It’s time for us to zoom out a little. Scratch that—it’s time to zoom out a lot. We here in the United States are likely up to date on what’s happening directly around us. We comprehend what is trending right here, right now—whether it’s news, music, fashion, etc. Keeping cultural relevance is indeed hard to achieve; if it weren’t for applications like TikTok, some of us might feel left in the dark in many of these constantly changing areas.

Fashion specifically is a tricky one to keep up with, considering the rate of evolution we experience in this field. If anyone wants to adequately keep up in the world of fashion, they should be prepared to learn something new almost every day. Trends change, evolve, and mutate at the speed of light. So, while we might be well versed in what’s trending here, it’s time to educate ourselves on what’s in vogue out there. And by out there, we mean going global. Today, we will be checking out some elements that are currently at the fashion forefront in our fellow nations. There’s so much out there in the global sphere that we have yet to recognize, so let’s take a moment to widen our perspective.

South Korea: Streetwear

While we may understand the oversized look in clothing these days, no one is doing it quite like South Korea is now. South Korean fashion has recently exploded in popularity with its recognizable wide leg baggy pants and workwear vests. The style viewed here is inexplicably industrial, but don’t think Carhartt or Dickies necessarily. This industrial essence is mixed effortlessly with a light color palette to make for a less sharp take on the streetwear look. Complete with an oversized shirt and perhaps a bucket hat, South Korean streetwear executes this soft yet crisp streetwear vibe to a tee.

France: Detective Chic

Yes, we’re talking long coats and tons of beige: think of the classic detective look but make it fashion. Whether it’s a floor-length trench coat or some classy knee-high boots, France is truly emphasizing a clean and sophisticated aesthetic. Say goodbye to bold colors for now: France is utilizing their neutrals, blacks, and whites to assemble a classic look. Also, we are seeing a rise in midi skirt popularity, available in numerous materials. It’s all about layering in France right now. Picture an elegant turtleneck underneath that floor-length coat—a true portrait of class.

Japan: Bold Techwear

It’s no secret that Japan’s fashion scene is the champion of all things bold and neon; this has been the case for quite some time now. However, what’s new is the rise of techwear on the streets of urban Japan. What exactly is this, you ask? Imagine pieces that appear to be equipment, for example, a bulletproof vest or a fanny pack, and turned into fashion statements. In Japan, we are taking this techwear concept and then adding an additional layer of vibrancy. These trends show no sign of dulling in any regard at all—these intense prints and patterns have only become more vivid in recent years. Think of a bright pink fanny pack strung across the body or a harness-type overlay over a striking jacket. Harajuku meets urban in a spectacular fusion this year.

Writing: Aubrey Matson, Photography: Angel Frando, Design: Dana Dang, Social Media: Mackenzie Davis