay. As with all Japanese street fashion, the styles the teens wear and the looks they assemble end up in the stores.
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