Q&A for How to Dress Harajuku Style

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  • Question
    How can people experiment with their personal style?
    Catherine Joubert
    Professional Stylist
    Catherine Joubert is a personal stylist who works with a wide range of clients on refining their style. She launched Joubert Styling in 2012 and has since been featured on Buzzfeed and styled celebrities such as Perez Hilton, Angie Everhart, Tony Cavalero, Roy Choi and Kellan Lutz.
    Professional Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Find out what your coloring is first and foremost. Research your color palette and what works for your skin tone, hair color, and eye color. You can wear whatever color you want below the waist, but near your face, certain colors will really highlight your features and your skin. Also, research what works best for your body type. If you get a lot of compliments with regards to a specific top or dress you wear that's an indication that you're doing something right with it, so maybe continue in that vein.
  • Question
    I want to be a harajuku style girl, but my school wardrobe is usual sweats and a hoodie, and I'm not sure how my peers will react to my style if I start to be harajuku. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Just ease into it. If they are suspicious, tell them -- they are your friends and it's good to let others know that changing style is a perfectly fine thing to do. We all grow and change over time.
  • Question
    Does harajuku have to be all rainbows? Can it be darker clothes too?
    Community Answer
    Of course! There's a lot of types of harajuku, there are the rainbow ones, the childish ones, and there's also some gothic/dark ones. Also, remember that harajuku style is about being yourself and dressing however you want!
  • Question
    How can I get these clothes at an affordable price?
    Community Answer
    Most people in Harajuku fashion alter or make all their clothes. For example, style icon Haruka Kurebayashi gets her clothes from vintage and thrift shops before altering them and giving them her own look.
  • Question
    I get picked on at school as it is, but the harajuku style is something I have always wanted to try. Should I still give it a try?
    Community Answer
    Yes! Dressing up in general is not for others; it's always for yourself. If dressing in a harajuku style is what makes you feel good, then do it. Don't listen to other peoples' opinions, because that's all they are: opinions. Besides, people are always going to stare. You might as well give them something pretty and colorful to look at, right?
  • Question
    I am a large black man and I'm 6 foot 11 and weigh 250 pounds. I want to be desu kawaii. Will this work for me?
    Community Answer
    If you can find something in your size, go for it! These styles are not about race or gender, it's just about having fun.
  • Question
    Where would be a good place to wear harajuku fashion?
    Community Answer
    Anywhere you want. It doesn't matter where you wear it, it's an expression of your individuality, so be proud of it!
  • Question
    I'm a man, will this still work?
    Community Answer
    There's something called a "brolita" which is basically a man wearing lolita. Boy style lolita ("kodona" or "ouji") could also work for you. You can wear cute things, just expect a few confused stares since you're not female.
  • Question
    I tend to get bullied a lot. How can I still wear what I like and not get picked on?
    Community Answer
    If you make the transition from your current wardrobe to a Harajuku style slower, it may help. This way, people will have time to get used to your style changes before you take the next step.
  • Question
    Is it all right for an older transgender female to become a kawaii neko chan?
    Community Answer
    Of course it is. You can be kawaii whatever your age and gender affiliation.
  • Question
    Does light and dark pink, yellow plaid, and dark blue go together?
    Community Answer
    Remember, Harajuku style isn't what looks good to other people, it's what looks good to you. It doesn't matter what other people think, it's what you want to try.
  • Question
    Would a zebra hoodie, pink and teal skirt, and pink and white heart leggings work for kawaii?
    Top Answerer
    This sounds kawaii to me, but everyone has different ideas of what is cute. If you like it, it's enough.
  • Question
    Do I have to be Kawaii to be Harajuku?
    Lacey Cranmer
    Community Answer
    No, you don’t have to be Kawaii, it’s just one type of Harajuku. There many Gothic styles of Harajuku that are cute, yet dark at the same time, making it not as cute. Besides, Harajuku is about creating your own style and what’s amazing to you. So just be you.
  • Question
    How can I decorate my locker to be kawaii?
    Community Answer
    Kawaii stickers, paper cutouts, and charms can all make your locker look stunning! I would recommend using some sites like Pinterest to get inspiration for your decorations.
  • Question
    Where can I find good starter clothes?
    Amethyst Starr
    Community Answer
    Amazon is packed full of kawaii clothing and jewelry. Pile it on!
  • Question
    I get picked on/called ugly as it is, though I've wanted to try harajuku since I've seen it. I'm afraid that it'll draw too much attention to me. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Just be you! You aren't dressing up for them, it's for you. Know that you are beautiful no matter what you wear, or look like. Everyone gets picked on for something, you might as well look the way you want to look.
  • Question
    Can I still do this with black yoga pants, because that's all I own and can wear comfortably?
    Community Answer
    Of course! Wear what makes you feel comfortable and you're good to go. You could have the main focus on your hair and/or accessories.
  • Question
    What if I did a lot of layering in black, but no skirt because I'm not a fan of them? Would this still be Harajuku and not just gothic?
    Community Answer
    Yes it would still count, it's all about expressing yourself in your own way, so if you don't like skirts, you don't have to wear them.
  • Question
    What if my family isn't supportive?
    Community Answer
    Don't worry about what they think. If it bothers you, the when you're around them, just add small elements to your outfit, like a necklace, bracelet or small handbag.
  • Question
    Can I be 11 and do this?
    Community Answer
    You can mostly feel free to experiment, but make sure your outfits are appropriate. Keep away from high heels and anything that's too revealing or vulgar.
  • Question
    Is there an age range for this fashion?
    Community Answer
    Anyone can dress in the harajuku style. It's completely modest and suitable for all ages.
  • Question
    Will I seem immature if I create my own style? I am pretty young.
    Community Answer
    It depends on what kind of style you create, but probably not. It's actually very mature to step out of the norm and create something of your own.
  • Question
    Can I be kawaii without bangs and glasses?
    Community Answer
    Yes! You can wear a variety of different styles, not just bangs and glasses!
  • Question
    What are some good websites for harajuku “members” to use to express themselves?
    Community Answer
    Instagram is a great app to show your style. If you already have an account you could use that or create a new one just for your Harajuku looks!
  • Question
    My parents are very picky about what I can and cannot wear? I'm not sure they will like it if I dress this way. I live in their house and I have to wear what they approve of.
    Songwisp
    Community Answer
    Tell them how you feel about clothes. If they still refuse, then just draw pictures of outfits and collect some accessories until the time comes when you cam move out and dress how you want.
  • Question
    Can I do this if i'm only 11 without looking like an over-dressed 3 year old? Also, how can I wear high heels without hurting my feet?
    raine the mercat
    Community Answer
    The overdressed 3 year old look might work for some sub-styles. If you don't want that, try something less cutsie kawaii, although being young could work quite well if you emphasize it. As for the high heels, less extreme ones may be necessary. try thick heels, kitten heels or wedges, as they are easier to balance on.
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