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JAPANESE SPORTS CHIC

Japanese influened street fashion has evolved again. As the Japanese fashion-unique-istas have already demonstrated their creativity in putting together a mix of styles such as the Lolita, Gothic Lolita, British Inspired, Japanese Punk, Military, Cute and ethnic inspired looks, Japanese street style has evolved into into yet another new style aesthetic.

While there is not yet a name for this new style, we at FashionFinders prefer to call it 'Japanese Sports Chic'. So what does this look comprise of?

Well, sportwear has been appropriated by the street for years now and Japanese Sports Chic is just another stop on the fashionisation of sports wear. No longer are tracksuits worn only at the track.

Out on the Streets of London (Yes London, Not Japan!) we saw more than three occurrence of Japanese girls wearing this particular look over a period of 6 months. The look is a blend of dance wear - leggings, ballet pumps, legwarmers and sports tracksuits tops, little pleated skirts, charm bracelets and knee or thigh high socks. Hair can be up, down, cornrowed and is accessorised with the usual hair accessories.

The look can be interlaced with a touch of cuteness and is reminiscent of the British PE day (the little pleated skirts remind us of Hockey or Netball).

In terms of make-up a natural or vivid colour is used. The main key Japanese inspired trend in this look is the use of legwarmers (more than old news now) and long socks (last popular with girls in the UK in the late 80's early 90's).

Attempting the Look: What To Look For

Short pleated skirt or shorts

Adidas tracksuit top preferably with a stripe or Fubu, Tommy Hilfiger for a hip-hop inspired look

hair up, down, accessories or partly cornrowed

trainers or ballet pumps

legwarmers in either a block colour or multi coloured

knee high or thigh high socks white or black

hockey stick (optional)

Tennis shirts in a variety of colours

A serious bag i.e. designer

fashionfinders Team