A Beginner's Guide to Lolita Fashion: History, Styles, Coordinates

Introduction to Lolita Fashion

Lolita fashion is a Japanese street fashion centered around wearing doll-like clothing. The style originated in the 1970s but became popular in the 1990s and continues to have followers today. Lolita fashion combines influences from Victorian and Edwardian eras of clothing with motifs from the Rococo period. Garments are characterized by lace, frills, bows, and ruffles.

History of Lolita Fashion

The origin of lolita fashion can be traced back to the 1970s when Japanese street fashion started embracing cuter, child-like styles of clothing. Brands like Pink House and Milk were early pioneers of the aesthetic. However, lolita fashion as it is known today really started taking shape in the 1990s through famous Japanese fashion labels like Baby, The Stars Shine Bright and Angelic Pretty. Gothic & Lolita Bible, which launched in 2001, helped spread the fashion to a wider audience.

The term "lolita" itself draws inspiration from Vladimir Nabokov's 1955 novel of the same name. However, lolita fashion does not have any relationship to the sexualized undertones of the original story. Instead, it focuses purely on the youthful and feminine style elements from Victorian and Rococo periods.

Defining the Lolita Look

The lolita look is characterized by wearing doll-like, princess style clothing. Dresses and skirts are full-volume, often featuring cupcake shapes or petticoats to create a very full, bouffant silhouette. Blouses typically have puff sleeves, ruffles and lace accents. Accessories like headdresses, bonnets and parasols add to the old-fashioned doll aesthetic.

There are several main lolita fashion styles that have emerged over time:

• Gothic Lolita - Combines influences from gothic and Victorian fashion with darker color schemes and accessories.
• Sweet Lolita - Focuses on pastels, flower and candy themes with more feminine and innocent accents.
• Classic Lolita - Timelesslolita look with solid colors, elegance and modesty.
• Punk Lolita - Mixes punk rock elements like tartans, chains and safety pins with lolita fashion.
• Country Lolita - Inspired by rustic themes like cowgirls and country living with calico prints.
• Hime Lolita - Centered around princess-style designs often featuring luxurious fabrics and regal accessories.

While specific styles have emerged, the common thread is always a focus on modest, doll-like clothing with influences from historical Victorian and Rococo fashion.

Getting Started with Lolita Fashion

For beginners looking to dip their toes into lolita fashion, here are some tips to get started:

Find Your Style

With the many lolita styles available, first decide what aesthetic speaks to you. Are you drawn to the darker gothic lolita, the ultra-feminine sweet lolita or the punk-infused punk lolita? Consider your style preferences and personality to choose a style you'll feel comfortable and confident wearing.

Invest in Key Pieces

You don't need to overhaul your entire wardrobe to try lolita fashion. Start by investing in a few key pieces that align with the style you're interested in. A lolita-style blouse, JSK (jumper skirt dress), bloomers, petticoat and headpiece can help you recreate iconic lolita silhouettes without breaking the bank.

Learn About Coordinates

In lolita fashion, outfits are called "coordinates" and are carefully crafted from head to toe. Become familiar with how to coordinate blouses, dresses, socks, shoes and accessories to achieve a balanced lolita look. Pay attention to color, textures and styling elements.

Accessorize

Accessories are a vital part of any lolita coordinate. Look for pieces like bonnets, ribbons, bows, parasols and bags in colors and styles that complement your main dress. Don't be afraid to really pile on the accessories for a bold lolita style.

Care for Your Clothes

Many lolita pieces require special care like hand-washing and air drying to preserve delicate materials like lace. Read clothing labels closely and invest time into properly caring for your clothes to extend their lifespan.

Where to Buy Lolita Fashion

From boutiques to Etsy crafters, here are some places to buy lolita fashion pieces:

Lolita Fashion Brands

Many Japanese lolita brands like Angelic Pretty, Baby the Stars Shine Bright and Metamorphose temps de fille have online stores where you can buy directly from the source. Quality and authenticity can be assured when buying straight from established lolita designers.

Resellers

Sites like Lace Market and Closet Child connect you with lolita resellers who are selling secondhand pieces. This can be a more budget-friendly way to buy, especially for expensive brand pieces.

Etsy

For handmade and custom lolita pieces, Etsy sellers offer lots of options. Many sellers offer items like blouses, headdresses and bonnets to help complete your coordinate.

Japanese Auctions

Sites like Buyee allow you to bid on Japanese yahoo auctions to snag lolita pieces. This route takes more effort but can unlock rare and unique finds.

Local Communities

Get connected with lolita groups in your local area. Many hold swap meets and sales for members where you can score deals on hand-me-downs.

Lolita Fashion Community

The lolita fashion community offers connection, resources and inspiration. Here's how to get involved:

Follow Hashtags

Track hashtags like #lolitafashion on Instagram and Twitter to see how others style and coordinate their lolita outfits. This provides endless outfit inspiration and ideas.

Join Forums

Forums like the Lolita and Victorian Gothic Lolita Talk on LiveJournal are places to get feedback on coordinates, ask questions and participate in discussions about the fashion.

Attend Meetups

Look for local lolita meetups in your area or attend lolita events like tea parties to connect with others who share your passion for the fashion.

Follow Fashion Leaders

Follow prominent lolita bloggers, Youtubers, Instagrammers and community leaders to stay on top of the latest trends and releases.

Engage Online

Follow lolita hashtags and leave positive comments on fellow lolitas' photos to become part of the supportive online community.

Tips for Wearing Lolita Fashion

Here are some top tips for sporting lolita fashion Successfully:

• Coordination is key - be mindful of colors, patterns and accessories and how they work together for a cohesive look.
• Curate coordinates carefully - plan ahead to intentionally create lolita outfits rather than just throwing pieces together.
• Iron and care for your garments - wrinkled and ill-fitting clothes detract from the put together lolita aesthetic.
• Wear proper undergarments - invest in pieces like petticoats, bloomers and blouse cuffs to achieve the perfect silhouettes.
• Mind your manners - lolita fashion has an emphasis on elegance, modesty and ladylike manners.
• Wear makeup and do your hair - polish off your look with makeup, wigs, false eyelashes or elaborate hairstyles.
• Pose appropriately - pose gracefully with good posture rather than just taking quick selfies.
• Go at your own pace - start slow rather than diving headfirst so you can learn what works for your style and comfort.

Conclusion

Lolita fashion offers an opportunity to embrace your inner child and dress like a modern day princess. From sweet to gothic styles, there are so many ways to have fun withlolita fashion. Start slowly by investing in bold prints, whimsical accessories and cute pieces that allow you to explore this creative style on your own terms.

FAQs

What is lolita fashion?

Lolita fashion is a Japanese street fashion centered around wearing doll-like, modest and elegant clothing. It combines influences from Victorian, Edwardian and Rococo styles and often features elements like lace, corsets, petticoats, bows and bonnets.

Where did lolita fashion originate?

The earliest origins of lolita began in the 1970s but it rose to prominence as a popular Japanese street fashion in the 1990s. Brands like Angelic Pretty, Baby the Stars Shine Bright and Metamorphose helped shape and spread the fashion trend.

What are the different types of lolita styles?

Popular lolita styles include Sweet Lolita, Classic Lolita, Gothic Lolita, Punk Lolita, Country Lolita and Hime Lolita. Each focuses on different themes and aesthetics but they all center around doll-like modesty.

Where can I buy lolita fashion pieces?

You can buy from official lolita brands, resellers, Etsy creators, secondhand sites like Lace Market, Japanese auctions, and local lolita communities.

What makeup and hairstyles go well with lolita?

Elaborate curled hairstyles, wigs, false eyelashes, light blush and natural lip colors help complement lolita fashion. Aim for a doll-like, princess aesthetic with your beauty look.