Fashion trends vary surprisingly widely across countries and cultures. The use of color, in particular, reflects the unique aesthetic and values of each region. Japan has long valued the four seasons, favoring cherry blossom-inspired pink in spring, cool blues and whites in summer, browns and khakis reminiscent of autumn leaves in fall, and chic blacks and grays in winter. Japanese fashion is characterized by its embrace of colors to match the natural beauty and events of each season.
On the other hand, fashion overseas is a bit more free-spirited, featuring bold color choices. Even in summer, neon and metallic colors appear on the runways of New York and Paris, making a strong impact on viewers. Colors are often chosen for self-expression rather than to capture the seasons, which may seem more adventurous and unique than in Japan.
This summer, cool-feeling blues are popular in Japan. Pale sky blue and pastel-toned dresses, shirts, and bags are everywhere on the streets. Blue is popular for its cleanliness, freshness, and ability to combat the heat. Meanwhile, more vibrant blues are gaining attention on runways and streets overseas. Vibrant, eye-catching colors like cobalt and electric blue are dominating the trend.
Interestingly, while the same color "blue" is often used subtly in Japan, emphasizing overall balance, overseas it is often worn boldly as the centerpiece. For example, while Japanese outfits often feature blue in accessories like bags and scarves, overseas outfits often send a strong statement with an all-blue outfit.
This difference is also clearly evident on social media. While pale blue yukatas and cool cafe outfits are popular on Instagram in Japan, flashy street snaps and fashion show photos with a blue theme are creating buzz on TikTok and Pinterest overseas. Cultural differences are directly reflected in the way trends are communicated.
If you'd like to know more about trends overseas, check out our article that compiles actual runway and styling examples here Click here for more details. When comparing how "blue" is enjoyed in Japan and overseas, you'll see that the same color can look completely different.
The fun of fashion is understanding these cultural differences and incorporating them into your own style. This summer, why not mix Japanese "coolness" with overseas "individuality" to create your own unique blue outfit?