As I walk the streets of Tokyo it is easy to feel like I am not taking in enough of what is right in front of me. A city of bustling streets, filled with metro buses that are never late, mouth-watering food vendors and of course, street style. Tokyo has some of the most amazing street style I have ever seen and if there is anything I refuse to miss it is the classic women of this gorgeous city. I think there is a lot one can learn about fashion from the modern women of Tokyo.
Here are eleven of the lessons I have learned thus far:
1. Height matters
Tokyo women take their high heels and wedges very seriously. In the mornings, during rush hour, it is very common to see women on the way to their jobs, keeping up with the quick pace of the work flow in their three-inch suede heels. They walk with a purpose and look fabulous while they do it. I've decided they either practice walking in heels a lot or they might actually be unicorns.
2. Less is more
Yes, there is a sub-culture of Japanese fashion that is extremely creative, colorful and eccentric. Though I love looking at that type of street style the fashion that I have been observing the most in Tokyo seems to be the way majority of the women dress. That is pretty conservatively. You won't see bright, loud patterns or lots of unnecessary graphics. Pastels and neutral colors are key and it is important to air on the side of simplicity.
3. But more can also be...more
You won't see a lot shoulders showing (even in these hell-like weather conditions #humidity). I don't know what their secret is to keep cool, but you won't see these women showing off mid-drifts and wearing low cut shirts.
4. No knees, please
I have seen a very small amount of people wear shorts. There are a lot of tea-length skirts and structured pants. You have to hand it to the Japanese for taking the heat and still looking classy as heck while they do it.
5. Pink blush is a necessity
Bronzer and highlighter is definitely in an up-trend back in the States (which I admittedly love) but pink blush seems to be fading out more and more. Not in Tokyo, in fact an outfit doesn't seem to be complete with out a little makeup and that iconic swipe of pink blush. And let me tell you, these women are PULLING IT OFF.
6. Sweats and leggings are practically criminal
Just don't do it.
7. Navy and crème EVERYTHING
So much navy and crème colored clothing. I swear the Japanese got together at one time and all decided on a national color palette to abide to. But really I am not complaining, because they look good in navy and crème (WORK IT).
8. Culottes should be a staple in your closet
These pants are AMAZING. They are loose, flowy, classy, and sophisticated and every woman in Tokyo owns at least ten pairs. As should you.
9. As should a classic button up
Always.
10. Tight is not right
They keep it loose here. Nothing too form fitting without looking frumpy and baggy of course. They have it down to a balance that we can all learn from.
11. Class will never go out of style
Trends come and go, but the art of putting a classic yet simple outfit together is timeless. And the women of Tokyo teach that to the people around them with every click of their perfectly kempt heels.
