Harajuku style, Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

The Fab 40’s Interpret Harajuku

April 27, 2020 / 29 Comments
Harajuku style, Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Harajuku style, Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Harajuku style, Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Harajuku style, Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

You are never too old to learn new things, explore different ideas, and experiment with your personal style. You can decide to reinvent yourself at any time or you can be content with the same old routine of you if that’s what makes you happy. For me, I am rarely content with the same old routine of anything. I get bored of the mundane so quickly which leaves me always willing to stir things up whether it is through my writing, traveling, music, or style.

Life keeps us busy and structure is so important to keep us grounded and responsible. But really, that can get so painfully boring sometimes. We all need creative outlets to keep us from falling into the funk and for me style challenges keep me on my toes and force me to think outside of the lines that my mind often creates.

This is why I love my Fab 40’s gals so very much. Each month, we challenge one another to venture into our own closets and find new ways to create interesting styles while staying true to our own sartorial choices. Sometimes we fall flat but more often than not we discover a fascinating new genre that really works for us.

Harajuku style, Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Harajuku style, Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Harajuku style, Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Harajuku style, Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

The Fab 40’s is a group of five fashion bloggers from around the globe. Each month we choose a different theme and invite a guest blogger who is also in their 40’s to join us. This group’s goal is to take on style trends and show how we each interpret and incorporate them into our own lives. With five widely varied views, you are certain to find something that speaks to you each month and encourages you to continue to have fun with fashion after the age of 40.

For this month, Sheela presented us with the challenge of styling one of her favorite fashion genres: Harajuku. Your response might be similar to mine…which was “What the heck does that mean?” But I am always up to the challenge and with the world wide web at my disposal, I went straight to work figuring out what exactly Harajuku means, how to wear the fashions, and how to make it work with things already in my closet.

Since this was a learning experience for me in one particular style genre, I figured I would enlighten you as well (if you were not already familiar with Harajuku). And thanks to Pinterest and a little creative thinking, I actually assembled two entirely different outfits that were suitable representations of this theme (I will share the other one soon).

Harajuku style, Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Harajuku style, Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Harajuku style, Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Harajuku style, Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

So what is Harajuku? Harajuku is a district in Tokyo, Japan, which has been in existence since the 12th century. But it began developing its distinct identity as an epicenter of unique fashion during World War II when it became home to U.S. Army barracks which brought an influx of new shops catering to American military families. It became subject to further commercial development when Tokyo hosted the 1964 Olympics, inviting in a new wave of tourism and creative young people who wanted to be part of something new and interesting.

By the 1970s, the Harajuku district started seeing a rise in high end fashion designers opening shops and making it a desired destination for young people interested in making strong personal statements through style. In the 1980s, the shopping district of Harajuku began closing off vehicle traffic on Sundays to create a place for street performers and shoppers to hang out and socialize and share their unique interests with like-minded people.

By the 1990s, Harajuku began to represent not just its geographic location in the heart of the Tokyo shopping district. It became a symbol for the exploration of ever-changing styles as well as evolving interpretations of personal fashion. As defined by Fashion Dictionary, “Harajuku is an area of Tokyo famous for its youth culture and street fashion. Harajuku can refer not just to the geographic region but also to the styles and cultural attitudes it’s known for.”

Harajuku style, Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Harajuku style, Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Harajuku style, Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Harajuku style, Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Harajuku builds on last month’s Fab 40’s theme of Decoding Street Style. Where street style in general combines various mainstream fashions into personal expression, Harajuku seems to be a segment of street style that focuses on Japanese inspired fashions stemming from its place of origin. Japanese youth culture has long been known for sending an anti-mainstream message when it comes to fashion and personal style. Harajuku has become synonymous with movements against strict societal rules and pressure to fit certain norms when it comes to style and personal expression.

But what does all that mean? And how does a person wear Harajuku style? It really is an anything goes sort of scenario. The first fashion craze in the Harajuku movement was styling traditional Japanese clothing with western inspired attire. Currently, this fashion movement consists of a combination of well known Japanese sub-cultures and sub-styles such as sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, Cosplay, cutesy fairy kei, and punk rock. Traditional Japanese kimonos and wooden sandals have been a part of Harajuku style since its beginning. The current Harajuku fashion culture now mixes in second hand and vintage items, handmade and custom pieces, as well as layers upon layers of colorful and other interesting forms of self expression.

The one key element to keep in mind with Harajuku style is that more is better. There is no such thing as too much and the more layers, contrasting pieces, and color combinations you can add to an outfit, the better. To pull off this style, you have to remain in touch with your inner child and embrace that youthful whimsy that we all too often tend to lose by the time we reach midlife. And that is the entire point of what we are doing here…pushing each other to stay connected to the child that lives inside each of us, the fearless kid who has not yet learned to be embarrassed, the excited youth ready to enter the world boldly and loudly staying true to all of the facets of our personalities and refusing to force ourselves to fit inside tiny little boxes dictated and labeled by society.

Harajuku style, Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Harajuku style, Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Harajuku style, Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

So while Harajuku may not be my personal style on a day to day basis, the ideals that form the foundation of this fashion movement are very near to my heart and so I fully embraced this style challenge. I ended up really quite liking it. So much so that you may see more Harajuku fashions from me in the future.

Be sure to go check out how the rest of my Fab 40’s friends have interpreted Harajuku style!

Our guest blogger this month is one of my dearest blogging friends, Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood. Ada approached this theme with the enthusiasm of a true Harajuku girl with her bold shades of bright pink and magenta mixed with contrasting black and white in this gorgeous dress that also has elements of the traditional Japanese kimono styles. Doesn’t she look so darling?! Plus she has the coolest photo background in Detroit, Michigan, which resembles the city scape of Tokyo, the birthplace of Harajuku fashion.

Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood

Outfit Details: Silk Wrap Dress-Express / Fedora Hat-Vintage from London UK / Wedge Sandals-Nine West

Next is Sheela of Sheela Writes, the creative genius behind this month’s theme. Representing Harajuku in a beautifully eclectic combination of tribal print and floral, Sheela is a stunning illustration of how personal fashion is and how clearly it can speak our personalities.

Sheela of Sheela Writes

Outfit Details: Jumpsuit-old / Ruffled White Top-Thrifted / Bedazzled Bomber Jacket-Nasty Gal / Boots & Beret-Forever21 / Obi Belt-Max Mara / Eel Skin Crossbody-Vintage, Thrifted / Sunglasses-borrowed from Eve

Let’s move on to Suzy of Suzy Turner Books & Style. Suzy approached this theme with a combination of Japanese sub-styles like Sweet Lolita and cutesy fairy kei. She infused a bit of traditional Japanese style with her gorgeous floral parasol which plays perfectly with her mix of pastel patterns and dainty ruffles. And I must draw your attention to Suzy’s freaking adorable hairstyle which is the perfect illustration of Harajuku ideals.

Suzy of Suzy Turner Books & Style

Outfit Details: Blouse-Bershka / Skort-Nike / Tights-H&M / Shoes-Clarks / Cardigan-Tommy Hillfiger / Jewellery-all gifts from mother-in-law / Handbag-Mango / Umbrella-Primark

Dee of Dee Sayz came at this theme from the angle of a little bit Goth in her monochromatic black outfit, a little sporty with her backwards baseball cap and striped tube socks, and a whole lot of I-don’t-give-an-eff-what-you-think-about-me attitude which epitomizes the Harajuku attitude. Dee’s interpretation is a brilliant combination of Japanese sub-styles perfectly combined with her own personal minimalist style. While Harajuku often thrives on the idea of more is better, Dee has illustrated that all style genres must always include the personality of the wearer in order for it to truly work. And this truly works on Dee!

Dee of Dee Sayz

Outfit Details: Shirt-Mango / Shorts-Kosamui, Bangkok / Shoes-Delhi Market / Socks-Local Shop, Gurgaon / Bag: Miniso / Cap-Local Shop, Gurgaon 

Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks, like Dee, stuck to her minimalist style but managed to interpret this theme in a way that is expresses her personality perfectly. From her adorable hairstyle to her bold earrings and patchwork jeans, Daenel has incorporated whimsical elements to create a playful look that suits her as well as this month’s style prompt.

Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks

And finally, my interpretation of Harajuku style. Once I had a firm understanding of how to represent what this fashion culture means, I knew immediately that I had to incorporate my kitten shoes. They are such a great representation of Japanese anime along with my pigtails. I also combined elements of Sweet Lolita with my ruffle socks and full skirt as well as Gothic Lolita with a purple corset layered over a sheer velvet leopard shirt. I added a little bit of rock and roll/punk with my thrifted cigar box purse, fishnet stockings, and choker. I completed the look with some bold textures and prints with my plush star print coat and purple furry vest.

Harajuku style, Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Outfit Details: Coat-Kohl’s / Vest-Just Fab / Corset-Adore Me / Top-Torrid / Belt-Cato / Skirt and Bag-Thrifted / Tights-Target/ Socks-Amazon / Shoes, Jewelry, and Arm Warmers-super old

Have you ever tried a style outside of the realm of your norm? Would you ever try Harajuku fashion? I had a lot of fun with this theme and it seems my Fab 40’s friends did as well! I encourage you to try something new with fashion, anything new. You never know what might happen!

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.

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I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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