Introduction
So what is Lolita?
Lolita is from the Spanish 'Lola' which is just a name for a girl. It got a bad reputation in 1955 when a gentleman wrote an erotic-eque novel about a girl named Lola, coining the term Lolita. Read the wiki and such about the book here. This book is just as drama filled as it was back then, but that is not the type of Lolita we are interested in!
So the through the origins, I am not quite sure how it started to stand for a type of fashion or lifestyle. If you know feel free to correct me so I can update it!
Styles
Either way, it has developed as a fashion subculture in, where else, Japan. Depending on the clothing you decide to wear, or create, you Lolita fashion falls into a general category/style. It seems that a typical outfit includes: Dress, stockings, nice shoes and usually accessories match the theme. I have not seen any Lolita style with pants.
I have seen many styles represented, you can really create your own in this type of genre, here are some samples of styles I have seen/found:
Classic - Victorian style, not loud colors
Sweet - aka Deco - bright colors, sweet items (like snacks), lots of items
Faerie Kei - bright colors, can wear cute shorts (like bunny tail), lots of items, many RETRO(80s) items
Gothic - darker colors, cute but dark items (like bats or bones)
Princess or Hime - Tiara inspired
Wa or Japanese kimono - using a short version of the traditional garb
Steampunk/Military - using military, steampunk or sailor theme as whole design
Other types I heard read of
Country, I am told very similar to classic, but with hats (lol) and added simple styles. Punk, seems to have more colors than gothic but similar style. Qa the Chinese dress version of the Kimono. Kuro or all black. Shiro, or all white. Pinku, all pink. Mizuiro, all blue <- all of these are basically classic Lolita with a color theme. Casual, very simple style. Guro, or grotesque type styles. Pirate, would go with steampunk or similar. Cosplay, I would just call this custom outfits, Military, I can see this becoming more popular - like steampunk. Sailor, similar to pirate, I would do like the outfits, but not really a style itself, more of a particular outfit. I personally LOVE sailor collars on anything at all.
I am sure there more styls that can be expessed, you can create your own style too!
click to see some examples on a great artist's tumblr
There is debate to the skirt length, but in general you see knee length skirts. I have seen the Kimono style dresses look shorter, but I have read mostly the knee length thing. Shoes are typically dress shoes, not always pumps or heels. There are some cute styles out there, just Google Lolita Styles, you will see a ton
Terminology
I have noticed a few terms you will see when you browse around, looking for ideas and styles. There is a good glossary out there you can visit, click here to see ALL terms on another Lolita Site. If you are just getting started, these are some BASIC terms you will see on blogs and such:
JSK - abbreviation for jumper skirt. ( a type dress that can be worn with a blouse, has no sleeves and is popular for Lolita )
Circle lens - a specific type of lens for your eyes that make them appear larger and doll like. Popular across Europe and Asia.
Head bow - or Alice bow - a large bow, usually on a band or headband, that helps hold the hair around the face. Typically a large bow on top to complete most outfits.
Loli - abbreviation for Lolita.
Petticoat - or Pannier - underskirt that is worn under Lolita skirts to create the poofy bottom illusion.
Lucky Pack - a type of pack that contains various Lolita themed items at random. Great buys.
OP - One piece - a dress, specifically with sleeves.
Split Wig - A type of wig with 2 colors.
The most important thing, as with any hobby, is to enjoy yourself, be yourself and have fun with your hobby.
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