Japan is known for many things—spectacular food, beautiful temples, high-speed trains, and a welcoming culture—but fashion certainly tops the list. So when I visited for the first time a few weeks ago, I was eager to drink up all the street style around the major cities. While all of Japan is incredibly chic, Tokyo, specifically, boasts a standout street style (it's no surprise given it's the biggest city with influential fashion neighborhoods like Shibuya and Harajuku). It's also a haven for vintage shopping, with entire streets lined with incredible stores filled with treasures from the past.
That effortlessly cool style mixed with the electric city energy against the backdrop of neon lights was exactly the style inspiration I had been craving. So needless to say I had my fashion-editor cap on while exploring Tokyo, taking note of what all the most stylish Japanese people were wearing. While Tokyo style is quite directional and people have their unique styles, I did notice a few trends many people were incorporating into their wardrobes in interesting ways. From an emerging outerwear silhouette to a statement accessory color, below are the four fashion trends I saw all over the streets of Tokyo.
METALLIC ACCESSORIES
Tokyo style really leans into the use of accessories, incorporating unexpected colors and textures in unique ways, but metallic pieces specifically are having a moment. Whether it's a silver bag or bold earring, metallic accessories are punctuating the coolest looks.
SLEEK COATS
Temperatures were on the lower end when I visited Japan over New Years Eve, so everyone was adorned in gorgeous outwear, but sleek, tailored coats seemed to be the favorite of the moment. From leather trenches to double-breasted wool coats, sleek silhouettes dominated the Tokyo streets.
THICK SOLES
To borrow from Kendall Roy, big, big shoes were all over the streets of Tokyo. Thick soles adorned loafers, boots, and Mary Janes alike, adding major height to already cool looks.
COLLARLESS OUTERWEAR
Collarless outerwear is a trend we're just starting to see bubble up in the U.S., but people on the streets of Tokyo are fully on board. Whether layered over a sleek turtleneck or under a colorful scarf, collarless coats, and jackets add an unexpected element to a winter look (and provide an opportunity to play with accessories).
