Europe’s summer streets are whispering one name louder than ever: Labubu. That mischievous Pop Mart character with oversized eyes and rebellious flair is setting the tone for a whole new era of casual couture. It’s not just a toy anymore – it’s a style muse.
Under the Tuscan sun or on the cobbled alleys of Lisbon, I spotted her. She wore NOT a Keith Haring-inspired Labubu tee, her braids tied with satin ribbons, and her shorts screaming vintage denim – with pearl embellishments, naturally. Converse scuffed just right. It was the kind of look that doesn’t ask for permission.
1. Labubu: Your Unexpected Style Icon
Labubu isn’t just cute. It’s chaos in fur. That’s why it works. Channeling that energy into your summer look gives off a vibe of “Don’t mess with me, I came to strut.” Think oversized tees with cartoon edge, bright neon hints, and defiant layering. Europe’s Gen Z isn’t afraid to blur the line between collectible figurines and wearable attitude. Wearing this look on the streets of Barcelona certainly turned heads.
T-shirts featuring Labubu’s expressive eyes or chaotic energy print are being paired with minimalist accessories. The contrast? Delicious. Keep your shirt oversized, cropped, or twisted at the waist with a clip. Think careless, but curated.
2. Braids Are Back – Bolder Than Ever
Boxer braids, rope braids, fishtails. Across Florence and Marseille, I’ve seen girls twisting their summer hair with a purpose. But forget slicked styles. This season, it’s all about loose braids peppered with beads, thread, or even miniature charms.
Want to flirt with the Labubu vibe? Tie off your braids with mismatched hair ties or tiny plastic Pop Mart charms. It’s playful and unapologetically youthful. And in the heat? Practical. This is your stay-cool, stand-out solution for rooftop nights in Berlin or seaside walks in Cinque Terre.
3. Converse: From Toy Shelf to Train Platform
Converse has never gone out of fashion. But teamed with Labubu? It gets a whole new meaning. Canvas high-tops in washed pastels or classic black contrast perfectly with the pop-art chaos of Labubu graphics. The secret sauce? Custom laces – think pearls, neon elastics, or rainbow clips we stole from our childhood pencil cases.
European girls this season are pairing their Converse with white ankle socks edged in lace. That mix of tomboy and dollhouse is infectious. Converse scuffed from travel? Even better. Let your dirt tell your summer story.
4. Pearl Denim Shorts: Cottagecore Meets Urban Jungle
There’s something audacious about pearls on ripped denim. I saw a girl at Milan Centrale adjusting her train ticket, her pearl-beaded cutoffs peeking from a floaty linen shirt. She had Labubu on her tote bag, Converse on her feet, and all the Italian boys looking confused and enchanted.
This is the kind of fashion that disrespects tradition. Pearls aren’t for Nana anymore. Stick them on raw-hem denim, fray those edges, let your thighs catch the sunlight. Pair with bandeaus or crochet bralettes, or contrast with oversized masculine blazers.
You can find these shorts at vintage stores in Amsterdam or DIY your own. Grab some iron-on pearl kits, grab a needle, and stitch your story into the seams.
5. The Labubu Attitude: Accessories with Edge
Accessories aren’t afterthoughts here. They’re power pieces. Whether it’s a necklace that looks like candy, jelly rings, mismatched earrings, or 90s-style chokers, there’s no minimalism in sight.
Labubu-inspired girls wear tinted sunglasses in orange or lavender, and tote bags splashed with ironic slogans or anime motifs. Nail art? Loud. Think cherries, flames, or checkerboards. And the phone cases – glittery, bulky, childlike – are handheld declarations of style.
Europe’s youth isn’t asking to be taken seriously. That’s the point. They’re expressing without explanation.
6. Where to Wear It: Your Labubu Look Across Europe
- Florence: Rock the look at Pitti Uomo. Yes, it’s a menswear fair, but fashion is fashion. Show the boys how it’s done.
- Berlin: Hit the Mauerpark flea market. Braids, boots, and a Labubu tote? You’re not just browsing, you’re part of the display.
- Barcelona: Strut down El Born. Add a straw bag to soften the chaos.
- Paris: Outside Palais de Tokyo, this look isn’t rebellious, it’s reverent. Add a beret for irony’s sake.
- Lisbon: Think Alfama alleys, cherry earrings, and sun-dappled steps. This is Labubu’s second home.
7. How to DIY Your Labubu Look
This summer look isn’t about maxing your card. It’s about remixing your wardrobe. Here’s how to recreate it:
- Top: Oversized graphic tee – Labubu, anime, or a bright splashy design.
- Bottom: Vintage denim shorts with pearl appliqués or DIY beadwork.
- Shoes: Converse high-tops, platform or classic. Customize the laces.
- Hair: Braids, naturally. Add threads or tiny trinkets.
- Accessories: Tote bags, jelly rings, candy necklaces, ironic sunglasses.
- Vibe: Rebellious fun with nostalgic joy.
Fashion has always been cyclical. But what we’re seeing this summer is something new. It’s a rejection of the polished influencer aesthetic. This Labubu trend is about personal storytelling, nostalgic chaos, and rule-breaking combos that feel like summer in Europe tasted as a teenager – sweet, sticky, and unfiltered.
8. Why This Works – And Why It’s Trending
People are tired of perfection. Europe’s Gen Z is skipping beige and embracing play. Labubu, with its mix of childlike innocence and chaotic energy, reflects a mood: life is uncertain, so your outfit should be a party.
Braids and pearls. Toys and denim. Converse and couture. The contrast is the charm. And what better backdrop than Europe’s grand, historic cities – where tradition gets challenged at every corner café?
Closing Words
This summer, don’t aim for elegance. Aim for attitude. Let your braids swing with purpose, let your shorts sparkle in defiance, and let your Converse stomp the old fashion rules flat.
Labubu isn’t just a figure on a shelf. It’s a style revolution – and it’s marching across Europe with a cheeky grin, a pearl-encrusted wink, and a worn-out pair of Chucks.
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