The Harajuku style originated among teenagers on the streets near Harajuku Station in Shibuya, Japan. Although she attracted the attention of many people thanks to the American singer Gwen Stefani, the evolution of the style certainly did not begin nor will it end with her. Like many street fashion, it is difficult to characterize it because it changes constantly and because of its multiple manifestations. There is no approach to following this style as if you were made with a stencil, but, if you feel like dressing this way, here are some guidelines to get you started.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: The Origins of the Harajuku Style
Step 1. Mix and (un) combine the different fashions
A known fact about the Harajuku style (like Halloween in Japan every Sunday) is that it began when the teenagers in the district began to integrate traditional Japanese clothing, especially the kimono, and geta sandals into their wardrobe. Previously, they mostly wore Western-influenced clothes, but it was by mixing tradition and modernity that they created a new style. Other examples of mix and match include the punk look with a women's school uniform or the goth look with designer clothes. In Harajuku, mixing different styles and messing up colors and patterns is highly encouraged: you can do whatever you want, as long as your outfit is a thoughtful expression of your individuality (read the "Tips" section).
Method 2 of 4: What to Wear to Have a Harajuku Style?
Step 1. Familiarize yourself with the variations of fashion in the Harajuku district
It is impossible to describe a "Harajuku style". Many styles originated and developed on the streets of Harajuku, and many Harajuku boys and girls integrate one or more of these somewhat defined styles into their outfits.
- The Gothic Lolita look involves the use of feminine and elegant gothic clothes to have the look of a Victorian doll.
- The Sweet Lolita look was heavily influenced by the Rococo era and all other Lolita subcultures. It focuses much more on the infantile aspect and is based on soft colors and themes typical of children's imagery. Alice in Wonderland, fruit, sweets and characters from classic fairy tales such as Little Red Riding Hood are recurring themes in the Sweet Lolita style.
- Japanese punks, inspired by the punk movement that started in London in the seventies, magnify the rebellion with over the top clothes, accessories, make-up and piercings.
- Cosplay involves dressing up as your favorite cartoon / anime or video game character.
- The Decora style favors bright colors, flamboyance and accessories from head to toe. You "decorate" yourself with plastic toys and jewelry, and it's not uncommon for people with this style to have so many that they hear the sound every time they move.
- The Kawaii style (whose literal translation from Japanese means "cute") places the emphasis on childish playfulness: anime characters, flounced skirts, pastel colors, toys and so on.
- The Wamono style refers to traditional Japanese costume mixed with Western fashion.
Method 3 of 4: Specific Harajuku Tips
Step 1. Dress in layers
One of the hallmarks of Harajuku is layering. Sweaters, vests or jackets on blouses worn on t-shirts, dresses over leggings and so on. Layering your clothes (or giving the feeling of having done so by wearing flounced dresses for example), allows you to mix and match a wider variety of different styles and add more dimension to your outfit.
Step 2. Personalize your clothes
Second hand pieces and DIY styles are popular ingredients in a Harajuku outfit. You can wear a floral skirt, but think about how prettier it would be if you pin a bow or create a more irregular or angular hem. Arm yourself with scissors and glue and make your store-bought clothes uniquely yours. Or you can go further and sew your own pieces. Cutting the fabric to create bold angles and lines can make even a very simple black dress stand out and original.
Step 3. Put on the accessories
Use all the more eccentric ones you have: belts, earrings, clasps, jewelry and bags. Remember, accessories can be colorful and flashy, and they don't have to be paired with clothes. For example, in the Harajuku Decora style, accessories embellish an outfit from head to toe and items such as bells are sometimes used to add an auditory dimension to the wardrobe.
Step 4. Take a chance with your hair and makeup
Harajuku style doesn't stop with clothes. Pigtails and other cute hairstyles are especially popular, as is hair dyeing. Creative, even theatrical makeup can add an extra touch.
Step 5. Wear whatever fits you
The Harajuku style certainly does not represent a protest against mainstream fashion and commercialism (as punk was), but a way of dressing according to what suits you best. If you think rainbow and polka dot leggings look good with a plaid print dress, dress up like that!
Method 4 of 4: Say Cheese
Step 1. Smile and say chiizu (Japanese version of the English “cheese”)
If you dress in the Harajuku style outside of this district, you will likely attract more than a glance from people who have no idea of your international fashion sense. If the attention isn't positive, smile gracefully and go about your business. But, if people ask you questions or want to take pictures, strike a pose! The people of Harajuku pride themselves on their style, and you should too.
Advice
- Many people will mistakenly think that dressing in the Harajuku style just means "making a jumble of clothes and accessories". While putting different styles and geometries together seems like a gamble, it is important to calibrate your style. As you study the way people in the Harajuku shopping district dress, you will notice that the intricate outfits are carefully chosen to convey a certain image, which a casual and unthinkable combination would never do.
- Contrary to popular belief, the Harajuku style is not just feminine. Although some variations lend themselves more to girls than boys (for example the Gothic Lolita style), many of the style's traits are gender neutral. After all, it all depends on what suits you, why should only girls have fun?
- The Harajuku style changes very quickly. Keep up with evolution by reading magazines like “FRUiTS” and “Style-Arena.jp” (see the “Sources and Citations” section below). These magazines, and others like them, offer lots of images of Harajuku outfits and are updated on a weekly or monthly basis. If you want to dress in the Harajuku style, looking at the photos is a good way to get inspired.
- The Harajuku style is also known as "FRUiTS fashion" to those who follow the magazine, but none of these terms are commonly used by the Japanese who personify the style when describing themselves.
Warnings
- Don't get carried away by brand loyalty. While it's okay to favor certain brands (especially since brand loyalty is widespread in Japan), Harajuku revolves around creating your look, so if you want to look like mall mannequins or people portrayed in catalogs, maybe you'll be at the fashion, but not unique. Don't be afraid to mix a Calvin Klein dress with a worn, worn and torn pair of jeans and combat boots.
- Don't worry about what others will think of you. People might think you're weird. Asian people may call you "gaijin", but if you are happy, don't change for others.
- In many places, the Harujuku style is not at all common, you can't just dress up, you also have to get into the part. When you walk down the street, people will stare at you. Proceed with your head held high and be proud of what you're wearing, or you'll look like a poser.
