Decora is a prominent Japanese fashion style that has become the face of Harajuku fashions internationally. The style features bright colors and a large collection of accessories. Although the style's peak was in the mid-2000s, it is still popular and well-known in Harajuku. [1][2] Its predecesor is known as Shinora.
The Name[]
The name “decora” comes from the Japanese word for “decoration” (デコレーション). The name refers to the style's distinct use of many decorations and accessories. [3][4]
Style Basics[]
Decora is a playful and child-like style. It has less of a silhouette and is more focused on the use of accessories, motifs, and color schemes.[1][3][4][5]
Color Scheme[]
The decora style is well known for its bright color schemes. Shades of pink and blue are very popular, as well as pastels. Neon colors are also greatly used. Colors are also often used in abundance, with multi-colored or rainbow themes being popular.
Although darker variants of decora do exist, the overwhelming majority of decora coordinates feature brighter color palettes.
Clothes[]
The clothing of decora is less important than its colors and themes, however, there are some popular clothing items within the style.
Decora is inspired by cartoon characters from the ’80s, and the aesthetic of 80s shows and themes. Characters like Strawberry Shortcake, Hello Kitty, Care Bears, Pokemon, and The Smurfs are all popular themes in Decora outfits. T-shirts with these themes, or hoodies, are commonly used.
Tutu skirts are also popular in the style, along with legwarmers, arm warmers, and knee-high socks.
Decora often features a variety of textures within one outfit to add to the eclectic style.
Accessories[]
Accessories are key in a decora outfit, and are what makes it stand out apart from other styles. The first rule is to have as many accessories as possible. In fact, there is no such thing as too many accessories in decora! Accessories should also be cute as well as numerous.
Common accessories used are patterned dental masks, band-aids with colorful patterns on the bridge of the nose, ribbons, clips, and bows in the hair, bracelets, necklaces, rings, and so on.
A common example of the classic use of decora accessories is using clips to cover one's hair and bangs, and wearing many bracelets to almost cover the forearm.
Shoes[]
Shoes come in many styles for decora. Mary Jane shoes, sneakers, high-tops, and rocking-horse shoes can all be seen in the style. Again, it is color and cuteness that matter.
Makeup[]
Decora style makeup is most often minimal, to give a childlike and fun appearance as opposed to a mature one. However, some like to accessorize with their makeup as well, and will wear glitter, stickers, or crystals under their eyes in various shapes, like hearts and stars.
Hairstyles[]
Decora hairstyles can vary greatly. Some choose to carry the color schemes of an outfit to their hair, dying their hair in bright colors, while others will keep more natural hair colors and choose to use accessories instead.
Popular hairstyles for women tend to be pigtails, braids, or curls. These add to the "cute" aspect of the outfit. For men, longer hairstyles are more popular as well.
Brands & Shops[]
Substyles[]
- Casual Decora
- Dark Decora
- Decora Lolita
- Pink Decora
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sammy Soedjatmiko Hartanto. "Decora Fashion-Kawaii, Colorful, and Fun Styles." Taiken Japan. July 5, 2019. Retrieved August 26, 2020 from https://taiken.co/single/decora-fashion-kawaii-colorful-and-fun-styles/
- ↑ "Harajuku Decora Fashion Walk Pictures 2015." Tokyo Fashion. August 19, 2015. Retrieved August 26, 2020 from http://tokyofashion.com/harajuku-decora-fashion-walk-pictures/
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Japanese Street Fashion: What Is the ‘Decora’ Style and How Does It Look?" Japan Info. October 7, 2017. Retrieved August 26, 2020 from https://jpninfo.com/94276
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Decora-Japanese Style Guide." Mookychick. September 3, 2014. Retrieved August 26, 2020 from https://www.mookychick.co.uk/indie-fashion/japanese/decora-japanese-style.php
- ↑ Asami. "Decora Fashions." Japan Talk. May 30, 2012. Retrieved August 26, 2020 from https://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/decora-fashions
For further reading, please see:
- Youtube User Tokyo Fashion - Harajuku Decora Fashion - デコラファッション
- Japanese Streets - Decora