5 Outfits I’d Wear in Japan Right Now
PC: Voranida
Back in summer 2018, I made a promise to myself that I would return to Japan at least once a year. I was 23 then, and it was my first time back in Tokyo in five years. I had some particularly unpleasant experiences in Japan in my childhood, and pretty much abandoned my country for half a decade because of it.
A lot had changed by 2018, though. I was looking at Japan with renewed eyes. Not only did the city reinvent itself, boasting a row of brand-new skyscrapers and Australian-imported coffee shops, but I was more mature at 23 than I was at 17. I could forgive the past and start a fresh relationship with my culture.
Every trip I’ve taken since that promise deepened my appreciation of Japan. My home away from home, I started to understand how much power I get from being near my aunties, my grandparents, my cousins, and my friends. It is something I do not have as much of here, in America, where only my immediate family resides.
But there have been years when I had to break that promise. Life gets to life-ing, and I either can’t afford or make time for an intercontinental trip. This year is one of those years.
I had been getting a little ahead of myself because I already visualized the outfits I want to wear in Japan. I planned the pieces I would bring and the pieces I intended to hunt down in Tokyo. Japan is a modest country, which means you shouldn’t show too much skin while out and about. That means spaghetti-strap tops are seen as undergarments. Show too much of your décolletage, and people will look at you sideways.
It used to bother me, considering I live for tanks and dresses in the summer. But it also encouraged me to rethink summer fashion as a whole, and get more creative with how I piece together a look. Fashion in Japan feels intentional and tasteful. It plays with proportions, fabrics, and intriguing layering techniques. It flirts with your essence, rather than your eyes.
I decided to put together a few looks I would love to wear in Japan, as though I was going there now.
Look 1: Dinner Reservations
For my evening look, I’d go with something elegant and modest. I’ve been eyeing this layered Helsa skirt as well as the Altuzarra Maxi Cubetto bag from the brand’s latest collection. The silk blouse is simple yet sophisticated, with subtle ruching at the waist that creates a flattering silhouette.
Look 2: Exploring Town
When in Japan, I gravitate toward simple silhouettes, relying on exciting accessories to bring out more of my personality. I found this incredible stone cuff from Same, which adds just enough color without overwhelming this color-averse dresser. Since I’ll be walking around a lot, I opted for flat sandals from Toteme—a style I tried on at its Soho store and instantly fell in love with its elegance and comfort. A tasseled bag that’s big enough to carry the essentials, but lightweight enough to not become a burden, is essential for a trip to Japan.
Voranida Panel Sleeveless Dress
Madewell Hand-Crocheted Bucket Hat
Look 3: Going Shopping
I have this rule when I go shopping, and it’s to always wear something I absolutely adore for the excursion. Because if I don’t, I end up buying anything that’s even slightly better than the outfit I’m wearing in that moment. If I’m wearing something that feels exceptional, then new items have a harder time impressing me in the fitting room.
Look 4: Meeting Friends
The number one thing I look forward to doing in Japan is seeing friends and family. For this occasion, I’d wear a flirty white skirt and a structured top. I’m really into the beaded bag trend at the moment, and found this chic piece from Marlies Grace. Rather than ballerinas, I’d opt for strappy flat sandals.
Look 5: Seeing The Sights
If the Japan itinerary includes temples and historic sites, then I recommend a look that adheres to its conservative dress codes. I love the idea of layering dresses over pants right now, and chose this asymmetric dress from Eaves to go over khaki pants. You can expect there to be a lot of gravel and stairs at these sights, so choose comfortable flat shoes like these Marsèll loafers.
Eaves Mai Sculptural Compact Suiting Pants
