Just back from two weeks in Japan (thanks for your packing tips!). As many of you told me, people are very elegant. Thoughtful but understated.

Here's what I noted:

- Loose clothes with a geometric, structured feel, especially A-lines, wide legs, and triangular forms with the widest part at the bottom

- Wide legs in airy but firm fabrics (not drapey), worn at all lengths, from culottes to ankle to full-length

- No one wears extra-long wide legs. Full-length wide legs are hemmed so that the feet/shoes are fully visible.

- Tops are tucked in but also voluminous, so there's shape to the silhouettes.

- Neutrals and subdued colors dominate. Rare prints, and mostly also neutral.

- Although I spotted heels and platforms, most people were wearing sensible footwear--flats, low heels, wedges, even sneakers!

- Nary a skinny pant, almost no body-con

- A fringe trend of ultra frilly, romantic dresses, almost doll-like

- Many people were wearing not only sheer hosiery but semi-opaque dark tights even though it was quite warm (70s-80s)

- Similarly, many people were wearing sweaters and jackets and layers and they didn't look bothered by the heat!

I was reminded of the aesthetics and proportions of traditional kimonos and yukatas, and of the crisp folds of origami. I'm super inspired, as it all looked fresh, beautiful, and also comfortable.

Also, the pant lengths are very much in my mind. I imagine they wouldn't pass the PPL test--too long for crops, too short for full-length--yet people don't look stumpy. Maybe the higher waists and tucked-in tops balance it out. Definitely a practical length for people who walk and take public transit most of the time, even if wearing heels. I am very tempted to give this a try...

I didn't take pictures of street fashions as I didn't want to invade anyone's privacy, except for this one shot I snapped from my hotel window, and which is blurry and far enough to protect people's identities...