Tokyo Calling—6 Spring Trends Japanese Girls Are Wearing Before French Women

I just got back from Tokyo, and it confirmed what I’ve always known: When it comes to fashion, Japanese girls are at least two steps ahead. While Paris is still synonymous with quiet luxury and effortless tailoring, Tokyo is rewriting the spring style playbook in real time—on the sidewalks, in subway stations, and through every impossibly cool cafe window in Kichijoji.

What struck me most this time wasn’t just how well-dressed everyone was (though they were), but how fresh and intentional it all felt. Spring hasn’t just arrived in Tokyo—it’s in full bloom, reflected in unexpected styling moves and accessories that turn even the simplest outfit into something worth photographing.

I saw subtle nods to preppy classics reimagined with a distinctly Japanese twist. Think ties layered over airy shirts in a way that feels more directional than a traditional school uniform. Crossbody bags are suddenly brighter, smaller, and slung with a sense of play, often finished with something charmingly extra: a plush charm, a pop of texture, or a mismatched detail you wouldn’t expect. The overall effect? A kind of curated spontaneity that makes you want to rethink your whole approach to getting dressed.

Tokyo style has always thrived in the balance between structure and whimsy, but this season, it’s striking a new chord and feels refreshingly wearable. Consider this your official heads-up: If you want to be early to spring’s best trends, don’t look to Paris. Tokyo already did it first.

Bag Charms and Plushies

Everywhere I turned in Tokyo, I saw an abundance of whimsical, nostalgic bag charms. From Hello Kitty plushies to the TikTok-famous Labubu bag charms, Japanese girls knew the most important accessory to finish off their outfit isn’t a pair of shoes or a handbag—it’s the personality-driven bits and bobs they've attached to their purse.

Pleated Culottes

Office sirens be damned—the cool Japanese girls on the streets of Harajuku and Shimokitzawa are swapping their French-girl, straight-leg denim for appropriate pleated shorts and cutoffs. Longer shorts, often worn over tights, were the surprising go-to bottom for dozens of Japanese girls I ran into while thrifting at Book-Off, Flamingo, or Rag-Tag (a few must-visit curated vintage shops if you ever find yourself in Tokyo!).

Dress Ties

What’s not to love about men’s dress ties? While the West may be slowly catching up, Japanese girls are miles ahead, swapping their Coco Chanel pearls for printed and plain silk ties to wear with oversize dress shirts and baggy pants.

Colorful Baguette Bags

Nearly every trip to Japan concludes in a massive shopping spree for me, especially when I head over to Shibuya 109, a fashion mecca for in-the-know Japanese 20-somethings. The accessory I saw most often lining stores? Colorful baguette bags. While the Alaïa Teckel Bag may be French women’s go-to shape in a classic muted color like black, ivory, or tan, Japanese women much prefer their bags to be colorful and texture-driven, opting for east-west styles in suede, nubuck leather, or in colorful hues.

Knee-High Socks

Sheer or not, knee-high socks are a popular go-to choice for Japanese women looking to add some dimension to their skirts, dresses, and shorts. I saw a ton of sheer socks (especially in black!) paired with ballet flats, slingback heels, retro sneakers, and classic loafers on the streets of Tokyo.

Technical Sneakers

French women are always down to try a trend, but Japanese women perfect it. Gorp-core and tech aesthetics emerged from Japanese fashion circles, so it’s no surprise that hiking sneakers and silhouettes reign supreme as the number #1 sneaker choice for stylish Tokyoites. If you’re looking to get a pair of Onitsuka Tigers, you might look like a tourist (guilty as charged!), but if you’re aiming to look like a cool local, opt for styles from Salomon or Merrell.