Kawaii fashion is a trend, originally rooted from Japan that has gained worldwide popularity. Derived from the word “kawaii” used to describe anything along the realms of cute and sweet in Japanese with fashion, this unique style has dramatically taken the world by storm.
In this blog, we will explore the kawaii fashion, covering its history, various substyles, and tips on having perfect kawaii looks.
The Story Behind Kawaii Fashion
Kawaii culture made its debut in the 1970s. It was considered as a youth-oriented movement which challenged strict societal norms, especially traditional Japanese clothing for women. These teenagers doodled with curvy, rounded lettering, adding cute shapes as adornments. This trend promptly made a strong impact on other industries especially fashion.
As a result, Kawaii style rose in popularity during the 90s Japanese fashion. It led to a greater focus on accessories, vibrant prints, and feminine symbols. Nowadays, due to the booming development of the internet and social media industry, this style is reachable to people worldwide.
4 Must-Know Kawaii Fashion Styles
Kawaii style today goes far beyond cute outfits. It has flourished into multiple subcultures, resonating with their unique identities.
Lolita
Lolita is a style of mixing and matching outfits that are remarkably inspired by the general aesthetics of Rococo and Victorian periods. One of the most basic outfits for Lolita style is a blouse (long-sleeved or short-sleeved approved) paired with a skirt or a dress. These bottom items generally fall just above or at the knees. In addition, when it comes to Lolita style, a pair of knee-high socks is a must-have.
Yami Kawaii
The word “Yami” is used to express “sick” or “dark” in Japanese. In terms of fashion, Yami Kawaii represents a unique substyle that integrates cuteness with darker tone and melancholic elements. This style consists of pastel colors and more somber, sometimes disturbing themes like illness or mental health struggles.
Furthermore, individuals use Yami Kawaii as a way to express their disconnections from traditional norms. It is opposite to the stereotype showing that cute always equals happiness. Yami Kawaii provides a deeper perspective of personal emotions and societal pressures which help it to attract attention and shine brightly in the world of kawaii fashion.
Fairy Kei
1980s pop culture inspired fashion enthusiasts to shape new trends. Fairy Kei is one of them, highlighting pastel colors, vintage nostalgia, and an ethereal atmosphere. This substyle mixes elements implying classic childhood memories such as Care Bears, My Little Pony, and Barbie.
Typical outfits usually have soft shades of pink, baby blue and aligned with frilly skirts as well as oversized sweaters. Playful accessories such as bows and heart-shaped bags are key elements contributing to perfect Fairy Kei looks. It stands out with creativity which offers a space for self-expression through the whimsical and youthful elements of the style. In conclusion, Fairy Kei is a go-to choice for those who love to blend nostalgia with kawaii magic.
Shibu Kawaii
If you find traditional Kawaii fashion styles too outstanding for daily outfits, Shibu Kawaii appears to be an alternative match. This substyle looks more subdued, matured than other substyles. It is the combination of cuteness and minimalism.
In Japanese language, “Shibu” means “simple”. That is when being related to fashion, Shibu Kawaii is identified by toned-down colors including pastels, earthy tones, and simple patterns. In addition, this substyle focuses on creating elegant and chic looks incorporating minimal accessories. These foster Shibu Kawaii set itself apart in the kawaii fashion.
Essential Tips To Dress In Kawaii Fashion
Kawaii style is about embracing the charm of cuteness and spreading a youthful spirit through your outfits. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just a newbie to this adorable trend, there are key tips to help you stay ahead and master the Kawaii aesthetic.
Priority to Pastel Colors
It can’t be denied that pastel colors are leading roles in kawaii style, enhancing it to have a soft aesthetic. There are some main color tones you should take into account such as pinks, baby blues and pale yellows. These hues significantly lead to a youthful aura that identifies the kawaii fashion.
Choose A Perfect Top
As regards to kawaii style, finding the right tops becomes fundamental. If you are new to the kawaii fashion industry, colorful T-shirts with cute designs are a perfect match. Nevertheless, don’t forget to have an in-depth research on your body type before choosing any items. For example, if you have an apple shaped body, you should try on funny shirts that are tailored at the waist rather than loose and baggy.
Pair With Cute Shorts Or A Skirt
Nothing embodies kawaii style more than lovely skirts or shorts. Being different from the tops, skirts and shorts come in a wide range of lengths, sizes, and colors. For example, a cute pleated skirt mixed with kawaii hoodies is not only trendy but also flatters your figure. On the other hand, if you are slim, longer-length skirts will come first in your mind.
Add Cute Accessories
There is no question that cute accessories are standard in kawaii style. It’s important to find accessories that are matching with your outfit by the same colors or pairing elements. In particular, those who follow kawaii fashion seem to invest a lot of effort in sophisticated bows. Another idea is looking for accessories that highlight elements like glitter, stars or hearts if you want to make your hair to be truly impressive. Additionally, accessories decorated with “chibi” which have larger-than-life heads representing manga or anime characters, are also beloved.
Key Takeaways Of Kawaii Fashion
- Kawaii fashion has been inspired by Japanese childhood nostalgia.
- Cute and tiny accessories are indispensable in the matter of kawaii fashion.
- Kawaii fashion is not only booming in Japan but also going globalized thanks to the rise of the Internet and social media.
- Kawaii fashion is highly versatile, It can range from casual to artistic outfits.
- Kawaii fashion is able to fit various body types and age groups, making it accessible to a wide audience.
To Sum Up
Kawaii fashion goes beyond a trend, it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re an enthusiast of Kawaii culture or just beginning to explore this charming world, I hope this blog article has served you with a deep guide to kawaii style. Find out more about how to mix and match Kawaii outfits with us at: https://kamicrew.com/.
