'I just got back from Tokyo. Cool women were wearing these 5 things.'

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I just got back from Tokyo, and let me tell you, my camera roll is 50 per cent food and 50 per cent fashion inspo.

Every time I visit Japan (which is fairly often), I return home with a mild wardrobe identity crisis and feel the need to completely revamp my style. Tokyo women have a unique ability to make fashion feel equal parts effortless and experimental. And it's not about impractical trend-chasing, either (looking at you, TikTok micro-trends).

Tokyo style is personal and incredibly wearable.

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This trip, I couldn't help but notice the same pieces popping up again and again. Whether I was people-watching in Omotesando, dining in Azabu, shopping in Harajuku or sipping coffee in Ginza, these were the staples every cool woman seemed to have on rotation.

And the best part is, most of them are more affordable in Japan than anywhere else, so girl maths tells me you're basically making money while shopping. Right??

So, if you want to channel fashionably classy Tokyo women, here are the pieces to add to your radar. 

1. Layering tops and dresses over T-shirts.

Tokyo women are bringing back a '90s fashion trend. Images: Supplied.

The '90s are alive and well in Tokyo, but done with more polish. Think slip dresses in satin or cotton over crisp white tees, sheer blouses over cropped tanks, or even graphic tees worn under strappy dresses. The layering adds depth and personality, while also being super practical for Tokyo's sticky summers and air-conditioned indoors.

It's also very Tokyo-esque in approach: instead of striving for one "perfect" outfit, it's about reusing what you already own in clever ways. I even spotted women layering jeans and a T-shirt under a full dress, and they looked incredible.

2. Nike Air Max Sol sandals.

OK, these Nike sandals actually look good on. Images: Supplied/Instagram @the_femin,@jamjamstore1123.

I'm not going to lie. When I first saw the Nike Air Max Sol Sandals in-store, it was an immediate no from me. But then I touched down in Tokyo and saw them on the feet of every stylish woman.

Part sneaker, part sandal, with chunky soles and cushioned straps, they're the kind of thing you'd think only a hypebeast could pull off. But pair them with flowy skirts, wide-leg trousers, jeans or shorts, and suddenly, they look more refined.

I can see why there's an appeal in Tokyo. The summers are brutally hot and humid (this year was officially the hottest on record!). These sandals keep your feet cool while still offering serious support for the 20k steps you'll clock up in a day.

3. Porter bags.

Get yourself a Porter bag and it'll last a lifetime. Images: Supplied/Instagram @kumika_iio2,@_irae__, @o_s_k_s_36.

Forget logo-heavy designer totes because the quiet luxury bag in Tokyo is a Porter. Made by Yoshida & Co., Porter's unisex bags are minimalist, durable and instantly recognisable (if you're a fashionista). It's very much an IYKYK situation. 

They come in nylon cross-bodies, sleek backpacks and structured totes that are just as perfect for the office as they are for use on the weekends. The most popular styles I spotted were the Tanker series (in classic black, navy or khaki) and compact crossbody pouches perfect for hands-free commuting.

By no means are they cheap, but they're seriously built to last forever (and they're a much better value in Japan than from overseas stockists). My boyfriend has had his for more than seven years, and despite daily use for work, it still looks brand new. I recently bought one myself, and even when I stuff it to the brim (heavy laptop included), it's so comfortable I can carry it for hours without wrecking my back.

Think of them as Japan's answer to a Goyard or Louis Vuitton Neverfull, only far more practical (hello, pockets, zippers and detachable pouches), understated and very insider-cool.

4. UV-blocking umbrellas and handheld fans.

Sun safety is cool! Images: Supplied.

As I mentioned earlier, this year was Tokyo's hottest summer on record — and it was BRUTAL! This is coming from someone who usually thrives in the heat, yet I still managed to get heatstroke twice (TBH, it was the first time in my life).

Japanese women (and men), on the other hand, floated through it all looking chic and unbothered, thanks to their compact UV-blocking umbrellas. And I'm not talking daggy umbrellas here. These were slim, elegant designs with beautiful wooden or woven handles that folded neatly into a handbag. Paired with electric handheld fans, locals made sun safety look seriously stylish.

My spring/summer/whenever-the-sun-is-out starter pack. Image: Supplied.

What struck me most was how normalised it all was. In Tokyo, skincare and fashion go hand-in-hand, so protecting yourself from the sun is simply part of the outfit. On my first day, I was sweating through my T-shirt while locals glided past under their umbrellas, skin fresh and dry. It didn't take long before I caved and bought an umbrella and a fan for myself, which I'll definitely be using come the Aussie summer.

5. Onitsuka Tigers.

Yes, Onitsuka Tigers are a must in any shoe wardrobe. Images: Supplied/Instagram @marinoa_17/@gloryhind.

This list would be incomplete without mentioning Onitsuka Tigers. Yes, Sambas are trending everywhere else right now, but in Japan, Onitsukas have always been in the spotlight. Far from just another Instagram trend, they've been a go-to sneaker in Tokyo for decades.

They're sleek, lightweight and slightly retro, making them the kind of shoe that works just as well with tailored trousers as with a flowy skirt. The most popular designs I saw were the Mexico 66 (with its bold signature side stripes) and the slim, sporty Serrano.

Part of their appeal is cultural pride, since Onitsuka is a Japanese heritage brand that's been around since the late 1940s. But they're also practical and incredibly comfortable for all the walking around the city. And yes, they're significantly cheaper in Japan than abroad. You can easily save close to $100 buying a pair in Tokyo compared to Australia, and you'll also find Japan-exclusive designs (this goes for a lot of other brands, too, especially On, Salomon, Adidas and Puma).

Feature image: Supplied/Instagram @marinoa_17.

Do you own any of these fashion items? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.