The lolita style is a subculture born in Japan, influenced mainly by Victorian-era children's clothing, as well as by the fashion of the Rococo period. Sweet Lolitas mainly focus on the childish aspects of the lolita style. They use colorful prints, ribbons and bows, in order to create a tender and charming effect.
Steps
Step 1. Look for accessories in light colors
For example handbags, headbands and socks with floral prints, musical notes, candies or anything else sweet (both socks and Parisian will do).
Step 2. Anything tender and decorated at the same time will do
You can also wear dark colors, but not too excessive. The most popular tones, however, are pastel ones: pink, light blue, white / cream, pale yellow, mint green and lavender.
Step 3. Choose what to wear on your head
A lolita almost always adds hair decorations, because it would be a waste if you couldn't put a bow there too. The traditional headdress is the bonnet, which exists in a thousand shapes and sizes, but is generally rectangular in shape, so that it can curve over the head like a headband.
A nice bow is also popular. Smaller bows, such as those on barrettes and rubber bands, can also be used if you want a less exaggerated look. Flower headbands are more common among "classic" lolitas, as are vintage-style hats
Step 4. Try looking for blouses
In general, lolitas prefer to minimize exposed skin, and so the shoulders are usually covered. Most lolita skirts are made to be worn over a blouse. A typical Lolita blouse fastens in the front and features a collar that is, traditionally, rounded in the Peter Pan style.
Step 5. Wear a bell-shaped skirt
The ideal silhouette of a lolita has a bell shape, whether you wear a dress or a skirt. This shape is obtained thanks to the petticoats and shorts worn under the skirt. A skirt that cannot hold enough petticoats to achieve this shape is usually unsuitable for this look. A lolita skirt should be no shorter than 5cm above the knee.
Step 6. T-shirts and dresses shouldn't be too low-cut or show your shoulders
If you are using a sleeveless dress, wear a blouse as well. Lolita fashion aims to achieve a graceful but not exhibitionist end result and is not meant to be sexy! The skirt, in general, will have to reach just above the knee.
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A lolita dress that costs around € 200 will probably be worth the price. Brands like Angelic Pretty and Baby The Stars Shine Bright will never let you down. Love their products and take care of everything you buy from them. If you prefer to opt for cheaper brands with an almost similar effect, instead, look for dresses by Anna House and Metamorphose. For blouses, long johns and shoes choose Bodyline products instead.
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Step 7. Underwear
An often overlooked, but vital, key to clothing is shorts and petticoats. A proper petticoat is needed to achieve the bell shape that is so essential to the silhouette of a true lolita, while shorts are needed to show the modesty of a young lolita.
You might ask yourself, "But why would I need such undergarments if no one is going to see them?" Because you will be wearing a bell-shaped skirt. Remember that just like a real bell, when it swings, it moves upward, a bell skirt can lift when a lolita shakes a little, making everything underneath quite visible. For a lolita wearing nothing but her pink Hello Kitty panties, this is unacceptable. Wearing a set of shorts will keep your thighs - and everything in between - safe from casual glances
Step 8. Don't show your legs
Although a lolita's skirt can shockingly reveal her knees, a lolita tends not to expose her legs too often, as this would be improper. It is generally good practice to cover the legs at least to the knee, which means wearing socks.
Other options include knee length socks, opaque stockings and tights. Sheer tights tend to be too sexy for a lolita, while socks, especially lace ones, are too reminiscent of unassociated subcultures, such as Sissies, and are simply less pleasing to see on people's legs
Step 9. Footwear
The traditional footwear of the lolita style is the Mary Janes, but there are similar high options. A true lolita shoe should be closed, with a rounded and chunky toe, thick heels or wedges (although ballet flats may be fine).
- Boots that follow these criteria may be suitable, although care must be taken not to go too far. Other perfect footwear, due to Vivienne Westwood's popularity in Japan, are those with so-called "horse heels".
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Socks are very important: in the lolita style, having nice and high socks is very clean. Those with fantasy are always the best! Find socks with sweets / cakes, animals, bows, hearts, music notes etc.
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Step 10. Try Thrift Shops
Often it may be possible to modify some of the dresses on sale with a little lace or bows, in order to obtain a truly successful final effect! =]
Step 11. Choose your hairstyle
Try to choose a style that suits a lolita, such as pigtails or ringlets. If you prefer to wear a wig, make sure it doesn't look fake - buy a high quality one on eBay. Make sure you have bangs, but they don't have to cover your eyes.
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To decorate your hair, use bows, headbands or flowers.
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Step 12. Put on your lolita style makeup
The face stickers are adorable and some light pink blush is a must! Remember that it is advisable that eyelash extensions, if used, are not too long: otherwise they will not have a good effect.
Step 13. Bring a toy with you
It's optional, but Hello Kitty or other soft toys could be a successful accessory.
Step 14. If you have a boyfriend, try to get him to dress smartly with you
Step 15. Always be yourself, don't lose your personality in favor of style
Step 16. Always smile in the photos
Take purikuras with your friends. It is a really fun activity!
Step 17. Go out with other Sweet Lolitas
Advice
- If anyone makes fun of you, just ignore them. If you are feeling particularly merciful, try explaining your style. Don't get angry and don't lower yourself to his level!
- Remember that attitude is part of your style. Lolita fashion emphasizes elegance, modesty and grace: it is important to always be polite, friendly and courteous. This is essential, especially if you plan on attending Lolita gatherings or conventions.
- Popular hairstyles include pigtails, curls or straight hair with bangs.
- Don't choose shiny fabrics or ribbons! Use only cotton and polyester. Other fabrics are cheap, costume-friendly and rough, and could therefore ruin your appearance.
- For more lolita fashion tips, search for an issue of The Gothic or Lolita Bible - they will include sewing patterns, photos, interviews and tutorials!
- If you're on a tight budget, try shopping from less expensive brands like Bodyline and Anna House. However, cheaper brands often offer lower quality as well, so try to check the details of the dress as much as possible, examining ribbons, design and fabric. It is still advisable to save until you can afford a designer dress (such as Baby, Angelic Pretty, Innocent World, Victorian Maiden, etc.). You can also browse the internet for bargains or buy used designer clothes. But you might as well try sewing your own dress if you're good at it! Magazines like The Gothic and Lolita Bible will typically offer you different sewing patterns to reproduce designer clothes, and the magazine issues typically cost around $ 20 (you can buy them online).
- To find high quality lolita clothes, your first choice should always be Baby, The Stars Shine Bright or Angelic Pretty; both have an online shop (remember, however, that they are both very expensive brands). Bodyline.com is cheaper and can offer good quality clothes if you shop carefully. Avoid anything that has "costume" in its name.
Warnings
- Don't use cheap materials; they will wear out easily and ruin the effect.
- DON'T TRY TO LOOK SEXY FOR ANY REASON! You will ruin the effect and the other lolitas will judge you negatively.
- A lolita might attract unwanted attention. Be careful and use common sense when going out, especially if you are alone.
- Do not use cheap lace, it irritates the skin.
- Some lolitas may judge you negatively if you don't dress entirely in designer clothing. This does not mean that you need to buy designer clothes ONLY, as it is very expensive. Either way, most lolitas won't judge you. If they did, they probably wouldn't be the right company for you anyway, so try not to be upset and remember that you're no less worth a lolita just because you're not designer from head to toe.
- Online lolita communities are typically filled with drama! If you want to stay calm, stay away from it.
