A Complete Guide to Harajuku Fashion Substyles
Harajuku is not just a single style—it’s a cultural hub where many substyles/Kei thrive. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the substyles that make up this eclectic world:
1. Lolita Fashion (Often Found in Harajuku)
- Overview: Inspired by Victorian and Rococo aesthetics.
- Key Features: Frilly dresses, petticoats, lace details, and elaborate accessories.
- Substyles:
- Sweet Lolita: Pastel colors, bows, and cutesy prints like candies and hearts.
- Gothic Lolita: Dark colors (black, deep reds), crosses, and a more somber, elegant vibe.
- Classic Lolita: Muted tones and mature, vintage-inspired designs.
- Hair and Makeup: Natural or soft tones for sweet/classic, darker palettes for gothic.
2. Decora
- Overview: Known for its playful, maximalist approach to accessories.
- Key Features:
- Layers of colorful hair clips, bracelets, and necklaces.
- Clothes with bold patterns, such as stripes or polka dots.
- Inspired by childhood nostalgia, like toys and cartoon characters.
- Colors: Bright, clashing hues (rainbow themes are common).
- Hair and Makeup: Pigtails or bobs with multicolored clips, and glittery makeup.
3. Fairy Kei
- Overview: A dreamy, pastel-toned style inspired by 1980s cartoons and toys.
- Key Features:
- Oversized sweatshirts, tulle skirts, and playful patterns.
- Accessories featuring stars, rainbows, and unicorns.
- Lightweight fabrics like cotton and tulle.
- Colors: Pastel shades (lavender, mint green, pink).
- Hair and Makeup: Soft pastel hair, light makeup with shimmering accents.
4. Yami Kawaii
- Overview: A darker, more subversive take on “cute,” addressing themes of mental health.
- Key Features:
- Accessories with bandages, syringes, and broken hearts.
- Clothing with text like “I’m not okay” or sad imagery.
- Combines pastel colors with black or muted tones.
- Colors: Pink, lavender, mint green paired with black.
- Hair and Makeup: Pastel or dark-dyed hair, soft blush with dramatic under-eye makeup.
5. Pastel Goth
- Overview: A mix of Gothic elements with cute pastel tones.
- Key Features:
- Skeleton or pentagram motifs on oversized shirts or dresses.
- Spiked chokers, combat boots, and fishnet stockings.
- DIY-inspired designs, such as hand-painted jackets.
- Colors: Black with lavender, mint, or baby pink accents.
- Hair and Makeup: Split-dyed or pastel-dyed hair, dark lipstick, and smoky eyes.
6. Visual Kei
- Overview: Originating from Japanese rock bands, this style is dramatic and edgy.
- Key Features:
- Military jackets, leather pants, and punk-inspired accessories.
- Flamboyant hairstyles, often spiked or asymmetrical.
- Heavy, dramatic makeup—exaggerated eyeliner and bold lips.
- Colors: Black, metallics, red, and bold contrasts.
7. Genderless Kei
- Overview: Focuses on non-binary and androgynous aesthetics, blending masculine and feminine styles.
- Key Features:
- Oversized or loose-fitting clothing like wide-leg pants and boxy shirts.
- Minimal accessories, often emphasizing simplicity.
- Sneakers and modern, streetwear-inspired pieces.
- Colors: Neutral tones with occasional bold pops.
- Hair and Makeup: Androgynous haircuts, subtle makeup.
8. Cyber Kei
- Overview: Futuristic, tech-inspired fashion with a high-energy aesthetic.
- Key Features:
- Neon and metallic fabrics, PVC materials.
- LED or glow-in-the-dark accessories.
- Tech-inspired motifs, such as circuit board designs.
- Colors: Neon green, pink, or blue paired with black or white.
- Hair and Makeup: Bold geometric designs, neon-dyed hair, and striking eyeliner.
9. Shironuri
- Overview: Translates to “painted white,” this style is characterized by a painted-white face.
- Key Features:
- Elaborate, ethereal outfits inspired by nature, fantasy, or traditional Japanese motifs.
- Often DIY or handmade, with flowing fabrics and dramatic silhouettes.
- Colors: White base with accents of natural tones or bold contrasts.
- Hair and Makeup: White-painted face, intricate makeup, and dramatic wigs or natural hairstyles.
10. Kawaii Punk
- Overview: Combines punk fashion with cute, colorful elements.
- Key Features:
- Plaid skirts, studded belts, and combat boots.
- Bright accents like neon colors or cartoon-inspired patches.
- Oversized sweaters or graphic tees with punk motifs.
- Colors: Black, red, and neon shades.
- Hair and Makeup: Spiky hair or streaked with bright colors, dramatic eyeliner.
11. Traditional Modern
- Overview: A fusion of traditional Japanese garments (kimono, yukata) with contemporary fashion.
- Key Features:
- Kimono-inspired tops, haori jackets, or hakama pants styled with modern pieces.
- Accessories like obi belts and geta sandals mixed with boots or sneakers.
- Colors: Traditional patterns combined with modern color schemes.
- Hair and Makeup: Modern hairstyles with traditional hairpins or flowers.
12. Minimal Harajuku
- Overview: A cleaner, more subdued take on Harajuku fashion, emphasizing sleek lines and functionality.
- Key Features:
- Neutral colors, oversized pieces, and simple patterns.
- Focuses on high-quality materials and effortless layering.
- Colors: Beige, black, white, and gray.
- Hair and Makeup: Natural, barely-there makeup with clean hairstyles.
Well Harajuku fashion encompasses even more substyles, reflecting the endless creativity of its community. Let’s dive deeper into additional Harajuku substyles:
13. Angura Kei (Underground Kei)
- Overview: Inspired by Japan’s underground theater and music scenes, Angura Kei is dark, eerie, and avant-garde.
- Key Features:
- Traditional Japanese motifs, such as kimonos or hakama, combined with gothic elements.
- Distressed or deconstructed clothing, heavy layering.
- Accessories like rosaries, bandages, or masks.
- Colors: Black, deep red, and muted tones.
- Hair and Makeup: Slicked-back or asymmetrical hairstyles, pale makeup with dark accents.
14. Cult Party Kei
- Overview: Rooted in vintage and religious motifs, this style is soft, dreamy, and surreal.
- Key Features:
- Layered sheer fabrics like lace and chiffon.
- Cross pendants, rosary beads, and vintage accessories.
- Themes of innocence, often with hints of medical or fairy-tale imagery.
- Colors: Cream, white, soft pink, and pastel shades.
- Hair and Makeup: Loose, wavy hairstyles, with natural, soft makeup.
15. Otome Kei
- Overview: “Maiden style,” focusing on feminine and retro vibes without being overly flashy.
- Key Features:
- A-line skirts, Peter Pan collars, and cardigans.
- Simple prints like florals or polka dots.
- Inspired by vintage European fashion.
- Colors: Muted pastels, earthy tones.
- Hair and Makeup: Neat hairstyles like soft curls or straight bangs, with light makeup.
16. Haady Kei
- Overview: Vibrant and flashy, this style is heavily influenced by American pop culture.
- Key Features:
- Bright, clashing colors, graffiti-style prints, and animal patterns.
- Denim jackets, sneakers, and statement accessories.
- Logos or pop-art designs are common.
- Colors: Neon pinks, yellows, greens, and bold prints.
- Hair and Makeup: Wild hairstyles and colorful eyeshadow or lipstick.
17. Punk Kei
- Overview: A Japanese take on Western punk culture, with DIY elements and rebellious vibes.
- Key Features:
- Leather jackets, plaid skirts, and graphic tees.
- Chains, spikes, and safety pin accessories.
- Deconstructed or ripped clothing for a DIY look.
- Colors: Black, red, metallics.
- Hair and Makeup: Spiky hair or mohawks, with bold eyeliner and dark lipstick.
18. Guro Kei (Grotesque Kei)
- Overview: Focuses on horror and gore themes, often dramatic and unsettling.
- Key Features:
- Blood-splattered or torn clothing.
- Bandages, eyepatches, or prosthetics for a medical-horror aesthetic.
- Inspired by creepy or surreal elements.
- Colors: White (bandages) with red (blood) and black accents.
- Hair and Makeup: Messy, teased hair, pale foundation, and blood-like makeup effects.
19. Kogal (Part of Gyaru but Common in Harajuku)
- Overview: Schoolgirl-inspired, with a rebellious twist.
- Key Features:
- Shortened school uniforms with oversized cardigans.
- Loose socks, platform shoes, and flashy accessories.
- Tanned skin and dramatic gyaru makeup (thick eyeliner and false lashes).
- Colors: School-inspired hues, mixed with neon accents.
20. Wa Kei
- Overview: Combines traditional Japanese clothing with modern streetwear.
- Key Features:
- Kimono-inspired tops, obi belts, or yukata pieces paired with modern pants or skirts.
- Sandals mixed with street sneakers.
- Often features Japanese patterns like sakura, waves, or dragons.
- Colors: Traditional reds, blacks, and golds paired with modern neutrals.
- Hair and Makeup: Traditional Japanese hairstyles or buns with streetwear twists.
21. Neogal (Next-Generation Gyaru)
- Overview: A modern evolution of the gyaru style, less flashy but still trendy.
- Key Features:
- More subtle and wearable compared to classic gyaru.
- Statement accessories and polished, high-fashion vibes.
- Makeup focuses on contouring, nude lips, and soft eye looks.
- Colors: Neutral tones with pops of metallics or bold shades.
22. Sports Kei
- Overview: Casual and sporty, inspired by streetwear and athletic trends.
- Key Features:
- Tracksuits, bomber jackets, and sneakers.
- Logos from brands like Nike, Adidas, or Japanese sportswear labels.
- Accessories like caps, gym bags, and sunglasses.
- Colors: Primary colors, monochromes, and bold patterns.
- Hair and Makeup: Sleek hairstyles, minimal makeup for an athletic look.
23. Natural Kei
- Overview: Earthy, soft, and inspired by rural or countryside aesthetics.
- Key Features:
- Long, flowing dresses with floral patterns or gingham prints.
- Knitwear, cardigans, and lace details.
- Inspired by European prairie or cottagecore aesthetics.
- Colors: Beige, cream, earthy greens, and muted pastels.
- Hair and Makeup: Simple hairstyles like loose braids, with barely-there makeup.
24. Manhera Kei
- Overview: Focuses on mental health, often incorporating medical or melancholic themes.
- Key Features:
- Bandages, syringes, and pill motifs as accessories.
- Clothing with dark or “sickly cute” designs, such as crying faces.
- A softer cousin to Yami Kawaii.
- Colors: Pastels with black and white contrasts.
- Hair and Makeup: Messy pigtails or bob cuts, with pale, doll-like makeup.
25. Casual Kei
- Overview: The most wearable and low-key Harajuku style.
- Key Features:
- A mix of trendy and vintage pieces.
- Comfortable, layered outfits suitable for daily life.
- Minimal accessories and simpler patterns.
- Colors: Neutral tones, denim, and soft shades.
- Hair and Makeup: Natural styles with soft curls, light makeup.
Harajuku fashion is a spectrum of creativity with new substyles constantly emerging. How to style yourself in a particular substyle!
How to Explore Harajuku Styles
- Mix Substyles: Many Harajuku fashioners mix elements from multiple substyles to create unique looks.
- DIY & Thrifting: Experiment with your creativity by customizing outfits or finding treasures in thrift stores.
- Be Bold: Confidence is key—Harajuku fashion thrives on fearless self-expression.
Which substyle catches your eye the most? Let me know by commenting!