It’s that time of the year where everybody you know—as browsing through your social media feeds will inevitably show you—will hop on a plane and fly off to the Land of The Rising Sun to meet and greet the proverbial sign that the warm weather is upon us: the iconic sakura.
Lucky for you there seems to be a steady stream of long weekends that coincide perfectly with the cherry blossom season. And while it’s starting to heat up early in Manila, Tokyo (and other parts of Japan for that matter) is experiencing unusually prolonged chilly weather. So, seize this opportunity to grab your coats and layer up—in streetwise dapper style, that is.
How exactly? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Take cues as we follow Japanese top model Ryusuke Kobayashi—decked in impeccable H&M pieces, no less—along the streets of trendy Shimokitazawa.
Juxtapose a bright pop of color with an otherwise monotone ensembleEnsembleA complete, coordinated outfit in which each garment and accessory is chosen to work together as one look. Stylists build ensembles around a theme, color story, or occasion, and theGo to Ensemble Glossary—the bright orange hoodie not only gives the whole outfit character, it also injects a subtle streetwear energy that offsets the inherent elegance of the trench coat.
You’d be surprised at how versatile a sweater in a deep color (almost black, but not really) can be, being the perfect jump off point of many a great ensembleEnsembleA complete, coordinated outfit in which each garment and accessory is chosen to work together as one look. Stylists build ensembles around a theme, color story, or occasion, and theGo to Ensemble Glossary. Put on this easy piece, add a necklace, and you’re good to go.
Gunning for more impact? Try this sweater variant in a shocking electric blue shade that proves to be a perfect contrast to the gloomy weather.
Tame the bright hue of the sweater with a warm, tone-on-tone outfit. Opt for a chic trench instead of a jacket; nothing quite adds an instant touch of masculine sophistication better than a double-breasted coat.
Feeling a bit brave? Mix and match different fabrics that’s sure to keep you warm in style. Case in point, this salmon tweed coat and wool sweater in plaid—the sartorial result is unexpectedly refreshing.
Staying in or going out? Channel comfy chic with a thick, knit sweater that’s equally perfect for a stroll outside or a decidedly lazy day indoors.
Take the power suit out of the office, giving the workwear piece a relaxed energy instead by pairing it with the quintessential streetwearStreetwearCasual fashion rooted in skate, hip-hop, and youth culture, defined by graphic tees, hoodies, sneakers, and limited-edition drops. Once an underground movement, streetwear now shapes luxury fashion through collaborations betweenGo to Streetwear Glossary staple: trackpants.
If the weather has you feeling blue, channel it into your outfit instead—a pale blue coat goes seamlessly with a printed top and light wash denim. Cap it off with your headwear of choice (preferably a snapback in heritage print) and head out.
Photography and styling by RJ Roque
Hair by Hannah Santiago and Louie Roque
Frequently Asked Questions
MEGA Man’s guide shows how to layer up in streetwise dapper style for a trip to Japan during cherry blossom season, when it says Tokyo had unusually prolonged chilly weather. Japanese model Ryusuke Kobayashi wears H&M pieces along the streets of Shimokitazawa.
MEGA Man suggests juxtaposing a bright pop of color with an otherwise monotone ensemble. In the example, a bright orange hoodie by H&M under an H&M trench coat gives the outfit character and a subtle streetwear energy that offsets the trench coat’s inherent elegance.
MEGA Man says a mockneck sweater in a deep color, almost black but not quite, is a versatile starting point, and suggests adding a necklace. For more impact it recommends an electric blue version, which it says contrasts well with gloomy weather, all from H&M.
MEGA Man suggests taming a bright sweater with a warm, tone-on-tone outfit and a double-breasted H&M trench with khaki trousers. It also shows a plaid wool sweater with a salmon tweed coat for mixed fabrics, and a thick knit sweater for comfy chic.
MEGA Man suggests taking the power suit out of the office by pairing an H&M blazer with track pants for a relaxed energy. It also pairs a powder blue H&M coat with a graphic button-down shirt, light wash denim, and a plaid snapback-style cap.
