Classy Couture: The Basics of Classic Lolita

Classic Lolita is a very basic form of Lolita, including dresses and outfits that are much less extravagant than those of the other Lolita styles. The Classic Lolita style gets most of its influence from the clothing of the Victorian era, and usually looks more elegant and less childish than any of the other Lolita styles. In fact, Classic Lolita is one of the only styles of Lolita that does not strive to attain the childish, "porcelain doll" look, and many Classic Lolita dresses may even appear old-fashioned. It remains an elegant, graceful style that holds true to its Victorian roots.

What is Classic Lolita?

Classic Lolita outfits are usually made up of tame, muted colors and floral patterns. Light pink, white, black, and cream are all common colors for Classic Lolita dresses. Although it is the staple of Lolita fashion, Classic Lolita does not have all of the same common elements that other styles of Lolita do. While frilly blouses, knee-high socks, and Mary-Janes are still the norm, most Classic Lolita dresses and skirts have an A-line shape rather than a bell shape. This makes Classic Lolita outfits look very different from other Lolita outfits, and some Classic Lolita dresses may even appear not to be Lolita at all.

Classic Lolitas also differ from other Lolitas with their heavy influence from the Victorian era. Floral patterns are almost always present in Classic Lolita dresses, and many Classic Lolitas choose to wear stockings rather than socks, and replace the typical miniature top hat or headdress with a full-sized hat similar to those of the Victorian era. Another difference is that Classic Lolita outfits often do not include a blouse underneath the dress, while wearing a blouse under a jumperskirt or dress is a common practice for most other styles of Lolita. Being a rather casual style of Lolita, Classic Lolita stands apart from the other styles and has its own set of rules and regulations.

How do you wear Classic Lolita?

Everybody has their own unique style, and while all Classic Lolitas generally conform to the same guidelines, they all add their own unique flair to their outfits. How do you flaunt your Classic Lolita style? Let us know what makes you different from other Classic Lolitas!

If you would like to have your unique Classic Lolita style featured in this blog, send your photos to abbeyrivers@livinglolita.com.

The World in Black and White: Gothic Lolita Style

One of the most commonly recognized styles of Lolita is Gothic Lolita. However, this style is often misinterpreted by the Western view of "Goth," and can be confused with less modest styles, such as Punk Lolita and J-Punk. The style of Gothic Lolita has the same (if not more) modesty and elegance of the other prominent Lolita styles, and is heavily influenced by the clothing of the Victorian and Rococo eras. While many of its aspects coincide with those of the other Lolita styles, one thing sets Gothic Lolita apart from the others: the elegant contrast of black and white.

What is Gothic Lolita?

Gothic Lolita outfits typically involve black elements with white lace and accents. Other dark colors with contrasting lace and bows are also seen in Gothic Lolita dresses. As is the norm for any Lolita style, blouses, knee-high socks, Mary-Janes or platform boots, and bell-shaped skirts and jumperskirts are typically found in a Gothic Lolita outfit.

Gothic Lolita makeup usually includes red lipstick, blush, and smokey (but not too dramatic) eye shadow and liner. Accessories can range from parasols to dolls and stuffed animals. While Gothic Lolita is darker than most other styles of Lolita and can have some Western Goth themes, such as coffins and bats, it is often severely misrepresented.

Some things to avoid when constructing a Gothic Lolita outfit are skirts that end above the knee, low-cut dresses and blouses, excessive fishnets and other "Goth" or "Punk" accessories, black lipstick, whiteface, fingerless gloves and armwarmers, Converse or other flat-bottomed shoes, and "Cyber" or "Rave" wear.

How do you wear Gothic Lolita?

Everybody has their own unique style, and while all Gothic Lolitas generally conform to the same guidelines, they all add their own unique flair to their outfits. How do you flaunt your Gothic Lolita style? Let us know what makes you different from other Gothic Lolitas!

If you would like to have your unique Gothic Lolita style featured in this blog, send your photos to abbeyrivers@livinglolita.com.

Cupcakes and Candy: The Essence of Sweet Lolita

When people hear the word "Lolita," what comes to mind is usually a plethora of bows, lace, and everything cute. But not all Lolitas are interested in cute. However, there is one style of Lolita that has enough cute for everyone, and has many aspects that have become trademarks of the Lolita style. The super-adorable style of Sweet Lolita encompasses all things girly and sweet. It's time that this super-cute, super-fun style gets some extra attention.



What is Sweet Lolita?

Sweet Lolita follows all the classic guidelines of the Lolita style, such as frilly blouses, knee-high socks, and large, bell-shaped jumper skirts with petticoats underneath. However, Sweet Lolita differs from the other variations of Lolita in its extravagance and childishness. While most Lolitas strive to be girly and portray a sense of childish innocence, the Sweet Lolita style magnifies these traits, creating its cute appeal.

Some common themes of Sweet Lolita include candy, cupcakes, strawberries, teddy bears, cakes, hearts, polka dots, carousels, and fairy tales. Most Sweet Lolita outfits are made up of light, pastel colors, such as baby blue and light pink, and incorporate lace, bows, and other cute frills. Sweet Lolitas are often adorned with cute jewelry, dolls, and hair clips, and they wear their hair in large pigtails or curls.



How do you wear Sweet Lolita?

Everybody has their own unique style, and while all Sweet Lolitas generally conform to the same guidelines, they all add their own unique flair to their outfits. How do you flaunt your Sweet Lolita style? Let us know what makes you different from other Sweet Lolitas!

If you would like to have your unique Sweet Lolita style featured in this blog, send your photos to abbeyrivers@livinglolita.com.