Tints Trends Tights and Tokyo

Every bit through mid autumn and continuing well into spring, flirty and expressively tinted tights in Tokyo are paramount. And though tights in bold pigments are nothing new in the fashion game and few dare to flair it to their wardrobes, in Tokyo it is a distinct and palpable fashion staple for the colder months. As my inner sources have divulged, this "Vogue" has been a perpetual favourite for frequent years now. Tights in splashy hues of the rainbow have continuingly persevered in this city, in contrast to other fashion capitals where this daring fashion addict's strut would fade as expeditiously with the seasonfs end. Astonishing but true I can validate that in the past 3 years I have been in Tokyo, this is an undying fashionable fad of the streets that hasn't vanished as promptly as falling autumn leaves. Seasonally, when in favourable modes, tights of all sorts and complexions are readily available everywhere; short, three-quarters, long, footless, fishnet, patterned, crochet etc. This newfrangled trend of eye-catching shades flaunted on catwalks at fashion shows, events or magazines are very much an imperative in the cooler Tokyo months and always available for purchase.

Red, hot pink, yellow, blue, orange, green; these coloured facades are suffice enough to be admired even when complimented with simple outfits; but here in Tokyo another relative trend is also to mix up distinct colour combinations . In the eye of some beholders contradistinctive colourings may be overly dramatic but to these girls could it just be as simple as following a cultural norm? An adaptation of traditional customs followed for generations; freestyle layering of a manifold of colours, patterns and designs with and under their kimonos? Wikipedia quotes "During the Heian period, kimono were worn with up to a dozen or more colorful contrasting layers, with each combination of colors being a named pattern". Bright bold colours which most western females would hesitate to cavalcade out in, is contrastively a never ending trend in Tokyo grasping full attention in the dull and grey colder months.

Just as a sweet and potent perfume can leave lasting impression on pass-byers, tights also set off profound sexual appeal to male onlookers. The aim with tights is to cover bare skin, however when expressed with teasing colours this can work wonders especially when the rage is to team it up to tiny shorts, micro minis or mid-length dresses and sexy heels. In such cold climates this fashion sense sprays out sexuality to the "look", still portraying the cute and playful theme. Japanese girls truly daringly carry out this style well because they have beautiful healthy bodies and good legs to go with it! Eccentric and very well accommodating; the scene is all set for them. I have rarely set eyes on bland or boring legs in Tokyo.

Still one critical the question screams in one's mind. "Aren"t they freezing!!!?" Or is that the difference in their mindset towards what is practical for them and what is not? I wonder, is their ability to bear in such cold conditions is just an adaption from their lifestyles once again? Kimonos are very pretty but they sure don't look warm! Needless to say I dared to try is very famous style. I now own a pair of magenta, hot red, hot pink and glittered gold/black. After years and years of neglecting, my admiration for tights and leggings once again kicked off in the city of Tokyo. This city dared me to appreciate it as a fashionable craze in this contemporary era, where the fixation is everlastingly on shoes, apparel or make up. Here tights, leggings, stockings are flocked in colourful pairs that strut around with some mandatory gadgets; heels, minis and colour! It's what dictates stylish Tokyo chic's! A craze that's here to stay, at least for a while!

If you covet to add adventure to your wardrobe, these cute, playful and flirty Japanese styles are simple to achieve. Below are some prevailing trends; colourful, knitted, leggings, knee high socks, leg warmers, hosiery all included, in Tokyo that I have branded as S.C.O.R.E.D.

Simple
Dress with a simple look and neutral tones; add flashy coloured tights, works great with, knee high boots or stilettos.
Cute
Coloured socks that sit just below or on your knees. Works well with mid-length dress or just above the knee skirt.
Over lap
Overlap knitted socks/warmers over your jeans so that sits mid-calf and wear ankle length boots or closed high heels.
Reveal not too much
Nothing looks worse than bared legs with goose bump!
Exposure
These tights, sock or leg warmers start mid feet (not closed toes) and show 3-4cms of your feet. This is works best with pep toe or slip on shoes, not closed shoes. If you opt not to show skin, select your favourite shade of tights under your exposure.
Daring
This is one of my favourite styles very cute and sexy. Short shorts or micro mini skirt; the colour tights must finish so that it sits about 5cm above your knees (3/4) with stiletto style high heels or ankle boots.

Check out "Lumine" and Tutuannas specialist in assorted hosiery, tights, leggings, socks. You cannot go past their 3 for a bargain 1050yen. Stores all over Japan.

Roshika R Chand
Japan-Fashion.com