Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women

Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women

      (Image credit: Getty Images) I recently returned from Tokyo, where I was reminded of what I've always believed: Japanese girls are typically ahead of the curve in fashion. While Paris remains a symbol of understated luxury and effortless tailoring, Tokyo is currently redefining the spring style landscape—visible on the streets, in subway stations, and through the chic café windows of Kichijoji. What stood out to me this visit wasn’t just the impressive outfits (though they were), but rather the freshness and intentionality behind them. Spring has fully arrived in Tokyo—manifested in surprising styling choices and accessories that elevate even the simplest ensembles into something photograph-worthy.

      I noticed subtle references to preppy classics reinterpreted with a uniquely Japanese flair. For example, ties layered over light shirts give off a contemporary vibe that’s far from traditional school uniforms. Crossbody bags are now brighter, smaller, and carried in a playful manner, often embellished with charming extras like plush charms, unique textures, or unexpected mismatched details. The result? A curated spontaneity that encourages a reconsideration of one’s dressing approach.

      Tokyo fashion has always thrived on the equilibrium between structure and playfulness, but this season it strikes a refreshing, wearable balance. Consider this your official alert: if you want to be ahead of spring’s best trends, Tokyo is the place to look, not Paris.

      Bag Charms and Plushies (Image credit: Getty Images) All around Tokyo, I encountered a wealth of whimsical and nostalgic bag charms. From Hello Kitty plushies to the TikTok-famous Labubu bag charms, Japanese girls understand that the key accessory to complete their outfit isn’t just shoes or handbags—it’s the personalized details they attach to their bags.

      Urban Outfitters

      Monchhichi Classic Plushie Keychain

      Japan Original

      Hello Kitty Plush Mascot Keychain

      Loewe

      Corgi Charm in Leather and Wool

      Pop Mart

      The Monsters Labubu Tasty Macaron Pendant

      Pleated Culottes (Image credit: Getty Images) Forget about conventional office wear—the stylish Japanese girls in the streets of Harajuku and Shimokitazawa are moving away from straight-leg denim in favor of cool pleated shorts and cutoffs. Longer shorts, often layered over tights, emerged as the unexpected favorite among many Japanese girls I encountered while thrift shopping at Book-Off, Flamingo, or Rag-Tag (which are must-visit curated vintage stores if you find yourself in Tokyo!).

      Tomboy

      Pleated Wide-Leg Shorts | One Size

      Dissh

      Westwood Clover Bermuda Short

      Zara

      ZW Collection Long Shorts

      Dress Ties (Image credit: Getty Images) Who wouldn’t love men’s dress ties? While the West is gradually catching up, Japanese girls are already miles ahead, trading out their Coco Chanel pearls for printed and solid silk ties paired with oversized dress shirts and baggy pants.

      Drake's

      Brown Polka-Dot Tie

      Free People

      Prep Striped Tie

      Colorful Baguette Bags Nearly every visit to Japan leads to a significant shopping spree for me, especially at Shibuya 109, a fashion hub for trendy Japanese twenty-somethings. The accessory I noticed most in stores? Colorful baguette bags. While the Alaïa Teckel Bag may be the go-to choice for French women in classic muted tones like black, ivory, or tan, Japanese women favor colorful and textured bags, often choosing east-west styles made of suede, nubuck leather, or in vibrant shades.

      Stand Oil

      More Baguette Bag in Baby Pink

      Christopher Esber

      Gondola Suede Mini Tote Bag

      Marge Sherwood

      Red Soft Baguette Bag

      Prada

      Swing Smooth Leather Shoulder Bag

      Knee-High Socks (Image credit: Getty Images) Whether sheer or not, knee-high socks are a popular choice for Japanese women seeking to add dimension to their skirts, dresses, and shorts. I saw many sheer socks (particularly in black) paired with ballet flats, slingback heels, retro sneakers, and timeless loafers on Tokyo’s streets.

      Urban Outfitters

      Lechery Shiny Sheer Knee-High Sock Set

      Calzedonia

      Long Socks With Cashmere

      Urban Outfitters

      Lechery Shiny Sheer Knee-High Sock Set

      Technical Sneakers (Image credit: Getty Images) While French women are always willing to try new trends, Japanese women excel at perfecting them. Gorp-core and tech aesthetics originated from Japanese fashion, making it unsurprising that hiking sneakers and similar styles are the top choice for fashionable Tokyoites. If you’re considering a pair of Onitsuka Tigers, you might come off as a tourist (a guilty admission!), but to achieve the chic local look, opt for sneakers from Salomon or Merrell.

      Salomon

      Xt-Whisper Rubber-Trimmed Ombré Mesh Sneakers

      Mer

Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women

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Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Embracing Before French Women

From Shibuya to Le Marais.