How to Be a Gothic Lolita: 11 Steps

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Lolita is one of the Japanese street fashion that is gaining ground also in the West, whose purpose is to give an innocent look to those who join it. The Gothic Lolitas are a by-product of the Lolita style, a mix between the latter and the Gothic style. Now is the time for you to imitate this style, and embrace the connected lifestyle. While cosplay can be expensive and time-consuming, it's also a very fun hobby with a very welcoming and vibrant community.

Steps

Step 1. Forget about prejudices

The Lolita style has nothing to do with pedophilia. The clothing and lifestyle has no sexual connotations. Instead, many of the people who adopt it present themselves as young Victorians, Edwardians, or children of the Rococo and aspire to appear modest and reserved. Gothic Lolitas, or gothloli, place particular emphasis on a sober and elegant presentation.

Step 2. Explore the various types of Lolita

There are several Lolita styles. There is the Sweet Lolita, which uses bright pastel colors, lace, and draws inspiration from sweet and kawaii themes; Gothic Lolita tends to be darker, and has a more elegant style; other less common types are the Classic Lolita, which prefers a more subtle and refined style, and finally the Punk Lolita, which prefers accessories such as studs and chains. Some Lolitas combine multiple styles at the same time in their look; however, this article focuses on the pure Gothic Lolita look and the lifestyle associated with it.

Method 1 of 2: Fashion

Step 1. Learn how to create a Lolita outfit

A Gothic Lolita look has many aspects that you can vary according to your taste, but there are some basic rules to follow. The first is that Gothic Lolitas prefer dark colors, with the exception of white or cream accents - you won't find one that carries pink or some other bright color. Here is what you need to know, following the order of the garments that are usually worn.

• Start with underwear. The hallmark of a Lolita is the bell skirt that falls 4 cm or more from the knee. Buying a petticoat is essential to reinforce the Lolita skirt. To maintain a modest look in case the wind picks up the petticoat, Lolitas wear 19th century-style knickers over their regular underwear. Gothic Lolitas also wear a corset, laced up or buttoned up nicely (wearing only a corset or bustier falls into the Hero Lolita category). Long johns and petticoats should never be visible in the full outfit.

  

• Wear a smart, well-made shirt. Gothic Lolita shirts are usually haute couture, and have details such as ribbing, embroidery, cuffs and decorated collars. Better to opt for a fit, adherent cut as the shirt must never be too loose or too loose.

  

• Wear an embellished skirt, pinafore or dress. Gothic Lolita skirts usually have flounces, elegant patterns or are richly decorated. They fall to the waist and no lower, and cover your knees when standing. A pinafore can be combined with a white shirt, typical of the Gothic Lolita look. For important events, the Gothic Lolitas wear full dresses, shirtless, usually tight-fitting on the torso and flared, so that they can comfortably accommodate the petticoat.

  

• Wear modest stockings or tights. Some Lolitas wear pantyhose or stockings that go just below the knee, but Gothic prefer those that cover it completely. Wear garter belts to keep them in place under your long johns if you find it necessary. In general, Gothic Lolitas discard shiny tights, preferring opaque ones.

  

• Choose dark shoes. Lolita style typically includes Mary Jane shoes, with a Lolita heel perhaps. For the Gothic Lolita look, they must be black or otherwise dark. If you choose to wear boots or other accessories over Mary Janes, make sure the leg silhouette is slim and natural - combat boots are too heavy and would look out of place in a Gothic Lolita style.

  

• Use hair accessories. The quintessential Gothic Lolita accessory is a big black Alice in Wonderland style bow. You can also use decorated headbands, combs or clothespins, or even appropriate vintage hats.

  

• Find a jacket. In the cold months, Gothic Lolitas wear well-modeled jackets. Choose black or another dark color, such as burgundy, dark blue, dark purple, or bottle green.

  

• Complete the look with other accessories. Some Gothic Lolitas use parasols to protect themselves from the sun; others wear mainly cross-shaped jewelry or use coffin-shaped bags. Be creative when it comes to accessories and make this look your own.

  

Step 2. Build your wardrobe

A well-made Gothic Lolita piece of clothing can last for years, but it could also be more expensive than another dress. Invest carefully in your wardrobe, buying clothes that you love and that are made with premium quality fabrics. Start with long johns and petticoats, and go from there.

• Pay attention to the fabrics. The Gothic Lolita culture favors cotton, wool, organza, lace and other quality fabrics. Satin and velvet are more suited to a costume occasion, and not suited to everyday style. Also, inexpensive lace that features too tightly woven fabric is to be ruled out, as in the distance it may appear gray and dilapidated.

  

Step 3. Go for natural make-up

The point where the Gothic Lolita culture clearly detaches itself from the Gothic one is the make-up: the Gothic Lolitas do not use greasepaint, do not heavily make up their eyes and do not wear dark lipsticks. A light smokey eye or red lipstick is acceptable, but Gothic Lolitas usually go for natural makeup.

Step 4. Dress carefully

A Gothic Lolita style outfit should be an event. Make sure everything is clean and ironed, and do your makeup and hair - looking scruffy wearing such beautiful clothes would be a tragedy. Get organized in time.

Step 5. Incorporate Lolita style into your everyday outfits and environment

If you can't wear a full Lolita outfit every day, incorporate details that you like and that you can match with the clothes you usually wear: maybe that lace collar goes well with your business suit, or that cute handbag is perfect for a ride to the mall. These things make you unique and identify you as a Lolita even if you don't wear the dedicated outfits every day.

Method 2 of 2: Lifestyle

Step 1. Train yourself to have good posture

Gothic Lolita dresses are best when your posture is upright, with straight shoulders and a high head. Try to walk with small, measured steps instead of dragging your feet.

Step 2. Remember your manners

Since the Lolita style is inspired by the 19th century, it tries to emulate the socially acceptable manners of that time. Speak politely and clearly, without using idioms or biting your words. Be nice to everyone, and acknowledge the presence of strangers or new acquaintances by tilting your head slightly and smiling. Be confident without being rude, and kind without being a doormat.

Step 3. Indulge in ancient hobbies

Bring some vintage beauty into your life by learning Victorian arts or skills, such as sewing and / or embroidery (it will help you with clothes if you are on a tight budget or if you don't want to buy clothes from Japan), cooking, calligraphy, painting or drawing, and collects objects such as antiques and postage stamps.

Step 4. Look for sources of beauty and inspiration in everyday life

The lifestyle of a Lolita is, in a sense, an attempt to maintain the amazement and innocence of children. Try to see life with a fresh, innocent look, and watch your attitude improve!

Advice

• Start calmly. If you are having trouble feeling comfortable as a Gothic Lolita, build your confidence one dress at a time or starting with the Casual Lolita style.
• A Lolita lifestyle does not necessarily lead to the adoption of the same clothing.
• "The Gothic & Lolita Bible" is a quarterly magazine published in English and Japanese, and can be a great source of inspiration for decorations and clothing. Look for it on eBay.
• You don't have to buy from Japanese retailers to get a Gothic Lolita look.
• Remember: this movement is centered on creativity and originality. You can (and should) always keep your individuality, no matter what style you choose.
• Thrift stores are great for looking for clothes, but then you'll need to tweak them a bit.

Warnings

• If you buy Lolita dresses from Japan, remember that the sizes are smaller than the Italian ones. Order one size larger than yours - or completely different, if needed.
• The most extreme Lolitas are often accused of being fake or of being Ita Lolitas or just Ita. Wear what you want, but know that if they call you Ita it's not a compliment.