What is Lolita?

Volume 1: The Basics

As a newcomer to Lolita fashion, it can be hard to know where to start, and what to look for.

But what is, exactly, Lolita fashion?

Lolita (ロリータ) is a street fashion and subculture that originated in Japan in the 80s and 90s, known for it's intricate look inspired by Rococo and Victorian fashion garments.

The name ''Lolita'' has unknown origins and has nothing to do with Vladimir Nabokov's book.

The fashion covers a large variety of sub-styles and the look is usually distinguished by it's silhouette. 

The classic Lolita silhouette provides a knee-lenght skirt, A-Line and bell shaped skirts are most common and its given thanks to the help of a petticoat.

Garments are constructed with strict attention to detail and material quality. It’s common to see heirloom sewing techniques, elaborate textile prints, lace, ruffles and ribbons.

The fashion is highly modest with high necklines, blouses are worn under sleeveless dresses, and legs often being covered with tights or long socks. Puffy shorts called bloomers are worn under dresses and skirts for modesty. Blouses, cutsews, knee-lenght socks, thights and headwear are almost always part of a Lolita coordinate.

How to achieve the Lolita silhouette

There are many types of dresses and blouses in Lolita. Figuring out what kind of sub-style you're interested in is the first step to building your wardrobe.

 

The bell shaped skirt flares down from the waist and drapes down in a soft curve, it's usually gathered at the waist.

This style is common within Sweet Lolita and a rounder shape is preferred instead of the sharper A-line angles favored in Classic and Gothic, though this does not always hold true.

A-Line skirts (bottom right) do not immediately flare out from the waist like the bell shaped ones, but gradually flares out towards the hem creating a sharper shape. The skirt is not necessarily gathered into the waist.

It's common to see this kind of shape in Gothic, Classic and Old School styles. 

Some cuts of Lolita dresses can be worn without a petticoat.

Lolita sub-styles

There are three main styles of the Lolita look – Sweet lolita, Classic lolita and Gothic lolita. There are also many other sub-styles of Lolita fashion. Styles can be mixed or combined to create different and interesting outfits. When you are still new to lolita it’s advisable to stick to one of these three styles. More intricate sub-styles can be difficult to pull off without the experience to know what does and doesn’t work in the more common styles. It’s also easier to build up your wardrobe by sticking to well known themes.

Sweet Lolita

• Main features: youthful, princess-y, cute
• Common color palettes: pink, mint, sax, , white, lavender, yellow
• Motifs: fruit, candy, animals, toys, stars, sweets and flowers.
• Brands: Angelic Pretty (AP), Baby The Stars Shine Bright (BtSSB), Metamorphose temps de fille (Meta)

Classic Lolita

• Main features: classy, elegant, Victorian/Edwardian inspired
• Common color palettes: ivory, brown, bordeaux, beige, navy, jewel tones
• Motifs: mostly solid colors; prints may include flowers, paintings, books, clocks and crowns
• Brands: Innocent World (IW), Victorian Maiden (VM), Mary Magdalene (MM)

Gothic Lolita

• Main feautures: mysterious, dark, vampiric
• Common color palettes: black, white, red, navy, purple, silver, gold, royal blue
• Motifs: Religious imagery such as crosses, gothic architecture, roses, bats, witches, spiders, cobwebs
• Brands: Moi-Même-Moitié, Alice and the Pirates (AatP), Atelier Pierrot 

I will make a more in-depth guide on the sub-styles in my next post.That's the most basic information you need to know when it comes to Lolita. If you're interested in learning more, I suggest you keep following my blog. If you have any questions I have not covered or a topic you would like to see in future guides let me know in the comments or on my other socials