Japanese Fairy Sweet

This japanese fairy sweet dress sets a white lace sailor collar against a black windowpane check

Two tempers in one dress: the check is severe, almost schoolwear, and everything laid over it is soft : a wide white collar edged in lace, a ribbon bow falling down the chest, small heart-shaped buttons. That contrast is the whole grammar of Harajuku dressing, sweetness worn against something sharper.

The bodice sits high under the bust and the skirt leaves from there in a clean A-line, so the shape reads long even though the hem is short. Sleeves gather at the shoulder, run full down the arm and close on a white lace cuff, the kawaii detail that keeps the whole thing from turning into a uniform.

It carries easily over white knee socks and flat shoes for daytime, or over black tights and platform boots when the light goes down. Add a small shoulder bag and ribbons in the hair for the full jirai kei reading.

What to know

• A-line dress in black with a white windowpane check
• Wide white sailor collar edged with lace, lying flat over the shoulders
• Black ribbon bow with lace ties at the centre of the chest
• Row of white heart-shaped buttons down the front
• Long gathered sleeves closing on a white lace cuff
• Cotton and polyester blend with a slight stretch
• Sizing: available from US 4 to 10
• Fit: the skirt is cut short, check the length against your own before ordering
• Japanese style: the sweet side of Harajuku, worn kawaii or jirai kei