At Tokyo Fashion Week, every outfit is its own cake, and by that I mean it is layered to perfection. The art of layering clothes is akin to the art of layering strips of paper to create a papier-mâché sculpture. Success lies in the ability to make the outcome look inevitable even though the process itself is quite intentional. It’s a challenge, to be sure, but not one that can’t be learned when Japan is your open textbook. Grab the highlighter inside your brain and memorialize these 10 layering tricks, as told by the subsequent slideshow of street style confections:
1. Pair a black sweatshirt with a yellow raincoat for a weather-proof bumblebee effect.
(Oh, and a hood is an accessory in its own right — so wear it up on your head where it belongs).
2. Fold down the upper half of your jackets so the yoke of your dress is on full display.
Add a belt, because why the heck not?
3. Administer patterned leggings under gym shorts.
‘Nuff said.
4. Attach a fanny pack to your lower abdomen for companionship whenever possible.
5. There’s no such thing as too much icing.
When in doubt, add a sheer slip.
6. You’ve got two shoulders, so why not wear two coats?
(One on each side, naturally).
7. Cut off a sleeve if it’s in the way.
8. Don’t underestimate umbrellas and grocery bags for their accessorizing potential.
9. A cropped vest is the new everything.
10. Layer sunglasses over regular glasses and call yourself a cake genius.
Tell me your favorite tricks (and looks) in the comments. My highlighter is itching for more action.
Photos by Matthew Sperzel; follow him on Instagram @sperzphoto.
