Rating my Japanese Breakfast outfits
I always prefer street style over celebrity style for inspo. In the latter case you are typically seeing the work of a celebrity stylist. Which - there is nothing wrong with that! But I love when someone’s personal style is so distinct and unique to them that it shines through, even with the help of a stylist. Michelle Zauner, frontwoman of Japanese Breakfast and author of Crying in H Mart, is one of these people. Check out her 7 Days 7 Looks for Vogue video below. If I could Ctrl C Ctrl V any celebrity’s closet, it would be Michelle’s.
Because I love Michelle’s style - and have several similar pieces - I set out to recreate each one of these outfits. I like style challenges because they push me to mix pieces together I wouldn’t normally consider, sometimes it works but sometimes it doesn’t. Best case, you end up with some new favorite styling ideas to incorporate into your personal style.
Here I’m going to rank the outfits I came up with based on how much I like them personally (not how much I think they “match” Michelle’s outfits).
Let’s start with a flop.
I give my Lounge Look a 4/10. I didn’t even end up posting this image on social media because the styling felt weak. In fact, the more I look at it the more underwhelmed I feel??? At first I saw the Vogue video and thought: I also have a Rachel Antonoff prawn print piece, so I’ll just wear that. I don’t think it’s a bad outfit, but it isn’t consistent with the direction I want my personal style to grow in.
Classic Look: 9/10
Michelle describes her classic look as “edgy with tailoring.” It’s a formula that works, and I love the outfit I came up with. School uniform with a rebellious streak. The Allina Liu dress has been in heavy rotation this summer, and this is how I’d style it for the fall.
After Party Look: 7/10
I almost wore my pink Molly Goddard dress for this “Giant Jigglypuff,” but that felt too literal. I’m glad I chose separates. The volume of the blouse is interesting against the puffy texture of the skirt. The silver chain necklace adds edge and texture. However, I don’t like the navy blue color for the shoes. With the light pink it reminds me too much of a Vineyard Vines polo with the pink whale. I would go with a black shoe next time.
Festival Look: 8/10
This is just a solid outfit that I could envision wearing anywhere. It’s not the most spectacular or groundbreaking, but realistic for my life. The puff sleeves, jacquard trouser and lug sole boots all feel very me.
Author Duties: 10/10
My absolute favorite look - this alone made the whole style challenge worth it. It was a long thought process. I stared at Michelle’s white Thom Browne set, wracking my brain for how I could capture the essence of the outfit. It led me to playing with styling a necktie, which I’ve never done before! I feel very gamine and intelligent in this outfit.
Summer Look: 6/10
I was going to rate this lower, but upon closer inspection I’m okay with this outfit….mainly points off for the shoes. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Simone Rocha platforms but somehow the color and vibe are not working for me here. I think a relaxed sneaker would have balanced the tank and skirt more, and the navy satin adds a somberness that is weighing down the outfit for me.
Red Carpet Look: 8/10
What a gossamer dream of a dress. I love how simple and elegant the shape is. My Eckhaus Latta set made so much sense for this look. The photo doesn’t do the texture justice, but it’s a really cool sheer red brocade pattern. I’m rating this as an 8 because could have accessorized this better; it feels a tad bare.
Side Note: this dress reminded me of Ophelia.
Tour Look: 10/10
Another winning look that is realistic for my daily life. I call these my hot cheeto pants because of the red fleecey fabric. It’s comfortable but still brings the print + texture.
Thanks for reading! What was your favorite look?