Living in Japan and being highly infatuated with the kawaii culture must be a dream for most. Dresses and accessories are readily available and the fashion subculture is also immensely welcomed and embraced. However, that might not be the case for kawaii-enthusiasts outside of Japan.
For one, there are few to none stores that sell kawaii-inspired clothes and accessories, and even though the kawaii culture is a notable fashion subculture throughout the world, it is undeniable that not every one of every age group is aware of its existence and even more of its unique and distinctive clothes and accessories. That’s why kawaii lovers outside Japan have been struggling with how to express their love for the fashion without being criticized and frowned upon.
It’s disappointing that not all will have an equal chance to thoroughly enjoy the authentic kawaii culture that’s why there are few improvisations made to at least look a part of it. Certain clothes are normal and pleasing to the eyes of others and can still be considered as kawaii.
First things first, your color scheme for your everyday clothes and accessories to be kawaii should be within the ranges of pastel colors. There’s just something about those that are visually pleasing and adorable to the eyes.
So here it is, common clothing and accessories that will help you dress kawaii on a budget
Pleated Skirts
Pleated skirts will give you that school girl vibes. Not only is it cute but shorter pleated skirts will also elongate your legs. For a more casual look, pair it with an oversized shirt tucked in and simple sneakers. This is a perfect outfit for a sunny day out.
Peter Pan Collars
Peter pan collars are one way to dress formally but cutely at the same time. If you’re going to a job interview that will require you to wear a collared shirt or button-up but still want to look as kawaii as possible, peter pan collars are one way to go. Its rounded corners will give you a softer look unlike its other counterparts.
Of course, peter pan collars are wearable for an everyday casual look and can be commonly seen in blouses and dresses.
Oversized Knitted Sweaters/ Cardigans
Oversized cardigans and sweaters have been a huge game-changer for every outfit. They’ve been on trend for some time now because they give out a softer and more feminine aura. By drowning the frame, oversized sweaters and cardigan make the user appear smaller and more adorable.
Of course, let’s not forget the forever kawaii sweater paws that only these oversized variety can give us.
Baby Doll Dresses
Baby doll dresses are the closest you can get to the whole authentic kawaii style that is readily available around the world and without being egged on for being “uncanny.” It’s a Lolita dress but in a more subtle and wearable everyday dress.
Some baby doll dresses are simpler by just being flowy and light, resembling a summer dress. While others are bordering authentic Lolita fashion by adding frills, bows, and laces.
Thigh High Socks
While thigh high socks are not considered as everyday wear for those in the warmer country, kawaii-enthusiasts from colder and chillier can totally get away with this. Thigh-high socks are perfectly paired with pleated skirts or baby doll dresses. Not only it is adorably cute but true to its purpose, it keeps your leg warm, allowing you to wear shorter bottoms.
Overalls
Overalls, whether skirt or shorts, add that “spice” to your simple shirts and sneakers. They are probably one of the easiest outfits to pull out of the closet and works well with all sorts of tops, such as off-shoulders, sweatshirts, button-downs, and even turtlenecks.
It’s always best to keep an overall or two in the closet for those days where mix and matching seem to be extra difficult.
Simple everyday items of clothing done! But can we really leave the house without a couple of accessories? I just know we can’t. If a situation arises that void you of totally wearing any of the pieces mentioned above, you can always make do with your accessories.
Authentic kawaii accessories, as in the kind you see in Harajuku fashion, are always so eye-catching, bright, extra, and huuuuge. I’m talking about huge bows and layers and layers of bracelets and necklaces. While in Japan, these can be considered as an everyday look, it might not be for others.
This is why the next list I’m going to give you is all about simple and cute accessories that can totally complete your outfit.
Printed Bags
If you’re like me who pick bags depending on my fashion style, then you might have a collection of bags in similar colors and a little bit of variety. But it is always wise to keep one fun and colorful bag in the collection, just in case you’re feeling a bit energetic and playful.
Bags printed with cute characters, animated objects with adorable faces, or fun patterns is one way to add a tinge of kawaiiness on your outfit.
Hair ties
You might vaguely remember being 5-years old and our mothers tying our hair with those cute cartoony hair ties. Well, it’s time to relive those memories and bring it back to the 2020’s! Hair ties with mini bows, colorful scrunchies, or even miniature animated characters can be purchased anywhere and can be used as an everyday simple kawaii add-on.
Earrings, Necklaces, Rings, and Bracelets
With these small accessories, you can go a bit crazy and I’m sure you’ve seen some of these with cute cartoons, animals, and food characters. These will totally draw a bit of attention, dangling from your ears and shining from your fingers but they are totally cute so it’s absolutely okay to go a little more overboard with them!
If you’re wearing a simple jean, shirt, and shoes and is looking for simple accessories to add a bit of kawaii to your look, opt-in for either of these four or maybe mix and match all of them. It's really up to you!
You can even make them on your own! There are easy DIYs on how to make kawaii earrings, necklaces and hairbow.
And now you're set! You can make use of your everyday and simple clothes to rock the whole kawaii look. It's a bonus for you if you've already love the whole pastel aesthetic, with that alone, you're already got the whole concept of simple kawaii.
If not, don't you worry! There would be tons of tons of stores available near you that can totally offer the pastel clothing that you can mix and match to look part kawaii.
If you need more mix and match options for everyday simple kawaii outfits, I highly suggest you watch The Stitchess' 15 Items 15 Outfits (Kawaii Edition) on YouTube where she creates 15 outfits out of clothes straight from her closet. You'd actually be amazed that even without realizing it, you're already dressing kawaii.
