It’s a strange concept, isn’t it, the thought of an introverted gyaru? Gyaru are always portrayed as out-going and fun-loving in the media, but I’m so far away from that. It used to get me down quite a lot as I felt that my introverted nature meant that I wasn’t a “real gyaru”, but the older I got the less I cared. I just preferred to be in the comfort of my home with my husband and my cat than out partying, it’s as simple as that.
top: diable baiser
shorts: reveal
belt: diable baiser (I think)
accessories: muse
shoes and bag: new look
introvert
noun
ˈɪntrəvəːt/
1. a shy, reticent person.
It took me a very long time to get over the feeling of being a terrible gyaru because I wasn’t “wild and sexy” (no matter what my outfit said). The first few years of my gyaru life were spent going to every meet/sleepover/event I could, but the next day I was often left exhausted and sometimes ill if I pushed myself too hard. I started making excuses as to why I couldn’t go out, because anything was easier to say that “I’m so exhausted from socialising”. My online presence started to dwindle and I spent less time connecting with fellow gaijin gyaru. My blog was still going strong, and I was still commenting on instagram posts, but talking to other gaijin gyaru over heartfelt messages? It happened less and less. Before I knew it, I had major FOMO and felt like I was an outsider to the gyaru community.
So then I thought – maybe I wasn’t cut out to be gyaru after all.
Because how could I be gyaru if I was introverted? Gyaru are portrayed as having countless amount of friends, who knew how to party, and didn’t shy away from going out. If I told people that I was gyaru they’d probably fall out of their seat with disbelief. Lizzie? A gyaru? Impossible! I was probably more suited for Larme Kei or something delicate and pretty to suit my delicate nature.
But I love gyaru. I love it with every fibre of my being. So what if I can’t drink more than a pint without getting wasted, or if I was the sort of person to leave a party early? What about the things that I can do and enjoy, like spending (some) time with other gyaru and writing about it? Does that make me less gyaru? Sure, those things might be small, but they’re things that don’t make me feel incredibly awkward and craving for some alone time. I know my social limits, and if I can find friends that understand that then that’s all that really matters.
Let’s break the whole concept of the “gyaru scale” where your gyaru-ness is determined by the stereotypes. Let’s break the idea that you can only be a “real gyaru” if you are: wild and sexy; incredibly outgoing; who knows how to handle their drink; and can party a lot.
Let us just be gyaru because we want to be gyaru. Whether we’re introverted or extroverted.
Love,
Lizzie xx
p.s. Are you more introverted or extroverted? Have you ever been judged because of this?
p.p.s. This post was a little style collab with fellow gaijin gyaru blogger Reina. It was so fun to wear her style!
Elodie Joriot
April 12, 2019I used to party a lot when I was 20 but now… I prefer to stay at home with my son and my cat… but I still feel gyaru ! Being wild for me means « not follow like a sheep » , impose my style against all odds… and not to get drunk at parties everyday ! Also my friend Poshinyamu from Black Diamond doesn’t party a lot this last time, she prefer to discuss with friends on the net and spend time with her BF and who can tell she is not a gyaru !! Lol! I will not go to Paris for the meeting I will like my friends from my Sofa, discuss with my friends from my Sofa and save my money for more stuffs! Being gals despite the fact we are more than 30 and being proud of it make us enough wild! ??
ブラックハーニー
April 12, 2019Haha I’ll have that same cami soon ❤️ kuro looks cute on you! As for being an introvert, I’m an extrovert but as I’ve gotten older I’ve become less social. Going out has become much more physically draining so I don’t do it as much. I feel like boxing ourselves into what we feel gyaru is is counter-intuitive. Gyaru is about freedom. Gyaru is about being who you truly are.
☆Felicia☆
April 12, 2019I agree, we are who we are and people should accept us for who we are and not for who they want us to be!
You are an inspiration Lizzie, I love gyaru but have always been afraid of what other people here in Gothenburg would think but ever since I started to read your blog I feel more motivated and more inspiried than ever!
You are the best and I love your blog!
Keep on being the awesome you and you will do great! <3
Grace Louise
April 12, 2019This post is so lovely – I’m definitely an extrovert but I love everything you said! Gorgeous post Hun, you look so gorgeous in these pictures! Have a wonderful day 🙂 x
Grace Louise || http://www.gracelouiseofficial.blogspot.co.uk/
AJ
April 12, 2019This resonated with me a lot! I’ve loved gyaru for ages but never looked into actually getting into it because I’m so introverted. I felt like I would be a fake gyaru if I didn’t like to party. Now I might actually go on the hunt for some cute clothes next holiday in Tokyo….
Kira Leighanne Morris
April 12, 2019I have Aspergers Syndrome, so I know what it means to be introverted and socially awkward, or “incompetent”. I’d love to start a blog if I can can ever find a way to start wearing Gyaru, but am worried that I will never be able to keep it up, as I so far haven’t been able to with a couple of other blogs I’ve tried to start, lol ?
Mary Lee
April 12, 2019I’m an introvert! && I’m glad this post was made because I like to still be able to call myself a gyaru even tho I don’t like to party 😀
illustrious-mari.blogspot.com
Celeste
December 15, 2021This post is a bit old, but I can relate to this so much! For a while I felt like I had to pretend to be someone else with a completely different personality, especially as a beginner gal. I felt pressured to be loud an outgoing and sometimes I still feel this way. I’m happy to know that I’m not alone in this and these feelings are simply from the stereotypes that have been put onto being a gal. I appreciate this post so much! ♡