How do I dress like this Japanese woman?

[itchybumhole]

There's a woman in the playground at pick up time. She's Japanese, very quiet and unassuming. Mid thirties I think.
Her style is amazing. She wears lots of wool and natural fabrics, cocoon style coats, asymmetric wool dresses and they hang beautifully on her. Her clothes look almost futuristic in style. Everything in gorgeous muted tones and slightly too big for her.
Where does I even start to look for these sort of clothes? Any ideas?

I'm vaguely familiar with Issey Miyake, but I don't think she's wearing designer clothes. Obviously I don't know, but I think this is high end high street clothing that she's wearing. She's got a natural eye for great fabrics and gorgeous cuts.
Agree that she is typically Japanese, as you describe. She doesn't seem to wear makeup, but has beautiful skin, glossy dark brow hair and a petite frame.
I saw her at a children's party recently and she turns heads wherever she goes. I found myself staring, and then looked around and noticed the other women in the room were doing the same.

I’d definitely give Kin at John Lewis a look (though their current collection doesn’t inspire me), and Cos obviously. I love Muji for basics but I don’t think they stock what you’re looking for in the U.K.

It might be worth keeping an eye on M&S Autograph and Limited Collection - they sometimes have some good pieces.

Thank you all for your help. I'm still trying to work out how to describe her style. It's like Japanese minimalism, but more lagenlook. I've been googling Japanese fashion brands and trends today and found some really nice pieces.

She sounds so stylish itchy

What does she typically wear on her feet?

Sizing up can help with this look. Nothing tight or pulling.

You can second hand Issey Miyake on EBay for a reasonable price. I just bought a IM pleats please skirt for around £100. Also Global Rakuten from Japan have second hand Issey Miyake and other Japanese designers as well as reasonably priced clothing.

Why did I not know about Muji clothes online??? They look fabulous and really pretty affordable esp as lots looks to be organic. (Now coveting this top for autumn :) ) Any guidance on sizing? I'm guessing size up as they'll come up small?

Sadik I'm a size 8-10 and I wear medium in tops.

Perfect, thank-you

Why don't you ask her? I'm sure she'd be really flattered. Just say I love your dress, in fact all your clothes you look great, can I ask where you shop?

Toast

Sounds like a Japanese lady I see at my DC's school. She always looks beautifully dressed and never seems flustered at all.

Sigh
I’d love to dress like this. Totally stylish and so not sexy focussed that it’s beyond sexy.
Sadly I do not have the build or the bone structure for it.

There’s also a big knitting and sewing scene in Japan - is it possible she’s making stuff? Especially with knitwear there is a lot of scope to make yourself some great pieces.

The dress could be uniqlo I’m sure I got an email with a dress like that in it recently.

Another recommendation for Kin (John Lewis). Although like the pp who mentioned it I’m not crazy about the new stuff they’ve just got in. Arket is also worth checking out.

To my delight she'd got changed for afternoon school run. She had a gorgeous tunic style dress in a rich brown colour with a funnel neck, asymmetric jacket, black tights and big chunky leopard print trainers.
Tomorrow I'm going to ask her where she buys her clothes from. I hope she doesn't mind... she's very quiet and always stands apart from the crowds of other mums.

Look up japanese sewing patterns. I can't remember the name of the designer but they were very simple looks (probably not simple to sew).

Please report back. Her style sounds awesome. I’ve just got into uniqlo and adore this sort of look.

When you ask her, do come back and tell us! I know exactly what you are describing and I'd love to wear that style ! Sadly I'm 5ft 2 and a size 16!

I second the Cos suggestions! I wear lots of oversized lagenlook type items from there.

Yes please report back!

If you know her well enough to know where she was born, you can surely bring yourself to ask her where she gets her clothes from?

Was the tunic like this? www.arket.com/en_gbp/women/knitwear/product.alpaca-blend-knitted-tunic-beige.0482967011.html

Dancing, I don't know anything. I just think she's Japanese and she likes to keep herself to herself.