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How to Dress Harajuku Style

Harajuku style may have been brought to many people's attention by Gwen Stefani, but the evolution of the style certainly didn't begin with Gwen and it certainly won't end with her. Harajuku style originated among teens on the streets of the Harajuku Shopping District in Tokyo. Like many "street fashions" It is difficult to characterize, both because it is constantly changing and because it has many manifestations. There is no cookie-cutter approach to the style, but if you want to dress like the Harajuku kids, here are some suggestions.
Steps [edit]Give up brand loyalty. If you've gotta have Gucci or you're crazy for Calvin, Harajuku probably isn't for you. While it's OK to mix in some designer labels, Harajuku is about creating your own look, so if you look just like the manequins in the mall or the pictures in the catalog, you may be stylish, but you're not Harajuku. Secondhand clothing and do-it-yourself styles are popular ingredients in a Harajuku outfit.
Mix and (mis)match different fashions. What is now known as Harajuku style started as teens in the district began to integrate traditional Japanese attire, especially kimonos and geta sandals, into their dress. Before, they wore primarily clothes that were influenced by the West, but by mixing the traditional with the modern they created a new style. Other examples of mixing and matching including the punk look with the schoolgirl uniform or a goth look with designer clothes. In Harajuku, mixing different styles and mismatching colors and patterns is encouraged--you can do anything you want!
Explore costumes. Not all Harajuku style is theatrical, but certain costumes, such as schoolgirl and maid costumes are popular. Costume elements are typically worn in combination with other styles.
Wear whatever looks good to you. It's been said that the Harajuku style is not really a protest against mainstream fashion and commercialism (as punk was), but rather a way of dressing in whatever looks good to you. If you think mismatched rainbow and polka-dot leggings look good with a plaid dress, go for it.
Customize your clothes. Like that flowered skirt but think it would look cuter with a ribbon pinned on it or with a more uneven, angular hemline? Get out the scissors and glue and make your store-bought clothes uniquely yours. Or, go even further and make your own skirt. Cutting the fabric to create bold angles and lines can make even a plain black dress appear remarkable and fun.
Dress in layers. One of the hallmarks of Harajuku is layering. Sweaters, vests, or jackets over blouses over t-shirts; dresses worn with leggings: layering clothes (or giving the appearance of layering, by wearing ruffled dresses, for example) allows you to mix and match more different styles, and adds more dimension to your outfit.
Accessorize. Add any wild accessories you have, such as belts, earrings, hair clips, jewelry, and handbags. Remember, accessories can be colorful and loud," and they don't have to match your clothes. Speaking of loud, in decora, a particular Harajuku style, accessories embellish an outfit from head to toe, and objects such as bells are sometimes used to add an aural dimension to the wardrobe.
Understand that Harajuku has many forms and is constantly changing. Gothic Lolita, decora, and wamono are a few of the styles that originated or developed in Harajuku, and many Harajuku girls (and boys) integrate one or more of these somewhat more defined styles into their outfits. It's impossible to pinpoint one "Harajuku style." Also, like all fashions, Harajuku style changes very quickly. It's easy to say that Harajuku is just bright colors, stripes, and leggings, but that's never really been accurate, and next week it may be even less so.
Wear lots clips on your bangs if your style is decora. You can also dye your hair pink, auburn, blond, or even a mixture of colors.
Wear a lot of accessories with characters, such as Pokemon, Hello Kitty, and My Melody.



Tips [edit]Keep up with the evolution of the style by reading publications like FRUiTS and Style-Arena.jp (see external links). These publications and others like them offer a wealth of pictures of Harajuku outfits and are updated weekly or monthly. If you want to dress in Harajuku style, looking at pictures is a good way to get inspired.
Don't forget your hair and makeup. The wild Harajuku style doesn't have to stop with your clothes. Pigtails and other "cute" hairstyles are particularly popular, as is dying your hair. Creative, even theatrical makeup can be a fun addition.