Sunday May 27, 2012

JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION

What do you think of Japanese women's fashions so far this fall-winter season?

Have Your Say Dec. 03, 2011 - 07:06AM JST ( 49 )

Order by Time Order by Popularity

49 Comments

2

some14someDec. 03, 2011 - 07:39AM JST

mask and long boots so far, may be we shall wait little more to find out new fashion trend.
4

smartacusDec. 03, 2011 - 08:10AM JST

So far, the style seems to be mainly shorts with black tights and boots - which I am not complaining about. I wish foreign women would try that style.
0

FoxieDec. 03, 2011 - 09:32AM JST

smartacus, I have been wearing that since 2006. I am getting bored with this fashion.
0

pamelotDec. 03, 2011 - 09:38AM JST

It is, as it has been : all about Trend.

Classic, elegant, personal style exists, but in much smaller numbers, as this comes from within; not mapped-out in the latest KAWAII magazine's how-to's.

Short, faux fur jackets, with black tights under tight summer cut-off jeans with thigh high boots...

I wish foreign women would try that style.

At one time, that was Winter-wear for NYC's meat-packing district's street walkers...

It's amusing to watch this same outfit, pushing a baby's stroller...
-1

shirokuma2011Dec. 03, 2011 - 10:32AM JST

Lots of faux-fur-collared short wool capes this year, which look a bit like Little Bo Peep on winter sheep-herding duty. Glad to see the last of the gray hounds-tooth-checked shorts that were so ubiquitous the past couple of winters. Wish we'd see the last of those galumphing, grimy-looking suede UGG boots, too!!
3

SerranoDec. 03, 2011 - 10:47AM JST

The short skirts and boots rule.
0

JustAnotherPersonDec. 03, 2011 - 10:57AM JST

It's amusing to watch this same outfit, pushing a baby's stroller...

I assume that means, in your mind, that young fashionable Japanese mothers look like whores?

Is that appropriate? it sounds condescending to me.
-2

pamelotDec. 03, 2011 - 12:11PM JST

I assume that means, in your mind, that young fashionable Japanese mothers look like whores?

I said street walker. You said "whore".

And yes, this "fashion" is not new, it is borrowed from street fashion of the 80's.

When you follow fads, it is by large, a joke being played...
-1

SasorizaDec. 03, 2011 - 12:12PM JST

I think they really need to change. I've been watching these combinations since I first came to Japan. Same shorts/mini + black tights stuff, nordic motives, short baloon-shaped jackets with fake fur decorations and the trend mark-layers. No change in colors either-black, white, beige, red. Coats are the same deign- A-shaped bottom, 4-cm wide belt from the same textile, knee-lenght, removable collars.Recently there's this new trend of military style coats, which I personally find ugly.In my country we wear similar clothes when we go hiking.

Here are this winter's trends outside Japan. Don't look at the models, but at the style they represent . Note for example that the skirt lenght is midi to maxi, not mini, and shorts and tights are nowhere to be seen. Note also the color palette-how many of these colors can we see on the winter clothes in Japan? I've yet to see metallic colors and bright prints which aren't hyogara.

http://www.millionlooks.com/trends/outfits-trends/fall-winter-2011-2012-fashion-trends/

And here's some kids fashion in case anyone's interested. Similar stuff I can buy here in GAP http://www.childsplayclothing.co.uk/
1

SasorizaDec. 03, 2011 - 12:13PM JST

http://www.millionlooks.com/trends/outfits-trends/fall-winter-2011-2012-fashion-trends The first link
2

marcelsDec. 03, 2011 - 05:11PM JST

I,m not complaining, I love the black tights with the very short denim shorts,absolutely does justice to those who know how to wear it.. Generally speaking J girls dress very appropriately for the occassion...
1

SerranoDec. 03, 2011 - 09:15PM JST

Today I saw a woman wearing short shorts exposing all of her bare thighs, and boots and a jacket that just came down to her hips.

She looked real good in that outfit.
0

FoxieDec. 03, 2011 - 10:08PM JST

Sasoriza, that miilionlooks site has one very interesting remark: The whole world seems to be changing. Men become more like women and women strive to look and act like men. Fashion just can’t stay aside of this global trend. So, guys, dress more feminine this winter and learn how freezing cold it is to wear a mini-skirt in winter.
-4

pamelotDec. 04, 2011 - 09:09AM JST

I saw a young lady yesterday wearing ripped off shorts, that were so short, her lady-parts and butt could be seen easily.

It is of no surpise at all that men love this look. Street walkers are out on the street for a reason, and a well baited hook catches the big fish...

If this is offending to some, it is not meant to be. I love fashion, and looking at beautiful people... I am merely stating a fact.

I get a laugh at how much the girls wearing this stuff today, just don't know, or care, that not long ago, this attire was along Sunset Boulevard, and 10th Avenue, working...

But yes, the Emperor's New Clothes are lovely!
1

JustAnotherPersonDec. 04, 2011 - 10:43AM JST

I don' think fashion strives to be "new". It is cyclic.

I don't really understand your point when you say you saw someone wearing shorts in America in 1980 so now you laugh out loud at people who wear shorts in Japan.

It must be amusing when everything is your own personal in-joke.
-2

pamelotDec. 04, 2011 - 11:09AM JST

JustAnotherPerson:

Who peed in your cornflakes?

I don't really understand your point when you say you saw someone wearing shorts in America in 1980 so now you laugh out loud at people who wear shorts in Japan.

Not laugh out loud, just a quiet chuckle...

It's called "irony".

Yesterdays street walker attire, today pushes baby strollers.

Ironic, no?

It must be amusing when everything is your own personal in-joke.

It is.

It's the reward and anecdote for surviving...
-2

BlueWitchDec. 04, 2011 - 11:52AM JST

what are they talking about? Every fashion is basically the SAME in Japan, season after season. I know..I was born 30 years ago. Colors and some patterns may change but the usual long boots, leggins, black tights/over the knee stockings, knit sweaters and hats...we always wear the same. I wish we could have more variety like New York, Paris, Milano and Hong Kong.
-5

BlueWitchDec. 04, 2011 - 12:07PM JST

pamelot

I have 4+2=6 children at home. I do not wear a mini skirt while pushing a stroller, my husband would have a rage fit followed by a heart attack, His jealousy can be annoying but I can understand the way he feels having other men looking at me, especially surrounded by his children. get my point? (I only wear mini-skirts inside my bedroom (^_~))

Still, I mostly wear turtlenecks with long indian-cotton skirts and minnetonka boots or similar for my casual days. Other times when going out to the movies or restaurant, I wear satin blouse, knee-length skirt with long black velvet boots. I rarely wear pants or leggings. I'm a skirt-with-boots type of woman. I kind of have long legs which is something not so common in this country so I try to take advantage of it.
1

JustAnotherPersonDec. 04, 2011 - 12:10PM JST

Blue Witch. If you really have been here for 30 years then you would remember many different fashions and styles.

And Hong Kong more fashionable than Tokyo, that gave me a quiet chuckle!
-5

BlueWitchDec. 04, 2011 - 12:10PM JST

About the Foreign women's fashion...

the women married to Japanese men that I know so far, dress very well and classy. I have nothing negative to say about them. Besides Foreign woman are beautiful and have very nice legs and beautiful eyes. Lucky them!
-4

BlueWitchDec. 04, 2011 - 12:15PM JST

Justanotherperson, I don't mind people calling me Foreigner, in fact, I find it a beautiful compliment. Thank you for taking your time to reply to my post.

I have seen some fashion in those places but I am not expert. I wish Tokyo would change more of this boring always wearing the same items and open more to the world and those famous runways or catwalks?

There are plenty of beautiful women in this country, both local and Foreign. So why not having more choices for us all?

I wonder what my friend Yuri Otani would say about this?
2

JustAnotherPersonDec. 04, 2011 - 12:22PM JST

I wish Tokyo would change more of this boring always wearing the same items and open more to the world and those famous runways or catwalks?

Although difficult to understand I assume this means you don't live in Tokyo otherwise you would see all the wide variety of street fashions with your own eyes.

New York and so on may be famous for elite fashion and runway shows but in street fashion Tokyo beats them all hands down.

So I don't know what you want when you say you wish Tokyo would open more to the word, it really doesn't make any logical sense.

If you actually go to New York you will see that most people just wear jeans and a big puffer jacket and a knit cap, they are not really dressed up at all.
1

FoxieDec. 04, 2011 - 12:27PM JST

The good thing about the leggings/short fashion is that it is really cheap since you can wear your shorts all year around. But it is getting boring. There are many colorful knits out there this year but they don't seem to catch on.
4

nigelboyDec. 04, 2011 - 12:36PM JST

Agree with justanotherperson. Fashion is by in large cyclical.
-2

BlueWitchDec. 04, 2011 - 12:40PM JST

Justanotherperson

You are right, I live in Ibaraki because my husband's company is in Miho-mura and it was required for him to live close. But yes, unfortunately the fashion in this area is more or less the same, i have to be honest.

I don't live in Tokyo, so maybe I have no right to talk about there but...you know, I can read the fashion magazines...and watch TV sometimes... its not so difficult to know what trends are going on right now...

I used to live in the U.S. for some years when I was in University, but I was not in New York. But for what I know, American , British, and many other women, I saw something about Croatia last night. wow..they dress so nice and classy.

So, there are many good pieces of clothes in here but I tend to like more fashion overseas. Does that make me a bad person?
-1

BlueWitchDec. 04, 2011 - 12:47PM JST

Definitely not many fashion trends in my village. But you are right about the leggings..they are cheap...You know I wear them here at home under my pajyamas and they keep you very warm at night. Husband wear men-leggings too under his uniform at the plant and when he comes home and I see him walking around wearing that I want to go to him and grab something...haha it reminds me of the male ballerinas.
3

Blair HerronDec. 04, 2011 - 01:08PM JST

Japanese women's fashion? From Hokkaido to Okinawa? Even Ginza, Takeshita-Dori, Ikebukuro...different fashion. It's hard to generalize Japanese women's fashion. And fashion overseas? France, Bhutan, Ghana... Even in the US, Melrose Ave, 5th Ave.... different fashion.
2

NinjaDaveDec. 04, 2011 - 01:08PM JST

My view on fashion is, make your own and be an individual, nothing is more appealing to the opposite sex.
1

SerranoDec. 04, 2011 - 01:43PM JST

Today I saw a woman wearing black tights and black boots. I prefer the shorts or skirts though.
-4

BlueWitchDec. 04, 2011 - 01:56PM JST

@Serrano

How you seen the movie "The Devil wears Prada"? The way the actresses dress is so "chic". Lots of long boots and wool coats and classy accessories. It's like fashion eye-candy.
-3

BlueWitchDec. 04, 2011 - 02:01PM JST

I forgot to add that I do not like REAL fur. There are plenty of other types that look and feel real. No need to kill animals over their beautiful coat.
-1

SasorizaDec. 04, 2011 - 02:34PM JST

I was stupid enough to wear shorts and tights during the winter, and my behinds literally froze. Let alone that prolonged exposure to such low temperatures can cause different inflamations of the reproductive organs, the bladder and even the kidneys.

Foxie, you are absolutely right about mixed men/women style. One of the hot trends (introduced by Japanese designer, BTW) for men, is the Nordic patterns, which here in Japan are worn mostly by women. Another trend I noticed was the Harem style trousers( I may be wrong about the name, its those trousers which follow the legs line up until the middle of the hips, and then suddenly become baggy). In Japan they are worn mostly by women. Anyway, this winter the designers offer wonderful ideas for men too, including thick woolen suits, excellent for this year's setsuden season.

Anyway, fashion is, I think, mostly about showing not only your looks , but your personality. What personality can we talk about if all are alike like Kintaro ame? And no, women's fashion is mostly about your personal satisfaction rather than satisfying men. Women's personal comfort and likings should be a priority.

It is not that Japanese markets are totally closed for foreign fashion-it is that many women/girls are afraid to wear it , because they would stand out. So this winter it will be again the same shorts, tights, boots, knits, colors.
2

JustAnotherPersonDec. 04, 2011 - 02:48PM JST

It is not that Japanese markets are totally closed for foreign fashion-it is that many women/girls are afraid to wear it , because they would stand out. So this winter it will be again the same shorts, tights, boots, knits, colors.

This is patently ridiculous. We have the same shops in Japan as overseas and we buy brands from all over the world. I don't know how a Japanese girl would 'stand out' wearing clothes from an overseas-based brand.

Anyway we Japanese love to stand out, fashion is one of the main areas where we can differentiate ourselves.
0

BlueWitchDec. 04, 2011 - 03:29PM JST

@Sasoriza

I was stupid enough to wear shorts and tights during the winter, and my behinds literally froze. Let alone that prolonged exposure to such low temperatures can cause different inflamations of the reproductive organs, the bladder and even the kidneys.

Foxie, you are absolutely right about mixed men/women style. One of the hot trends (introduced by Japanese designer, BTW) for men, is the Nordic patterns, which here in Japan are worn mostly by women. Another trend I noticed was the Harem style trousers( I may be wrong about the name, its those trousers which follow the legs line up until the middle of the hips, and then suddenly become baggy). In Japan they are worn mostly by women. Anyway, this winter the designers offer wonderful ideas for men too, including thick woolen suits, excellent for this year's setsuden season.

Anyway, fashion is, I think, mostly about showing not only your looks , but your personality. What personality can we talk about if all are alike like Kintaro ame? And no, women's fashion is mostly about your personal satisfaction rather than satisfying men. Women's personal comfort and likings should be a priority.

It is not that Japanese markets are totally closed for foreign fashion-it is that many women/girls are afraid to wear it , because they would stand out. So this winter it will be again the same shorts, tights, boots, knits, colors.

I agree with this post. well said.
-5

KobeGrandadDec. 04, 2011 - 04:55PM JST

I used to be in the special forces and met my ex wife while protecting a celeb at a fashion show.

My ex picked a Westwood dress and also me. She made a small error though. She came from behind me and touched me on the shoulder in my 5 star hotel roomto show me her wearing the new dress and because of instinct through training, i threw her 3 meters across the room!! After she realised her mistake we all had a giggle.

Fahsion is a serious business.
1

kurisupisuDec. 04, 2011 - 07:54PM JST

Can't say that fashion is really that apparent these days as Japanese fashion has become so much more diverse.......
0

Antonios_MDec. 04, 2011 - 10:39PM JST

The problem with Japanese women is that they seem to care more about fashion and shopping than a way to develop their individuality and personality. Of course, i could say the same about women from all over the world, but in Japan this trend is commercialized and promoted as a new lifestyle.

As for the Japanese women fashion...it seems same to me for the last 4-5 years. Black tights with denim shorts and long boots. Faux fur coats are getting more popular.

What really drives me nuts in Japan is the mens fashion... I can't stand how feminine it looks. To be honest, it might look good for the Japanese men, but when it comes to a Mediterranean guy...god, its awful. It's getting even worse though when your Japanese gf insists you should dress like these guys and buys you clothes of this feminine style...
1

FoxieDec. 05, 2011 - 12:07AM JST

Antonios, the other day I saw a guy who was wearing colorful tights with shorts down over the knees on top - looked much better than the black tights with the mini denim shorts the women are wearing. Maybe I should dress more like men again....who dress like women.
1

Antonios_MDec. 05, 2011 - 08:19AM JST

Haha...yes, i have seen some people walking the street in front of me and i found myself wondering "Is he/she a guy or a woman"? Japan gives a new meaning to the word "unisex". I can't believe that there are women in Japan who find this style as "sexy" and "kawaii". It's a good thing to have variety, uniqueness and individuality, but this trend is getting so popular among J guys to the extent of either seeing sararimen or these "trendy" guys out in the street.

Jguys, please, take a look at some photos of Abe Hiroshi. This is how a real man should dress like in terms of both clothing and haircut.
3

Nicky WashidaDec. 05, 2011 - 08:34AM JST

Fashion is about what is in season that year. But looking fashionable is all about taking that seasons trends and adapting it to suit you, based on your age, body shape, lifestyle, etc. This is what I always try to consider when I dress.

I love the short denim shorts look. But I am nearly 40, so in Winter at least I dont go bare-legged. I wear them with black tights and a nice, classy pair of non-stripper boots. I love my skinny jeans with heeled boots and a long stretchy V neck sweater. I know this look suits me because I have a long, slim shape but with boobs - so the skinny jeans play up my legs and the V neck sweater "frames" my upper half nicely without making me look too top heavy. I love mini skirts too, but I tend to go for A line shapes these days rather than supertight ones because I dont want to look too trashy - they worked beautifully up to about age 35, but these days I feel more classy if they are not too tight. Bloody impossible to ride a mama-chari in a tight mini skirt too!

The only issue I have is with colours really - the colours that suit me arent really easy to find here, of course. The colours are generally more suited to Asian coloring. That can be a bit frustrating, but some of the big UK and US brands are delivering to Japan now for a very reasonable fee, so that is helping. The exchange rate means hubby doesnt have a heart attack either when I shop online!

I think J women can look absolutely stunning in some of their fall fashions. I wish I could look the same, but you gotta work with what you got, so I try and adapt what I like to suit me. I am blessed with long legs, a small figure and blonde hair though, so could be worse. I cant really complain! I just wish I still had the skin I had when I was 25, or even 30, but I guess I am just going to have to give in to that (dis)gracefully! I dont mind my laughter lines anyway - at least it is written all over my face now that I have spent my life having a good giggle!
0

Shogo TairaDec. 05, 2011 - 09:54AM JST

It looks cold, but I like its fashion! lol However, to tell the truth, I want ladies to wear winter clothes. Feeling cold is not good for our bodies.
-1

NonanonDec. 05, 2011 - 11:24AM JST

It seems to me that in the last year the thigh-size of women here has dropped noticeably. Many women walking around with thighs smaller than their knees/calves. Not natural. Talking to my wife, it might have something to do with a little fat-burning pill women get offered at the end of their massage.. Maybe that's why all the short shorts with nylons - to show off their new achievements.
0

lostrune2Dec. 05, 2011 - 12:58PM JST

Zettai Ryouiki

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ZettaiRyouiki
0

megosaaDec. 05, 2011 - 01:42PM JST

moar skin
0

tokyokawasakiDec. 05, 2011 - 01:43PM JST

I must admit the shorts, black tights and knee length boots really gets me. I find myself compelled to stop and stare for that extra second or two :)
0

MaboDofuIsSpicyDec. 05, 2011 - 03:50PM JST

I like clear see through pumps, and bikinis. It is warm enough to wear them, so I would like to promote that fashion.
0

KobeGrandadDec. 07, 2011 - 09:48AM JST

I like DM steels, knuckle duster and a pink beret. i don't follow fashion i set the trends.
0

pamelotDec. 14, 2011 - 09:14AM JST

If you actually go to New York you will see that most people just wear jeans and a big puffer jacket and a knit cap, they are not really dressed up at all.

If you actually live or come from NYC, you know that street wear is utilitarian, as well as fashionable.

It gets to below 0 degrees Farenheit in Winter. Puffer coats are a necessity.

Also, too much "wealth" displayed on the street, makes you a target. That's New York. Each city is different.

We have the same shops in Japan as overseas and we buy brands from all over the world.

Yes, and how adorable is it, that the size range available is kept within 3 sizes; small, smaller, and smallest.

You go to NYC and try to buy a petite size, no problem. Big, tall? No problem.

I create my own fashion, always have, no matter where I live- but in Tokyo, it's a necessity.
0

tsukkiDec. 14, 2011 - 11:19AM JST

Very nice overall. I'm a foreigner but I dress like a typical Japanese girl. So yes, black tights, knee high boots, skirts or shorts, muffler and puffer jacket it is. Must say, it's very comfortable (thank you, heat-tech tights!) and I've gotten many compliments fashion-wise.