Packing for a 10-day trip to Japan was a serious feat, but the trip was well worth it for all the style inspiration I could bring back from Tokyo. Walking around the neighborhoods of Shibuya, Daikanyama, Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Meguro City for days on end, there was no shortage of cool street style outfits, and I took meticulous notes on all the trends I saw. I may have only been in Tokyo for five of the 10 days, but during that half of the trip, I covered a lot of ground. Shopping is *the* activity to partake in in Tokyo, and it’s on a whole other level compared to other fashionable locales, with countless retail stores, massive malls and plazas, and vintage shops that line almost every street. But even with all that, Tokyo is still missing a Nordstrom.
Now that I’m back, I rounded up 38 items that Tokyo fashion girls would love to shop at Nordstrom based on my observations. From uniform dressing and see-through dresses to bows and crossbody bags, I feel pretty confident that the pieces below would sell out fast if Nordstrom ever were to set up shop in Japan’s capital. If you’re looking to take a style cue from the international fashion set, scroll down to shop the best Tokyo-inspired picks from Nordstrom.
See-through dresses are a popular layering staple to wear over T-shirts or pants without adding any bulk. I never thought I would wear dresses over pants, but I was so inspired by the trend that I just might give it a go this fall.
Bows are a major trend if you haven’t noticed, and the Tokyo street style scene isn’t immune to their alluring powers. Think of brands like Sandy Liang, J.Kim, Simone Rocha, and Cecilie Bahnsen that add dainty, delicate ties to so many of their designs. The longer the remaining strings hang, the better.
Long skirts dominated Shibuya and the popular shopping scene of Cat Street. To my surprise, I didn’t spot many people wearing jeans. When it came to bottoms, it was all about maxi skirts in every style, from more tailored aesthetics to loose-fitting cargo alts.
Another note from Tokyo? Crossbody bags are back. I rarely saw any shoulder or baguette bags, which have seemingly taken hold the past couple of years. Everywhere I looked, people opted for crossbody styles slung over their shoulders for a more hands-free look. They also often layered theirs with an even smaller micro-mini crossbody to level up their accessory game.
Bags specifically suited to fit just your phone or, conversely, slings that turn your phone into a bag, are very important accessories in Tokyo. I saw them worn as lanyards on multiple occasions, as it’s a convenient style choice for easy access.
Wave goodbye to your gold jewelry (for now). Tokyo fashion girls (and boys, for that matter) were all about silver accessories. They’d love the below pieces thanks to the chunky chains, statement pendants, and unique shapes.
Yes, these cushiony, chunky shoes can be controversial, but when I saw them styled in Tokyo, it was a compelling trend. When worn with tailored pants and a semi-dressy top, it really proved the “wrong-shoe theory” for me. Even though it’s one of the largest cities in the world and has great public transportation, walking and staying on your feet all day is standard fare in Tokyo. It’s for this reason that Tokyo fashion people love their Oofos, Crocs, and Birkenstocks.
When I visited Japan in the peak of the summer heat, flowy A-line dresses were a go-to for residents. Even though it’s already fall, the silhouette is great for transitional temperatures and is surprisingly versatile when it comes to styling. For the current dip in temperature, Tokyo fashion girls would love these minimalist designs that they can throw a chic coat over or layer a long-sleeve shirt under.
No shock here, but skinny jeans were notably missing in my thorough fashion-scene report. Straight-leg, roomy, and ultra-baggy silhouettes ruled the streets. I can so see the stylish Tokyo set loving these billowy pants in the fall, picking everything from Pleats Please by Issey Miyake drawstring bottoms to trendy low-rise cargos.
Spend a whole day walking around in Tokyo, and you’ll see so many groups of students together in their matching uniforms and backpacks. Even those who were well past their school days took a cue. Knee-length pleated skirts, button-down shirts with ties, and loafers were regularly spotted together on the streets, with the aim to achieve a uniform-inspired look.
