4 Fashion Styles in Manga to Inspire Your Trendy Look | Women’s Edition

Japan, a land known for its rich culture, is full of many gems. Since you are familiar with this blog, you already know that we will mention in the manga and anime that continue one of Japan’s strengths. And speaking of the magical universe of manga, we find in some of them – especially in works aimed at a female audience, elements that make their readers dream, namely: their fashion style.

Japanese fashion. What is it? It is simply what we will describe in this article/here as the clothing style (commonly) found in manga and anime. As some of you have probably already noticed, “Japanese fashion” is not necessarily/always Japanese strictly speaking.

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By this term, we mean that fashion comes from a Japanese work without necessarily drawing its source from Japan (in question). To make a small digression on the history of fashion, it existed in the 10th century with the X family, who have since popularized it. Like many countries, Japan was charmed by this offbeat and new style that fashionistas have adapted to their country’s customs and habits.

Among the list that I am going to give you, you will note the common points between European and Japanese fashions. In the end, the former was only the source of inspiration for the “Japanese Fashion” of our favourite manga and anime.

Enough chatter/talking, here are four fashion ideas that have every reason in the world to turn you into a follower of these trends/fashion:

• Gothic Lolita: Manga and anime fans are most likely aware of this trend. Lolita has its roots in Renaissance Western Europe with symbolic characters like Cosette/English nobility. You can find the character Marie Weather in the manga Count Kaina. This character is the prototype/typical example of the British lower middle class seen through the eyes of a Japanese. Did Kaori Yuki go too far with the stereotypes? Not really, since Marie-Weather resembles what we find in English stories and paintings from the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

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This Marie-Weather style is also found in the streets of Tokyo with girls, both young and old, who walk around with their umbrellas and dresses that remind us of the charms of 18th century London. Of course, what would a list of Lolita fashion be without mentioning Misa Amani. With a more modern style than Marie-Weather, Misa has won the hearts of many manga readers with her rebellious style. Bangs, mittens and skirts that are always shorter than the others, Misa is without a doubt the queen of Gothic Lolita.

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• Gothic: No longer Lolita but Gothic (only), this style was born/was born unsurprisingly in Europe. Unlike the Lolita style, the Gothic style has a less cute side that some would attribute to little girls. With this style, we adopt (suddenly) a more mature side suitable for both a teenager and an adult. To cite an example, Satsuki Yatoji from X/1999 is a character who rocks the Gothic style. With her tomboy personality, her short haircut and her natural charisma, adopt Satsuki’s style and you will captivate the hearts of men… as well as those of your comrades.

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In addition to Satsuki, we also find Freya from Chobits. In her case, it is difficult to include her in a single category because Freya deserves to be included in the list of Lolitas just as much as her sister Chii. Indeed, the two sisters are often represented in dresses, one colorful and the other dark, in a style of dress that reminds us of an ancient Europe. Due to the sobriety of her style, Freya ensures Lolita Fashion as well as Gothic Fashion, making her the eligible/ideal candidate for the title of Lolita – and – Gothic.

A manga inspired by CLAMP in which two young adults are forced to play the role of parents

• Girly: What would Japan be without the Girly style? Countless female characters fall into this category but to avoid extending/lengthening too much, we will focus on the most inspiring female manga characters with girly style. My love for CLAMP is undeniable and for this reason, the manga Card Captor Sakura is the first one we will mention. As in many CLAMP works, the strength lies in both their main and secondary characters and Card Captor Sakura is no exception. Our little heroine dazzles/leaves us speechless with each appearance during a duel against a Claw card. Between the dresses, pants, jumpsuits, rabbit ears and other more skillful costumes – designed by the extraordinary hands of our friend Tomoyo, Sakura will never cease to fascinate us. For little girls, Sakura fashion will make them irresistible and there is no doubt that photographers will fight to have them on the front cover of their magazine. As for teenagers and adults, Sakura’s (different) clothes are also available to you. However, to avoid looking too much like a ten-year-old, adjust the outfits so that you rock the style without anyone realizing that your inspiration comes from a little elementary school girl.

In addition to Sakura, we also have Tomoyo who deserves a place at the top of the rankings. In a more “conservative” style than her cousin, Tomoyo is more often depicted with long skirts and dresses. Looking at the character more closely, you will notice that Tomoyo has a very mature style for a girl her age. Between the hats that recall the bourgeois women depicted in Zola’s books and the suits that can compete with the latest models of Coco Chanel, Tomoyo has the look of the elegant woman that a lady will appreciate without question.

To change the theme/genre, let’s now turn to the Josei that seduces readers to be passionate about music: NANA. As you will have understood, the third place on the podium goes to one of our heroines, Nana Komatsu, whom we will call by her nickname: Hachiko. For you, teenagers and adults, be inspired by Hachiko’s girly look. If you are fond of skirts and dresses, Hachiko’s look is for you! Paired with a boyfriend top/jacket and Indian boots, you are not afraid to stand out and show others your love/passion for fashion. Be the one who starts the trend and become an iconic fashion figure in your turn.

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• Haute Couture: This look is indicative of someone who has such a pronounced taste for fashion that no one can compete with. The (manga) characters who have reached such a level that they deserve a place among the great couturiers. Although I already know which manga comes to mind, I warn you in advance: it’s not Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. On the other hand, we find once again – it’s not on purpose – one of the characters from CLAMP; and this time, it’s Hokuto Sumeragi from Tokyo Babylon who wins the prize. Hokuto stands out from her female peers with her approach to fashion, which makes her an ideal model to participate in luxury brands’ fashion shows. Remember when she walked around in her bee costume? Or when she elegantly wore a hat that went perfectly with her suit? Hokuto Sumeragi is an eccentric fashionista who loves to dress up to the nines. In addition to her picky choice of luxury clothing, Hokuto (also) likes it when her twin brother Subaru’s style is similar to hers.

If you doubt my choice, appreciate these different styles of Hokuto Sumeragi for yourself.

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I know that there are many other manga characters who deserve a place in this class but if I had to name them all, the list would never end. Tell me in the comments what you think of my list and what other female characters have you introduced (in my categories)?