The global fashion industry is a buzz of activities, with no signs of slowing down. Designers are burning the midnight oil to develop new trends and styles worldwide, which has brought about a wide variety of fashion choices.
Clothing is a statement that expresses people showing your personality; hence it is crucial to choose your fashion statement wisely. With several clothing choices and styles in the market, one of the most interesting ones is Lolita fashion from Japan. Its popularity has seen interesting developments like substyles like maid Lolita dress, Wa lolita, Gothic Lolita, and Sweet Lolita, among others.
What is Lolita Fashion
Lolita fashion is a style with its roots in Japan but is influenced by Victorian-era fashion clothing and choices. This subculture began in the 1970s and featured aesthetic cuteness emphasizing girly details like bows, frills and ribbons.
Today, the fashion trend has spread globally and is embraced by people of different ages, nationalities and preferences, thanks to its many subcultures. Also, the recent trends emphasize a more natural look and reduced doll-like details.
What Constitutes Lolita Outfit
Typically, a Lolita outfit comprises headwear, skirt and blouse. The headwear is integral to the lolita look and includes bonnets, hairpieces and bows. A knee-length skirt with a flattering silhouette worn with a blouse with a high neckline and billowing sleeves mostly makes up the Lolita look.
Other popular accessories like parasols, jewelry, and gloves complement the Lolita outfit, depending on the sub-style. However, overdoing the accessories may make you look cluttered so keep it simple. The end goal is to look elegant!
Your choice of materials is crucial. Go for well-made items with good quality materials and achieve a polished look.
Find Inspiration for Your Lolita Look
Every woman loves to keep up with the trends, and if you are new to this style, you may find it overwhelming. Lolita fashion is extremely accommodating, and regardless of your taste and age, you will find something to suit your style – thanks to the many subcultures.
How others dress in Lolita will help you decide on how many pieces you can add to your wardrobe. Do the options fit your everyday wear or some statement pieces for special occasions?
The Internet offers a world of possibilities, including influencing the fashion world. You will find endless Lolita styles and designs on social media pages. Also, check out videos and online stores to better understand what is out there. Fashion magazines feature trends and styles; hence you can draw inspiration from how others wear them.
In case you get a chance to visit Japan, visit the storefronts that sell Lolita clothes. Walking down the streets of Japan, you will interact with different people wearing clothes.
If you are creative and daring, you may consider coming up with a unique Lolita-inspired sub-style. After all, the Lolita style is about freedom and women expressing themselves without fear. When it comes to Lolita fashion, there are no restrictions, regardless of your body type, age or height. Choose outfits that flatter your figure and experiment with different looks like any other style.
Classic Lolita styles are great to start with as a beginner as you get a feel for the fashion without going overboard, and they also appeal to the older generation. It also depends on how much attention you want. Gothic, Casual and Punk Lolita designs help you melt into the crowd, while Sweet and Wa Lorita styles will make you the center of attraction.
Lorita Guidelines
Some of the guidelines fashionistas follow when it comes to Lolita include:
- Skirts must be below-the-knee-length, leave enough room for a petticoat, and have a flattering silhouette.
- Kimono inspired silhouette is crucial
- Blouses do not have cleavage
- Avoid clashing colors
- Consider the seasons
A crucial Lolita rule is no compromise on the quality of the lace. A low-quality lace will contrast with the clothing color; it frays, shines and has a plastic look.
On the other hand, quality lace is appealing, thick, soft, and does not contrast with the clothing. Good quality cotton is made from Torchon, Venise, Raschel, Tulle lace, Eyelet or Cluny.
Makeup
Lolita fashion works well with a natural look. Ensure the foundation you chose matches your skin tone, and go for a blush that compliments the final look. A smoky or winged eyeliner look will work perfectly. Most of the time, red, nude, pink or purple lipstick color does magic, as long as it does not clash with your outfit or other accessories.
Conclusion
Lolita fashion can be as simple or complicated as you want it. The guidelines above will help you start your Lolita fashion look journey, and soon enough, you will figure out what works for you and what does not.