What To Wear and Pack for Japan in March
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We flew to Japan in the early days of March (7th - 17th) to visit our family who reside there. This period falls just before the much-anticipated spring Cherry Blossom season, making it a bit challenging to decide what styles to pack for the trip.
We meticulously monitored the weather forecast leading up to our trip, noting the dramatic fluctuations in temperatures over the 10-day period. Most of the mornings started in the 40s and then gradually increased to the high 60s to low 70s. At night it would then drop back down to the 40s.
We were unexpectedly greeted by snow on the first day of our trip in Japan which was a delightful surprise for us. Despite our love for snowy weather, we were relieved that it was a brief occurrence and the remainder of our stay was snow-free.
Here are our favorite styles that we ended up wearing during our 10-day trip to Narita and Tokyo.
BASE LAYER
Base layers are key to our layering and we always go with Uniqlo’s Heattech. To keep your layering minimal, we highly recommend Uniqlo's Heattech. It truly makes a difference and it's very affordable. We like to wear it underneath our sweaters and sweatshirts.
Uniqlo Heattech Guide (Image Courtesy of Uniqlo.com)
The fabric is revolutionary as it works with your body to generate and retain body heat and it also features anti-odor properties. The anti-odor really works too! I wore my Heattech top for 2-3 days before changing into another one since they didn't smell at all.
OUTERWEAR
We both packed a couple of different coats for our trip. In order to keep our luggage to a minimum, we opt to wear one of the coats during the flight and pack the spare one in our carry-on.
Blazers
We are huge fans of blazers, and Free People definitely does not disappoint with their diverse selection to choose from. Crystal’s plaid blazer, in particular, strikes the ideal balance between casual comfort and a polished look.
I wore Anine Bing’s Kaia Blazer and it’s definitely heavier than your typical blazer, making it feel more like a jacket. Anine Bing truly excels in creating essential wardrobe items with exceptional quality.
While the price range may lean towards the higher side, the investment proves worthwhile as this timeless piece is bound to stay in your closet for many seasons. Not only was this blazer perfect for March weather, but it also proved to be just as versatile when I took it with me on my trip to Japan in October.
Long Coats
Zara always has a fantastic variety of long coats in different styles and colors to choose from. Given that both of us live in cities such as Los Angeles and Tampa where winters are typically mild, opting for a Zara coat seemed like the ideal decision.
Crystal opted for a soft, oversized coat that not only offered excellent value for her money but also managed to find the perfect balance between coziness for Tampa's climate and being suitable for the colder weather in Japan.
Mango is also another brand that I like to shop for coats because they offer a wide range of styles at affordable prices. Several years ago, I snagged a beautiful long white coat that continues to earn numerous compliments wherever I go. The quality of the coat has proven to be enduring, standing the test of time.
TOPS
We appreciate how brands have increasingly embraced sweatshirts as a fashionable daily staple, moving away from the traditional perception of them solely as loungewear. We both packed a variety of sweatshirts.
Crystal wore her oversized sweatshirt featuring the iconic New York City graphic from Free People. Having tested various brands, we found ourselves drawn to Free People for their soft fabric and the way their sweatshirts elegantly drape over the body.
Free People NYC Sweatshirt
H&M Nirvana Sweatshirt // Sezane Damon Trousers
H&M has had an array of sweatshirts this season with fun designs that caught my eye. It was difficult to resist buying all the ones I liked, but I settled on an all white one with a Paris graphic and another one with a Nirvana graphic.
The fit for these two sweatshirts was noticeably different: the white one was short and more fitted, while the Nirvana one was long and oversized.
ASOS Bershka Chunky Crew Neck Sweater - Chunky sweaters are undeniably a style staple this year, and it's a trend that shows no sign of waning anytime soon. The comfortable fit strikes a perfect balance between breathability and coziness without veering into the realm of oversized clothing.
Opting for a semi-fitted style not only enhances your comfort but also amplifies your wardrobe's versatility, allowing you to effortlessly incorporate them into various outfits and occasions.
Quince Mockneck Sweater - This classic 100% Organic Cotton sweater is not only super comfy but also a timeless style that Crystal loves. As her go-to choice, she brought it along on our trip to Japan last Fall and decided to pack it again this year. The mid weight knit material makes it versatile enough to wear from fall through spring, perfect for any occasion.
Wearing Quince’s Mockneck Sweater under a blazer
Marcella Ysabel Top - This mock neck top is figure-hugging and made with sustainable European jersey, providing both style and eco-friendliness. The striking mesh insert and sleeve elevate this basic black top, creating a unique and chic look perfect for various occasions.
BOTTOMS
We like to pack a variety of bottoms to mix up our wardrobe, and this year, surprisingly, neither of us packed a pair of jeans. Instead, we both opted for more comfortable styles.
Quince Chiffon Pleated Midi Skirt - This versatile skirt is not only flattering, flowy, and comfy but also lightweight, which makes it perfect for all-day wear. The elastic waistband ensures a comfortable fit, while its wrinkle-resistance feature makes it a breeze to travel with, eliminating the need for ironing during your trip.
Wide leg bottoms have made a comeback and Candy’s current favorite is Quince’s Ultra-Stretch Ponte Super Wide Leg Pant. These ultra high waist pants not only elongate your legs, but it’s also crafted from high-quality ponte fabric. It’s a really flattering and comfy pair of pants that can be dressed up or down. Despite being washed multiple times, the fabric remains as pristine as the day she bought them.
Express High Waisted Shorts // MADEWELL CONVERTIBLE TOTE BAG
Express is a reliable brand for stocking up on basic wardrobe essentials, making it our go-to store whenever we find ourselves in need of a specific item. Candy has had these wide leg pants for several years now and they are a constant go to for her Fall/Winter travels. They are comfy, elegant, and make your legs look super long.
Crystal always reaches for her beloved high-waisted shorts from Express. They seamlessly complement her favorite sweater tights and knee high Carnegie Boots. The versatility of the shorts allows them to be styled for various occasions throughout the year, making them a timeless essential in her wardrobe.
When we visited Paris two summers ago, we discovered a brand named Sezane and instantly fell in love. My favorite purchase from their site has been the Damon Trousers. The rise is the perfect height, and the fabric is thick, made of 44% wool, which adds a luxurious feel.
What sets these trousers apart is their ankle-length style, making them versatile for pairing with boots in the winter or showcasing your favorite socks in the warmer months. The timeless design and quality materials make these trousers a staple in my wardrobe.
FOOTWEAR
Wearing comfortable shoes in Japan is very important since you will be walking a ton. It’s extremely rare to ride a taxi from point A to B. Most likely you will be walking and riding trains so your feet will need a pair of shoes that will provide comfort all day.
On this trip, we made sure to carefully select a wide range of comfortable footwear options, but among them, a few pairs emerged as clear favorites.
Converse - It’s hard to go wrong with a classic pair of Converse. Candy wore her Chuck 70 Vintage Canvas High-tops , while Crystal often wore the classic Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas. Both were comfy staples, making it easy to style them with either pants or skirts for a versatile and effortlessly cool look.
Marcella Knee High Carnegie Boots - These knee high boots are a great style, especially when paired with skirts or shorts. Crystal styled her Knee High Carnegie Boots with tights and shorts, achieving a casual yet polished look. These distinctive Carnegie boots not only honor the timeless Chelsea boot design but also boast a noteworthy geometric sole that sets them apart.
Beckett Simonon Georgia Loafers
Beckett Simonon Georgia Loafers - Loafers making a comeback didn't initially excite Candy due to their association with her high school uniform. However, once she noticed them paired with short stocking socks, her interest piqued.
Yes, you can wear socks with loafers. In fact, wearing loafers with socks is the preferred approach lately. Beckett Simonon stands out for its production of high-quality leather footwear that comes at reasonable prices.
ACCESSORIES
Jewelry
We both have similar styles when it comes to jewelry these days. Lately, we've been gravitating towards Quince for our accessory fix. What's even more exciting is that Quince offers fine-quality jewelry at incredibly affordable prices, making it easy to indulge in our love for accessorizing without breaking the bank.
Another brand we both are drawn to is Gorjana. Not only is their price point affordable, but their collection of necklaces is absolutely stunning. We find ourselves drawn to their versatile pieces that are perfect for layering, allowing us to create unique and personalized looks.
Quince Watch Wristband
Gorjana Necklaces
Crystal is a huge fan of Kristin Cavallari and adores her jewelry line called Uncommon James. She finds that Kristin's designs are always on-trend and matches her current style. Her favorite necklace right now that she wears almost daily is the Enamel Heart Necklace.
Bags
Depending on the outfit and the occasion, we enjoy switching between various bag styles. For this particular trip, we made sure to pack a variety of bags to suit different looks and situations.
Madewell Zip-Top Medium Transport Tote - We both own this bag as it’s so versatile and matches just about any outfit. One of our favorite features is the zipper, which sets this tote bag apart from the rest.
With most tote bags lacking zippers, this unique find provides an added layer of security for our belongings. Additionally, we love the interchangeable straps, allowing us to switch up the style to match our outfits and mood.
Bandolier Miller Bag - Bandolier has gained a reputation for their amazing phone straps which offer practicality and style, but they also design an impressive range of bags.
The Miller bag has a rectangular silhouette with an exterior molded slip pocket. This pocket is designed to securely accommodate your phone while ensuring quick accessibility. You also have the flexibility to personalize your bag by exchanging the straps for a different style.
Lo & Sons WEstholme Backpack // QUince Carryon Suitcase
Lo & Sons Backpack - On our travel days, we both switch over to backpacks since they can hold both our laptops and cameras. Crystal travels with her Rowledge backpack and Candy the Westholme backpack. They are both fantastic travel bags and have some differences which we recently reviewed on our YouTube channel.
If you're looking for a backpack with a lower price point that doesn't lack in style, we recommend Quince's All-Day Neoprene Backpack. This water-resistant and sleek backpack offers a perfect blend of affordability and fashion-forward design. The Neoprene material adds a modern touch, while ample storage space and a suitcase sleeve ensure comfort and functionality on the go.
Walking around Shinjuku
Once again, we had an amazing time in Japan and can’t wait for our next visit. We were glad that we had packed layers to accommodate the changing temperatures. The chilly mornings and evenings were balanced with pleasantly warm afternoons, making it essential to have options for our outfits throughout the day.
