It seems like a lifetime ago when I first found out about Japanese fashion and just how broad it is; from the elegant Lolita fashion, the cute and colour Fairy Kei, to the wild and sexy Gyaru. Despite this, though, I’ve only really done gyaru fashion (having called myself a proud gyaru for the past ten years) so here are all of the Japanese fashion styles that I’d love to try out one day.
Lolita
Lolita was my first love in Japanese fashion; I can’t remember exactly how I discovered it, but I got lost in the (internet) pages of LiveJournal where people uploaded their lolita coords that they wore in public. I remembered being in awe of these confident people, and tried a few embarrassing attempts. In the end I realised that it wasn’t really for me and moved onto gyaru, but I’ve always wanted to give it a go again. Properly. It would be the perfect thing to wear for afternoon tea! Please note: Yes, it is called Lolita fashion, but it has nothing to do with *that* book. Lolita fashion is inspired by the Rococo and Victorian periods.
Fairy Kei
Fairy Kei is an extremely colourful and cute fashion, although featuring more pastel colours rather than vibrant ones. The overall look is quite childlike, with outfits featuring motifs from famous 80s and 90s toys like Care Bears, My Little Pony, and Polly Pocket. They’re like the pastel princesses of the Japanese Fashion world, and they are so cute! A few of my friends absolutely rock the style, which makes me want to give it a go.
Larme Kei
It’s quite tricky to determine what exactly Larme Kei is as it doesn’t really have guidelines (especially when compared to Lolita or Fairy Kei), but the makeup features blushing cheeks and droopy eyes. The overall look I’m gravitating towards is quite romantic and cute as it reminds me a bit of himekaji but a lot more toned down. Yui Kanno, which was one of my inspirations back in my early gyaru days, wears a lot of what I would perceive as Larme Kei, so I’ll use her as a reference point.
Manba/old-school gyaru
Okay I am cheating – I’ve already tried Manba once, but I’d love to do it again (but perhaps more toned-down so I look more like the old-school gyaru). Manba is a branch of Ganguro which started off in the mid-1990s, a fashion that combats Japanese beauty standards of having pale skin and black hair – instead, they tanned their skin and bleached their hair. While I might not bleach/dye my hair, this is a style that is perfect for the summer, and I’m currently tracking down some wild hibiscus prints and platform boots.
Mori Kei
I’m actually surprised that I haven’t tried this style before as it looks quite similar to himekaji, but Mori Kei features a lot of loose-fitting clothes such as floaty dresses and cardigans. They look like they have just stepped out of the woods with nature-themed accessories, and have a general soft appearance.
Decora
Okay I know that the above styles are way out of my comfort zone, but Decora just takes it to the next level. The sheer amount of accessories they wear is jaw-dropping. I love how cute everyone looks!
And that’s all for me! I might not be able to try them all out in the next year or so, but I’d love to give at least one of these a go.
What Japanese fashion styles would you like to try out?
Love,
Lizzie xx
Kimchi Cakes
January 12, 2020My friend literally has hundreds of Lolita dresses.
I do own Japanese fashion items that fit into none of the categories above. I do prefer the Pastel because I love wearing bright colors.
hellolizziebee
January 12, 2020Omg I’m so jelly! I’d love to try Lolita out one day, although it seems very expensive!
Oooh what kind of Japanese fashion items do you have? I know you mention pastels and bright colours, but what kind of style? I’m intrigued!
Nancy
January 12, 2020Japanese fashion is so interesting. I love the Lolita look – it is cute and love that it is still trending today. I know some friends who are into the Larme Kei kind of look. Thanks for sharing all of this knowledge about Japanese fashion!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Jenny in Neverland
January 14, 2020Mori Kai is beautiful – you’re so right, they look like they’ve just stepped out of an enchanted fairy forest! I’d love to see you experiment with these different styles this year and see which looks you can come up with! x
hellolizziebee
January 19, 2020Awh thank you so much Jenny! I really can’t wait to try them out and to post the results on here x
ray
January 14, 2020the lolita and fairy kei is very cute !
Tarequl
January 16, 2020Japanese fashion is hence interesting. I fancy the Lolita seem – it is cute yet love as that is still trending today. I understand some buddies whichever are of the Larme Kei sort of look. Thanks because of apportionment every of that capabilities in relation to Japanese fashion!
hellolizziebee
January 18, 2020Thanks so much! Yes, Japanese fashion is really interesting and broad!
KT
January 16, 2020I absolutely love Larme Kei!!! Definitely one of the styles I want to try ^^
hellolizziebee
January 18, 2020Larme kei is super pretty isn’t it!
Amie
January 19, 2020I love how different Japanese fashion is! It is so beautiful!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
hellolizziebee
January 19, 2020Yesss that’s what I love about it – it’s so different to what we have in the UK!
Ashley
January 19, 2020How cute are these styles! I’ve never really connected with Japanese fashion before – I’m quite tall and broad. But Mori Kei is a style I could do! These outfits are amazing and look so oldy worldy! Thank you for introducing me to some excellent styles! xxx
Kieli
January 21, 2020Omg I remember trying most of these during my days as a Lolita. It was fun to dress up. I think you would look amazing in Mori or Larme.
sharnah
January 26, 2020Lolita Fashion is so interesting.I wrote about it as part of my dissertation and I had to argue for and against, against being infantilzed and submissive etc, the for being researching what Lolita girls say about it themselves- that it is a form of empowerment and that it has been inspired by Rococo and Victorian like you said! I personally love it, I wouldn’t wear it but I love looking at those who do! I absolutely LOVE Larme Kei and I am actually going to do research on this, so cute! Maybe I could give this a go one time! Mori Kei is absolutely stunning too, great post, really interesting x