Getting Started with Karasu Zoku Vibes
So I woke up yesterday thinking, gotta try that Karasu Zoku style everyone’s whispering about online. Y’know, like minimalist crow looks? Sounded cool and simple enough. First thing: raided my closet. Figured I needed some black basics. Dug around and pulled out my oldest black cotton t-shirt – the one that’s gone kinda grey, honestly. Perfect. Found some slim-fit black jeans too. Didn’t matter that they’re actually dark blue under strong light, they look black, close enough!
The Thrift Store Hunt
Realized I didn’t have any oversized black outerwear, which seems like a big Karasu Zoku thing. Hit up my usual thrift spot after coffee. Goal: big black jacket or shirt. Man, slim pickings! Almost gave up, then spotted this massive, worn-in black cotton button-down hanging awkwardly between fluffy sweaters. Grabbed it. It’s got a tiny bleach stain near the bottom hem, but who cares? Washed and dried it twice just to soften it up more. Boom. Foundation pieces done.
Putting It Together & Messing It Up
Okay, time to actually dress. Pulled on the greyish tee and dark jeans. Easy. Then threw on the oversized thrifted shirt open like a jacket. Instantly felt… bulkier than I imagined. The shirt kinda swallowed me. Tucked the front hems loosely into the jeans – this saved my butt – gave just enough shape so I didn’t look like I was wearing a sack. Tried rolling the sleeves up for less sloppy vibes.
Forgot I owned a fabric steamer. Fished it out and tried steaming the shirt. Let’s just say I’m so not artistic with wrinkles. Aimed for ‘effortlessly crumpled’, probably landed on ‘slept in this’. Gave up halfway.
Accessories? Kinda…
Read online: minimal jewelry, clean lines. Found a simple thin silver chain, maybe too delicate? Wore it anyway. Then noticed my beat-up black canvas sneakers. Perfect match for the worn-in feel. Skipped the hat – my hair just ended up messy, like a crows nest maybe? Whatever. Key was keeping it uncomplicated.
- Old black cotton tee
- Slim-ish black jeans
- Oversized thrifted black shirt
- Simple silver chain
- Beat-up black sneakers
The “Photoshoot” Struggle
Tried taking a pic on my phone to see the look. Spoiler: looked awkward. Posed against a plain wall in my place. Lighting was terrible, shadows everywhere. Used the timer and propped my phone up. Took like 20 tries to get one where I didn’t look half-asleep or the wrinkles looked ‘artistic’. Definitely learned that Karasu Zoku is about attitude as much as clothes – gotta stand like you mean the minimalist thing. Ended up liking a shot where I was just slightly side-on, hands kinda in my pockets (shirt pockets!), looking down.
Final Thoughts After Wearing It
Wore this out for errands. Felt surprisingly comfortable! The oversized shirt is super easy to layer. People barely glanced, which is actually the point of this style, right? It’s understated. Definitely feels achievable with stuff you probably own or can find cheap. Learned: the cut matters even when it’s oversized (hence the tuck!), black washes can vary, and thrift stores need patience. But honestly? Totally doable look if you keep it simple and don’t overthink every detail. My bleach stain adds character, I tell myself. Might try swapping the tee for a thin black turtleneck next time fall hits. Must learn from my wrinkled shirt mistakes though.
