3 Fashion Essentials and Tips Inspired By Harajuku You Need

Japan is a bustling urban center, but it’s also known for its alternative style, especially Harajuku fashion. The latter takes its name from the train station and has been around since the 1980s. 

When it started, local young adults dressed in colorful outfits, mixing traditional Japanese attire with Western styles of clothing – a signal that these young ones didn’t care about the mainstream fashion movements. 

Instead, it prioritized individuality—an act of rebellion, given how homogenous Japanese society is. We’ll dress what we want, the way we want to. 

Although many fashion trends have come and gone, this philosophy of uniqueness remains. It is a movement against societal rules and pressure to fit the norm. And its meaning has changed for many people. To others, it has become the birthplace of kawaii culture. 

However, its original intention remains a pushback against dressing for the patriarchy and redefining what it is to dress for one’s self. 

Want to embrace Harajuku fashion and style? Keep reading to find out how you can do these!

3 Harajuku Fashion Essentials

Lolita Dresses

If you’ve seen Aoi Hyoudou from the old anime Kaichou Wa Maid-Sama, then for sure, you definitely would know what a Lolita dress looks like! Lolita dresses are one of the staples of Harajuku style, basically anything that protests mainstream fashion trends. 

Lolita dresses are part of the Lolita fashion; Victorian and Rococo period clothing styles influence this subculture. A “cute” aesthetic is employed in Lolita fashion through the dress’s twirls, frills, and design. There are many substyles for this type of fashion, including the following:

• Gothic
• Classic
• Sweet

The skirt’s volume defines the Lolita dress; wearing a petticoat or crinoline creates volume in the dress. The skirt is also shaped like a bell or is A-line-shaped. 

Although this style item has become more mainstream, it is still an appropriate choice of wear because it stands for the right to dress for oneself and not to fit in. It is about reclaiming femininity from sexualization. Sadly, though, it has become a very misunderstood style. 

Clashing Patterns

Pattern-on-pattern styling is usually considered a fashion no. Harajuku has a certain substyle, Decora, which incorporates many unlikely style items and makes it work. One of its essential items is, of course, to ensure pattern on pattern. 

You can wear a pattern-on-pattern and go all out in the Decora substyle, which uses cartoon character motifs and is very striking. 

Embrace Color

One notable element in a Harajuku-style outfit is the use of color. You can mix clashing colors, dress in all neon, or layer and wear shades of the same color. There’s no room for judgment here – especially if you’re going out of your comfort zone and embracing color. 

3 Fashion Tips Inspired by Harajuku

Layer Your Clothes

Did you know? Layering is a Harajuku style and tradition. Layering helps you match various styles, even if visually, they might clash, but what is fashion for, especially when you want to wear a style that redefines what it is to dress for yourself? Experiment! Try vests and jackets, dresses with leggings, ruffled dresses, tank tops, shirts, and all the accessories. 

Add Kooky Accessories

Tasteful accessorizing, move out of the way! Harajuku is all about pushing boundaries. There’s no need to be shy; you can go for 80s trashy junk, plastic jewelry, and more plastic-y accessories. The more mismatched, the better they’ll look—and the more they’ll impact your outfit. 

You can also opt for a pristine or minimalist brand of watch as an additional timepiece accessory; the contrast won’t majorly impact the outrageousness of your outfit. Pair it with that corny pink handbag you found while thrifting. These accessories will enhance your look by adding visual interest through their different textures and colors.

Accessorize With A Quartz Watch 

Lastly, complete your look with a quartz watch! Just like Harajuku fashion, which celebrates bold and unique statements, quartz watches come in various designs, colors, and forms, allowing you to complement eclectic outfits without breaking the bank.

In the spirit of fashion and innovation, there’s no better watch accessory to pair with your Harajuku accessory than the quartz watch. Many of their designs are innovative and creative—aligned with the spirit of Harajuku. 

Wrapping Up

Harajuku is all about challenging traditional fashion and innovating in fashion. With these essentials and tips, we hope you’ll come around town looking fine and slaying unique outfits. However, before donning and pairing your outfit, don’t forget to truly embody what Harajuku is all about: dressing for yourself—as long as you don’t hurt anyone!