Clothing Trends for Spring & Summer ’08

Now that we’re safely out of winter, it’s time to lighten up! Put away your fuzzy scarves and down-filled jackets and opt instead for floaty fabrics and bright colors. Below are a list of some of the more popular styles being featured in Japanese fashion magazines this season. Unfortunately, I don’t usually read men’s fashion magazines, so this article will be just for the girls. For any guys interested, though, definitely check out Tokyo Street Style, Street Peeper, and Trends in Japan for some real life, street fashion inspiration. With the introduction out of the way, let’s get started!

Colorful Denim

I know that the thought of buying hot pink jeans may be a little daunting at first, but trust me, colorful denim can work. The key is to make your jeans the focal point. This can be achieved by choosing a looser top (a tight top will make it look like you’re trying to hard) in a neutral hue (e.g. beige, white, black, or pastel). When shopping, keep in mind that you may have to try on jeans of many different colors/shades before you find the perfect pair.

Colored denim in a store near you: Wet Seal, Forever21 (1,2), and Levis

Vests

Let’s face it, vests aren’t really functional on their own; they’re more of an accessory than an actual piece of clothing. Still, I love vests because they really finish an outfit, adding a bit of interest to an otherwise basic tank-top-and-jean outfit or giving a chiffon dress (see next section) a more grounded, edgy feel. There really aren’t too many rules when looking for vests, other than to keep proportions (i.e. the relative lengths of everything you’re wearing) in mind.

Vests at a store near you: JCPenney, Forever21, Target

Chiffon

Girly and romantic, chiffon is all over Japanese fashion magazines right now. It’s no wonder, either, since the fabric is pretty light-weight and perfect for the warmer months. The trend of dark chiffon with small floral prints has carried over from winter, though colorful pieces are also very popular. Because chiffon shirts and dresses are generally quite voluminous, make sure to balance them out with something more form-fitting, such as a tighter t-shirt, skinny jeans, a vest, etc.

Chiffon at a store near you: Forever21, Macy’s, Charlotte Russe

Black & Navy Blazers

Although the weather may not call for gloves and wool coats, some summer days can be unexpectedly cool, which is why everyone should have at least one great-fitting blazer waiting in their closet this season. They’re super versatile and look great with everything. When shopping, look for blazers with elbow-length sleeves and hems that hit at the hip or slightly above (go shorter if you’re petite, longer if you’re tall), to avoid looking too business-like.

Blazers at a store near you: Topshop, Target, Old Navy

Neon Windbreakers

Speaking of outerwear, another good transitional piece for the coming months is a brightly colored light jacket. Wear them with shorts or skirts, for a not-so-conventional sporty look. If you’re not up for wearing electric yellow or lime green, try a jewel tone (e.g. ruby or sapphire), instead.

Neon windbreakers in a store near you: American Apparel, Forever21, Macy’s (1,2)

Fringe Boots

I’ll be honest with you–I don’t understand this trend at all. I guess I just can’t wrap my head around the “Prairie Chic” look. These boots are very popular with Japanese girls, though, as well as with a few Hollywood starlets. Even my roommate, Etsuko, has a pair. Anyway, I’ve mostly seen these boots worn with dresses and skirts, with tights/long socks or without. Try them if you dare.