Lolita Look
Lolita fashion is a style of dress orginated in Japan. Although "Lolita" is a reference to Vladimir Nabokov's famous novel, and Lolita is often worn by teens, most adherents present themselves as Victorian children or baby dolls and prefer to look "cute" rather than "sexy".
Japanese culture places a higher value upon extremely youthful appearance and behaviour than Western, and some adult women buy large amounts of products, such as Hello Kitty goods, that are typically marketed only to children in the West. Lolita fashion is perhaps a more visible extension of this phenomenon.
In general, Lolita fashion tends to imitate Victorian-style girl's clothing and often aims to imitate the look of Victorian porcelain dolls. Skirts are knee length and may have a crinoline or petticoat to add volume. As in mainstream Japanese fashion, over-knee socks or stockings are extremely popular. Black fishnet stockings and white or black tights are also common. Shoes or boots with high heels - though not usually stiletto heels - such as Mary Janes, complete the look. Frilly, ruffled or lace-trimmed Victorian blouses are also popular especially with "Gothic Lolita" types, who may also favour long skirts and jackets rather than overtly "childish" designs. Apart from the occasional shortness of skirts, designs are usually modest, sometimes with long lace-capped sleeves. Lace headdress and bracelets are usually worn.
Lolita Styles
The Lolita look can be classified into "Sweet Lolita", "Classical Lolita", "Gothic Lolita" and "Kimono Lolita".
Kimono Lolita
As the name suggest, they are crossover of Kimono and lace-featured skirt.
Classic Lolita
They are more traditional, look more like the Victorian fashion, light-coloured, also more mature-looking. Traditional Maid-style clothing and Alice in Wonderland-style apron may be classfied into this genre.
Sweet Lolita
Gothic Lolita
Gothic Lolita or "GothLoli" (ゴスロリ, gosurori; sometimes alternatively "Loli-Goth") is a youth fashion among Japanese teenagers and young women. It emphasizes Victorian-style girl's clothing and often aims to imitate the look of Victorian porcelain dolls. Gothloli's name and origin is a combination of lolita fashion—appearing deliberately cute to the point of looking childish—and certain styles found within gothic fashion. The style started as a youth subculture sometime around 1997-98 and became a well-established genre available in various boutiques and some major department stores by around 2001. Some observers consider it a reaction to the "Kogal" aesthetic.
Shiro/Kuro Lolita
Shiro ("white") Loli are lolita who wear all white, while Kuro ("black") Loli are lolita who wear all black. Almost all brands carry items in this style. There are also lolita who wear only blue, pink, red, and so on. Each of these lolita is named after the color they chose.
Country Lolita
A style of Lolita with a Country touch. Fabrics are usually gingham or soft floral prints. Aprons are common, as well as small straw hats and other "country" accessories. This style has a "Gone with the Wind" inspiration. Baby, The Stars Shine Bright, MAM, and Angelic Pretty usually carry it.
Gothic Aristocrat
This style is closer to it's Victorian-era inspirations. Usually all black, this style feature long dresses with high-necklines, corsets, long sleeves, gloves, and appears much more mature. Moi Meme Moitie, Black Peace Now, and Arachnophobia are popular brands.
Note: Usually just called "Aristocrat" - it doesn't have to be called gothic.
Madam
Madam is a Japanese fashion which is the feminine version of Aristocrat, which is inspired by what is thought to be worn by European Middle Class and above status persons in the Middle Ages and by fashion worn by the upper class in the 19th Century, though Madam gets more of its influences from 19th Century fashion. The fashion includes long sleeve blouses and shirts, long skirts, corsetry and dresses with feminine, but not usually frilly styling that can come in a variety of colors. Make-up, when worn, is usually mature and on the slightly heavier side, though not excessive.
Neo Gothic
Contains elements of Elegant Aristocrat, except with a modern, high-fashion twist. Assymetrical hems, a ripped or worn look, and decorative hardware suck as snaps, straps, or extra layers of fabric are common. Alice Auaa and Na+H are popular brands.
Dandy
Men's Gothic style. Featuring elements from it's Victorian-era inpiration, such as bowler hats, canes, frock coats and cravats.
Punk Lolita
Gothic Punk has a rock-inspired look. It usually features tartans, stripes, chains, piercings, and an overall more industrial look. Lolita punk is similar, but with a lolita twist. Lolita punk keeps the lolita bell skirt, but is less feminine and keep the elements of punk. an-ten-na and Choccochip Cookie are popular brands. Ero-Lolita - Short for "Erotic Lolita", Ero-Loli uses vinyl, fishnet, and leather. The dresses has super-short skirts, and feature corsets or bustier tops. Accessories include spiked heels, long gloves, and other "erotic" items.
These lolita get their inspiration from Qi-Pao chinese dresses with Mandarin collars (Qi Loli), and traditional Japanese Kimono (Wa-Loli). Often the top portion of the outfit will retain elements of the "original" costume,but the rest is entirely loli with lots of lace, fluffy skirts, and aprons.
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