WHAT IS LOLITA?

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WHAT IS GOTHIC & LOLITA?
*Popularized by Jrock lolita Mana from the now disbanded Malice Mizer, Lolita was actually taken from the European fashion movement during the Victorian Era. Modern Lolita, however, takes this Victorian style and made it appear as a cute fashion statement or gothic. Today the Lolita style is very well known among fans in and outside of Japan.

The following information is mainly quoted from www.lolitafashion.org/ and arranged in accordance with Lolita Handbook at lolita-handbook.livejournal.co…

*Lolita Styles*
~Gothic Lolita
Although the name 'Gothic' Lolita alludes to goth fashion as a whole, the style is primarily influenced by victorian inspired goth style and not cyber goth or industrial style.

A Gothic Lolita outfit like all Lolita styles, is very modest in today's standards. As with other Lolita styles a Gothic Lolita outfit can usually be recognised by the bell-shaped skirt, and puff-sleeves. A Gothic Lolita outfit is usually comprised of black or rich dark colors such as burgundy, purple and navy. It is common for this style to involve details in complementary or contrasting colors, such as the infamous black and white coordination choice.

Makeup for this style can range from a light natural look to a dramatic smokey eye with a dark red lip depending on the outfit and occasion. A common mistake by beginners that is worth mentioning is the use of black lipstick and whiteface. Both whiteface and black lipstick take away from the elegance of the lolita style and should only be used as stage makeup as a general rule.

The term 'Gothic Lolita' is often confused with the term 'Elegant Gothic Lolita,' which was coined by the Japanese musician Mana to describe the clothes of his brand Moi-Meme-Moitie.

~Sweet Lolita
The most over-the-top style and includes aesthetics nearly exclusive to lolita. It is also the most child-like of the lolita styles, using many bows, ruffles and light colors to make up an outfit. The most common colors used in a Sweet Lolita outfit are pink, white, and powder blue, but an outfit can be made with nearly any pastel or plaid (or nearly any color at all as long as it is not neon).

Common motifs in Sweet Lolita are toys, strawberries, cherries, cakes and candies, hearts, polka dots and flowers. Prints inspired by fairy tales are also quite common.

Light, natural make-up complements this style. Teased out pigtails and bouncy curls are commonly worn by Sweet Lolitas.

~Classic Lolita
The tamest of all the Lolita styles as many Classic dresses could pass for a garden party, church or summer dress. Unlike Sweet Lolita that is about looking cute, Classic Lolita is about looking classy, and harks back to Lolita fashion's roots in Victorian fashion, taking inspiration from the floral patterns, and the sense of elegance of the era; bold colors aren't normally found in Classic Lolita clothing.

Unlike the other styles of lolita, many Classic Lolita skirts have an A-line shape instead of the normal bell shape.

Like the other lolita styles light makeup is suggested but depending on outfit and occasion darker makeup (that still creates a soft look) can be appropriate.

~Punk Lolita
Perhaps one of the most challenging styles of Lolita to pull-off, because it takes someone with a lot of knowledge of Lolita fashion to be able to fuse the image of a Lolita with that of the Eastern punk style.

Punk lolita comes generally in two forms, first is an outfit that conforms to the general shape of lolita, a bell shape knee length skirt (or a bit shorter for this style) but without as many clean lines as the other styles. Accessories and fabric choice are very important to this style: deconstructed fabrics and fishnets are a good choice, as are chains and studs. Also layering is key to this style! A Punk Lolita outfit is not simple; wearing a studded belt over your skirt doesn't make your outfit punk just as wearing a plaid fabric doesn't make your outfit punk.

The second form of Punk Lolita is an outfit that has a lighter feeling than a normal punk outfit and takes considerable inspiration from the Lolita style but doesn't quite conform to the general shape. It is a much girlier punk outfit with frills or bows. Though skirts may not be knee length and bell shaped shaped they are still not skin tight and crotch length.

Makeup of course can be a bit heavier for Punk style than with the Sweet or Classic styles.

~Casual Lolita
A more toned down version of the style, while still retaining the basic lolita elements. It is very hard to put together a nice casual lolita co-ordination unless you have years of experience or are a natural at it.

Most favoured in the Casual Lolita co-ordination is (in a way) simplicity, so a nice simple cut-sew perhaps with a motif of some sort paired with a lolita skirt and hair accessory/headdress. (However the hair accessories are usualy toned-down as well.)

Casual Lolita can best be described as what a Lolita would wear when not 'dressing up.' Still modest, and elegant but not as over the top as most other Lolita styles.

A great Casual Lolita can be compiled out of any colour, as long a you remember to match colours, prints, etc. etc. as you would with any other Lolita style. A simple caridgan over a jsk or skirt creates a nice casual look.

*Common Themes*
~Kuro/Shiro Lolita
Any type of lolita done completely in black or white, respectively.

~Hime Lolita
A very elegant style of lolita that often involves miniature crowns, tiaras, and extravagant or large hair, and dresses. Because Hime Lolita does reflect a sense of royalty, and class, it is hard to pull this style off unless you are very well preened, and have done your best to look 'Princess-like.'

There is a fine line between Hime Lolita and the other styles as it is almost only defined by how you style yourself and not on the clothing. It is most common to see Hime Lolitas wearing Sweet Lolita dresses that have a Rococo influence.

Any natural-looking make-up will look lovely with this style, just remember that the key is looking classy.
Pearls, roses and bows suit this style perfectly.

~Country Lolita
Derived from the Sweet Lolita style, and is often a little hard to distinguish due to the use of the same sweet patterns, and motifs that the Sweet Lolita style uses. However the Country Lolita style can be recognised by straw baskets, hats, fruit, and gingham patterns.

Most lolita outfits require a blouse under a jumper skirt to pull of the Lolita look, but because Country Lolita is associated with the out-doors one may be able to get away without a blouse.

Like Sweet Lolita, Country Lolita follows the same modest guidelines, as well as the full, bell-shaped skirt.

The make-up suited for this style would be very basic, and natural. If you're going outside try some sun-screen, some light lip-stick, and some blush.

~Sailor Lolita
A very nautical-themed style of Lolita that is very much inspired by Japanese Sailor-styled uniforms.

Sailor collars, dark blues, and whites are often key factors in recognising this style. Nautical motifs are often used in this style; symbols such as ship anchors and wheels make very cute additions to this style.

Like most Lolita styles the same bell-shaped skirt is expected, quite often this skirt may be pleated, and the outfit may often include a puffed-short-sleeved blouse with pockets.

Although striped socks may not work with a lot of Lolita styles, they often look nice when coordinated into a Sailor Lolita outfit.

Again minimal make-up with suit this style, including some lip-gloss to stop your lips from cracking if you'll be out near the sea!

~Wa-Lolita (from lolita-handbook.livejournal.co…)
Inspired by traditional Japanese clothing, including the kimono and less formal yukata. One option is a top or dress resembling a kimono in the sleeves ad wrapped bodice but with a lolita bell-shaped skirt. Often lace and an obi bow are added to make it more lolita. Asian or western prints are used for this style - this can be useful for balancing the eastern and western influence. Occasionally brands will put lolita yukatas with lolita-esque prints (such as a cakes/strawberries/etc.) and trims but lacking the traditional lolita bell-shape.

~Qi-Lolita (from lolita-handbook.livejournal.co…)
Inspired by traditional Chinese dresses from the Qing dynasty known as qipaos/cheongsams. High collars, brocade prints, and traditional frog closures usually identify these dresses. The most common qiloli design is a fairly traditional qipao with the base of the dress widened slightly to fit a petticoat (often seen peeking out the side slits). A lot of the time they are sleevless but sometimes puffy sleeves are added to make them more lolita. Again asian or western prints can be used.

~Guro Lolita
Exactly like the name sounds, gory. How gory is always up to you, and can range from anything to some bandages, a sling, or some blood splatters on your clothing. (Try not to over-do it though!) Guro Lolita is a style of Lolita that tries to portray a 'broken-dolly' sort of look, a gruesome yet innocent sub-set of Lolita.

A Guro Lolita outfit can really be pulled-off in any colour, but white really does look fantastic if you want to have some blood splatters! (If you're worried about getting blood splatters on your lovely dress, perhaps you could make yourself a small apron to splatter.)

Although Guro Lolita may sound costume-y, just like other Lolita styles it is a part of a fashion, and not a costume, and follows all of the guidelines that the other styles do.

This style really is not acceptable for a lot of group Lolita activities such as tea-parties, and special events.

Make-up for this style is really up to you, as long as you're still fairly modest the sky is the limit. Fake blood is a great item to have for this style, and can be purchased at most local party stores.

~Ero Lolita
This is a very confused, and often controversial style of Lolita due to the fact that a lot of people who are un-familiar with the style or Lolita fashion in general may get it wrong.

Although Lolita, or 'Erotic Lolita,' does sound that it may be a little less modest, and a little more tongue-in-cheek this style does not involve suddenly being naked, and wearing only an Alice-bow. This style contains more fetish elements such as leather, collars, and corsets that one may not be able to pull-off in any other Lolita style while still maintaining a fair amount of modesty. Skirts for this style may be a little shorter than usual, but nothing overly provocative.

Ero Lolita may be one of the only Lolita styles where you may be able to pull-off fish-net stockings if co-ordinated properly. This is one style of Lolita that should not really be attempted by a beginner.

Make-up for this style can be a little more mature, and a little less 'girly' than the other styles.

*NOT Lolita*
~Cosplay Lolita
Often looked-down upon because it's usually seen at Anime Conventions being worn by those who don't really understand Lolita fashion and are happy to throw-on a costume quality ebay dress for the weekend. A lot of the time Cosplay Lolitas believe that Lolita is a costume instead of a fashion movement.

Cosplay Lolita generally doesn't conform to the actual standards of lolita fashion and usually includes very low quality materials, such as thin cottons or shiny fabric, synthetic raschel lace, satin ribbon, square-dance petticoats, cat/costume-ish ears, and poorly done corset-style lacing, stompy goth boots, lace gloves, low-quality coloured wigs, leg warmers, stripper-esque high-heels, low-quality lace parasols, maid outfits, and short, un-modest skirts. Cosplay lolita takes the lovable elements of Lolita fashion such as bows, lace, frills, and pushes them to the extreme, usually covering a dress with too many of these things, and entirely removing the classy image that most Lolita fashion tries to convey.
Make-up for this style can be anything from Mana-esque white-face, heavy eye-liner, thick goth eye shadow and black lipstick.

*Other*
~Kodona
These styles is often called "boystyle" as it involves more masculine clothing. In Japan they usually use Ouji (meaning prince) and not Kodona, that is a western term.

This style can be either laid back or very extravagant. Usually the people in this style are actually women and not men, but either can dress it. The men sometimes refer to themselves in this style as 'Dandy'. Sometimes this style has feminine touches, such as more feminine shoes and accessories.

Very common are 'prince pants' which are short capri-style pants that cut off at the knee and usually have some details on them (such as lace-edged cuffs). Other common additions are suspenders, ties (regular ties and bowties), bowler caps and long socks (to cover the legs). Some of the more extravagant styles can include things like spats, canes, top hats, capes, etc. But they keep the boyish part in tact so that they are not mistaken for Aristocrat.

Hair is often in a boyish style, often shorter. Those with longer hair tend to put their hair in a less-girly way, such as hiding a bun under a cap.

Makeup is often kept to a minimum, but sometimes darker makeup is applied around the eyes.

~Aristocrat
This style is a lot more mature than lolita in general. It has a lot in common with the western 'Romantic Gothic'. In general, there are no cutesy motifs (prints, lace, over-abundance of frills, bows, etc). Skirts are often worn long, although sometimes they can be shorter, especially in the hotter months. High corseted waists on skirts is common, so are actual corsets (all types). Fitted jackets with tail coats are popular, so are frilly shirts (and cravats), top hats, veils, etc.

An Aristocrat's hair is usually done in a mature style. Buns and other lifted styles are common, however it is okay to wear your hair down, short and/or curly (try to avoid lolita-like barrel curls though). Extreme hairstyles are usually done in conjunction with extreme make-up, usually for things like fashion shows. Often times it's much too troublesome to go to such lengths for daily wear.

Make-up is also usually mature and sometimes on the darker side. Extreme makeup is usually not done (except for special circumstances such as fashion shows and club events). Somewhat darkened eyes and dark red lipstick is common. Lighter colors can be used, but generally only on the lips.

This style can be worn by men and women easily, often this is a very good style for men to take up if they want to dress up too.