Staying cool in Tokyo

Here I am in Tokyo in late summer and it’s hot — sticky, hot and humid — which means my hair is flat, my children are uncooperative and only a sundress and flat sandals will do.

But the Japanese women I’m seeing on the streets (and on their bikes, a very elegant look) are extraordinary. They’re wearing layers: smock dresses, bubble-hemmed voile tunics and denim vests, light pleated jackets over longer linen shirts, all with jeans or leggings — and they never look hot! It’s a skill I need to learn.

What are their style secrets? Here’s what I’ve gleaned from close observation and some in-store research.

My strongest impression fashion-wise in these first few weeks is that keeping cool versus looking fashionable is not an issue. The women like to dress well, whether it’s a more casual look or heels and suits.

I’m also seeing flat roman-style sandals, wedge heels, platforms and shorts or denim skirts. There are also floaty tunics printed in bold geometrics, or in a more bohemian print, with broderie anglaise borders and inserts, which look fantastic.

In my new home town there are a vast number of individual boutiques, which, faithful blogger that I am, I will be investigating in detail in the coming months. Fortunately there are sales on! I found a cream-coloured lace and cotton top to go with knee-length leggings (those from Gap) and feel immediately part of the scenery and cooler too.

From the big chainstore viewpoint I dropped into Zara in Shibuya and saw bold colour and prints alongside white and cream, in a variety of smock tops and dresses. Zara has also started to introduce fall colours and shapes but as cooler weather is unimaginable, I’m not paying attention … yet!

Accessories note: in Daikanayama, another gorgeous shopping /cafe area, I saw oversize leather-look metallic bronze and silver bags, great colours to accessorise into the new season.

Otherwise skirts are short and heels are high, so I will be looking for a middle ground (which sounds a bit boring) but when you see these groovy younger girls in very short shorts and heels and loads of bling, then you realise some compromise may be needed if you’re going to stay on the fashion edge in Tokyo.