Most people have at one point in their lives seen someone dressed in traditional Japanese clothing. These garments are known as kimono, and the summer variation is called a yukata. Different fabric prints are worn during different seasons. In the spring, bright colors and floral patterns are favored. In the fall, fabric prints may include different fall flowers or maple leaves. In the winter, the prints may be of bamboo or plum blossoms. Your age and marital status are also taken into consideration when picking out wafuku. A person under the age of 20 can't wear formal attire. And usually after you're married you wear more subdued colors and simpler patterns. The different types of traditional clothing are:
Japan's "Harajuku" style is similar to that of Gwen Stefani's. It mixes and matches different styles of clothing. For an example, a teenage girl might wear a pair of Western inspired jeans with a graphic tee, and throw in a pair of traditional Japanese geta sandals to go with it. Layers are also good. The more, the better. The same goes for crazy and wild accessories. You can wear any colors and patterns whether they match or not, as long as you are expressing your individuality. Many people even choose to make their own clothes.
Wamono is a specific style of Harajuku wear you mix traditional Japanese attire with that of Western fashions.
Decora is a sub-style in which bright, flamboyant colors and accessories are used. Many people wear so many accessories that they all click together when they move. Glitter eyeshadow and sticker tattoos are also popular. These people do anything they can to make themselves stand out.
"Gothic lolita" combines the gothic, feminine, and elegant looks. The effect created is that you look like a living Victorian doll. Those following this style wear full skirts with petticoats and lots of lace. They also wear shirts with peter pan collars and blouse or cap sleeves. To see some ideas of gothic lolita clothing check out Candy Violet.
Kawaii means "cute" in Japanese. It's a very childlike style and includes anime characters, ruffles, pastel colors, and toys. Layers are important in this style and so are wacky prints. Designer labels are avoided.
Erokawaii is the Japanese "messy/sexy" look. Followers of this style wear a lot of black. They wear other colors too, but black is an essential staple. Black high top Converse are the prefered shoe type. They also show a bit more skin, but not enough so that they look trashy. Having highlights and/or lowlights in your hair is also good, as it makes it look messier. If they wear makeup it's very natural looking.
Visual Kei is more than a clothing style. It's an entire lifestyle. The style focuses on J-Rock (Japanese rock music) and immitating the style of the music with their clothing. Hair is an important part of the style and is usually something that would be considered to be radical. Makeup is also important. Some people choose to use white face-paint and others prefer to just make themselves look paler by using foundation that is a few shades lighter than their normal skin tone.
Followers of the sweet lolita style wear light colored accessories with sweet prints, such as flowers, candy, and music notes. Their skirts don't go more than 1" above their knees and they don't show any cleavage or their shoulders.
Hime means "princess" in Japanese. The hime lolita syle focuses on lace, bows, and tiaras. It's very frilly and feminine. Bell shaped skirts are worn with petticoats. The goal is to look innocent and childlike.
Himegyaru is very similar to hime lolita. One of the main differences is that in himegyaru you don't have to wear skirts all the time. You can wear jeans and a nice top with bows or lace. Followers of himegyaru also wear a lot of makeup, but they keep it simple looking.
Ganguro gals usually tan so they can have dark skin that contrasts with their vividly colored hair and clothes. They also wear lots of glitter and white eye shadow. This style is all about bright colors and looks rather clown-like.
The Geisha are a group of professional women in Japan that are trained since they were young girls in the arts and conversation. They are hired out as entertainers. Being a Geisha is a very prestigious job and many people try to replicate their look. In order to pull off the Geisha style you will need long, jet black hair. Geisha always their hair up, often with chopsticks, a fan, or in a bun with a ribbon around it. You can buy some traditional Geisha hair accessories here.
Geisha also have flawless makeup. They use a wax-like substance called "bintsuke-abura" to help keep it on. They use a white powder mixed with water to create a creamy substance that gives their skin a bright white look. Eyebrows are drawn on using a black eyebrow pencil and have just a tinge of red to them. Red liquid eyeliner is also use along with vivid red lipstick.
The Geisha wear traditional Japanese attire, such as a kimono. They also are very graceful and doll-like.
Cosplay is a style where you dress up as your favorite anime character. When you dress cosplay you may wear actual clothes the character has worn, or you may wear clothes similar to what they might wear. Cosplayers are known are reiya and photographers of cosplayers are called cameko.
The Japanese punk style was inspired by the British punk movement that took place in London in the 70s. The clothing and accessories are very over-the-top and emphasis rebelliousness. It is usually grouped in with the Harajuku style.