#sugoi threads

There are a lot of things to take into consideration if you want to make lolita more appropriate to wear in warm weather. The most obvious step to take is taking away some layers. You don’t have to wear a blouse and JSK, instead you can eliminate the extra fabric by wearing an OP or a blouse with a skirt so you don’t have the overlapping of materials over your torso. Alternatively, you may consider wearing a JSK without a blouse but this is a concept that is often debated among lolitas. Many say that it doesn’t look refined enough to be a suitable option for lolita, that it looks too plain and unfinished. These claims do have some truth to them. Most lolita brands will make JSKs specifically to be worn over a blouse to complete the look and therefore they may look odd worn on their own. However, some brands make JSKs that have a more finished look on their own that can be worn without a blouse. When looking for a JSK that will wear well without a blouse, pay attention to the neckline and the style of the straps. JSKs that have just a straight neckline and plain straps tend to look very plain and unfinished without a blouse. Instead, look for things with fancier necklines, maybe something with ruffles or lace on the straps that lays over the shoulders, a halter style, or even something more elaborate like a sailor style collar or a collar that extends toward the shoulders.

It is also important to keep fabric in mind. Many lolita brands use polyester to make their dresses which is not necessarily a bad thing as there are varying qualities of polyester and big brands tend to use higher quality materials in general, but it can cause problems when it comes to warm weather because polyester holds heat. Cotton tends to be a better alternative to polyester on those especially hot days, but even better than cotton is lightweight, flowing fabric such as chiffon and organza. Both are great options for dresses, skirts, and blouses but they are also common for petticoats as they hold their volume and shape very well. Because chiffon and organza are such comfortable, breathable fabrics they also make for great petticoats because they allow for airflow so even with several layers in your petticoat you don’t feel overheated.

Since the lightweight fabric can allow for air flow, petticoats are not always as big a problem as one might think they are when wearing lolita in hot weather. However, if you do live in a particularly warm climate, some lolitas have taken to wearing short hoop skirts in lieu of a more traditional lolita petticoat in order to cut down on layers. When it comes to keeping cool in hot weather though, the real problem with undergarments comes with bloomers. You still want to wear them for the sake of modesty (especially when you take into consideration the blessing of a good summer breeze that can turn into a curse when big flowing skirts are involved) but they aren’t always the most breathable garment. For this reason, many lolitas will swab out their usual bloomers for regular shorts, especially activewear made for summer. These shorts will still give you the modesty that bloomers are meant for but with more comfort to combat the heat. Brands like Under Armour have become a secret savoir for lolitas because of their HeatGear fabric that wicks sweat away and helps keep the wearer comfortable and dry.

Accessories are also an important part of any lolita coordinate and can be essential to keeping yourself cute and comfortable in the summer. Many lolitas are fans of knee-high and over-the-knee socks as well as full tights, but these may not always be the best options for summertime. A popular option for summer legwear is short ankle or crew socks that keep the lolita aesthetic without having to cover the whole leg. This is also a time where thin, see-through materials are common, especially lace. Lace tights are also popular because they cover the whole leg while still being open to the air. As for headwear, some lolitas like to wear larger headwear such as bonnets, sunhats, and boater hats to help shield from the sun. Others choose more minimal headwear since hats can hold in heat. Many lolitas also forgo wigs in the summer and opt for hairstyles that keep their hair out of the way like braids and updos.

Extra accessories that are useful in the summer are parasols and hand fans. There are many styles of parasols and fans to choose from but some are better for lolita than others. Sometimes beginner lolitas will carry more traditional Asian inspired paper parasols and fans but this is often seen as taking the Japanese aspect of lolita too far and drifting away from the overall lolita aesthetic. More European styles of parasols and fans tend to be better suited for Lolita, such as the styles you might see in the Rococo or Victorian periods which the fashion draws so much inspiration from. Some lolitas like lace parasols but these are not always the best option, especially if you live somewhere with unpredictable weather, because they don’t hold up to rain. If you want to be prepared for any weather, look for parasols that are listed as waterproof. Many lolita brands carry parasols but there are also brands like Lumiebre that specialize in them. Elegant fans can be a bit more difficult to find. Some lolita brands make them but they are not common. Many lolitas get their fans from antique and vintage stores and companies that make historical reproduction accessories.

Wearing lolita in hot summer weather may seem like a daunting task but it is certainly not impossible. With a little creativity and the right accessories your summer coords can look beautiful and effortless while keeping you cool and comfortable.

The term “lifestyle lolita” describes someone who not only wears Lolita fashion, but also fills their life with elements of the fashion’s aesthetic. Often times the concept relates to ideals of Victorian, Rococo, and other historical periods which lolita draws inspiration from and can be associated with any and all aspects of the lolita’s life including home décor, preferred literature, self care regimens, etiquette, even the foods they eat. A lifestyle lolita loves the fashion so much that they want it to be a part of everything they do and strive to incorporate its beauty and elegance into every part of their lives.

One of the most common things that a lifestyle lolita might choose to do is to make over their living space, be it their bedroom or their entire home if they’re able to. This space will often become a reflection of the lolita’s favorite style or, for those of us who can’t choose just one, a mix of various styles. As mentioned before, many lifestyle lolitas draw inspiration from historical periods, much like the fashion itself, and therefore may choose to incorporate antiques and reproductions of historical furnishings into their space. Furniture styles and colors for walls are often chosen much like one would choose when putting together a coordinate and other décor is chosen like accessories. Someone who is most interested in classic lolita or more Victorian elements might choose muted colors, floral bedding, lace pillows, porcelain dolls, etc. A gothic lolita may choose to decorate with dark colors, rich fabrics, candles, and furniture reminiscent of Gothic architecture. A sweet lolita may choose to decorate in pastel colors with cute characters from Sanrio and princess-like furnishings.

Aside from the visual aspects of their lives, lifestyle lolitas might also take on hobbies and interests that relate to lolita aesthetics. It is no secret that tea parties are a common lolita pastime and lifestyle lolitas take them especially seriously. They may also take on hobbies such as reading classic literature, listening to classical music, attending ballets and operas, or even learning elegant sports like croquet. For those who are very serious about keeping with the lifestyle they may even choose to work this into their personalities. They may study Victorian etiquette, practice good posture and walking gracefully, and choose to present themselves in this elegant manner. In 2005, Live Journal user skyewishes posted to the EGL community a list of 101 Lolita Lifestyle Ideas which can give more insight into things a lifestyle lolita may be interested in. Many points about the lolita lifestyle were also discussed in the Lolita Handbook on Live Journal which was one of the most commonly used references for Western lolitas several years ago when Live Journal was the biggest gathering place for lolitas online.

Another element that is commonly associated with lifestyle lolitas is wearing lolita fashion every day, or, at the very least incorporating elements of it into one’s everyday wardrobe. Whether out on the town or lounging around the house on a lazy Saturday, a lifestyle lolita is likely sporting frills. For activities where lolita just isn’t appropriate, such as exercising or working a job or attending school where a uniform is required? They have found a way to incorporate elements of lolita into their mundane garb through colors, patterns, and whatever accessories they can. There has been some debate over what truly makes a lifestyle lolita, be it wearing the fashion every day or incorporating it into every other aspect of one’s life, but it is widely believed that the term is appropriate for both. In fact, it is often the case that the two go hand-in-hand.

The image of Momoko, the beloved character from Kamikaze Girls, may come to mind. Momoko is a lifestyle lolita in every sense. She wears the fashion daily, she listens to classical music, excels in the craft of embroidery, romanticizes the Rococo era, and even insists on eating only cute foods. Momoko is often seen as a lolita idol of sorts, and for many lolitas, her lifestyle seems ideal. Many new lolitas find themselves asking whether it is necessary for them to be interested in the lifestyle in order to be taken seriously as a lolita. This is just one of the many aspects of lolita that can make getting into the fashion seem like a daunting task. What if I don’t like tea? What if I can’t afford to wear lolita every day? What if classical music bores me to death and porcelain dolls creep me out?

There is an overwhelming amount of information about lolita available online, and to add the idea of having to be involved in a very specific lifestyle just to wear the fashion is absolutely intimidating. But the good news is, the lolita lifestyle is not, by any means, a necessity.  Lolitas are individuals like any others and while you may have the fashion in common that does not mean that all of your interests must be the same. Maybe you find that you want to incorporate the fashion into your life in small ways like hanging postcards of Lolita models and brand prints on your wall, but swapping your furniture out for antiques seems like a bit much. Maybe you want to start experimenting with drinking more tea, but the idea of indulging in afternoon tea everyday strikes you as excessive. Or maybe you don’t want to do any of these things! All of these are fine. There is no rule that dictates that the fashion must encompass your entire life and there is no rule that dictates that you must wear the fashion every day. You can wear lolita fashion and listen to whatever music you like, watch whatever movies you like, and read whatever books you like. If you would rather drink coffee than tea, that’s okay, you can still be a lolita. If you would rather watch a football game than a symphony, that’s okay, you can still be a lolita. If you want to wear sweet lolita one day and jeans and a t-shirt another day, that’s okay, you can still be a lolita. Whether or not you are a lolita is not dependant on your personality or your other interests, it is solely dependent on wearing and loving the fashion.

A big source of confusion when it comes to combining Lolita with fan fashion is knowing where the line between fan fashion and cosplay has to be drawn. As we all know, Lolita is not cosplay, and many Lolitas may actually become angry if you suggest that it is because we work so hard to make it known as a fashion and not a costume. Trying to find a good middle ground can become a source of frustration, especially when it comes to creating coordinates that are based on specific characters from a fandom. While the wearer may have gone into it saying that they were making a coordinate inspired by this character, to an outsider it may come off as a “Lolita cosplay” version of the character. Sometimes this can’t be helped because the people who usually say things like this are also people who don’t recognize that Lolita is a serious fashion and believe it to be a costume. However, even taking those people out of the equation it is important that the wearers themselves remember how difficult it can be to draw inspiration from a character and put it into a fashionable coord while still staying true to the charm and elegance of Lolita. Especially when it comes to characters from cartoons, anime, and comics who may wear bright, eccentric outfits, it can be difficult to translate that into Lolita without it coming off as a costume, but it can make for a fun challenge!

A popular form of fan fashion found online is the concept of Disney bounding, wearing fashionable outfits that are inspired by Disney characters. Looking at these outfits it is clear that they are not direct costumes of the characters but what is also clear is the inspiration behind them. Similar ideas can be used when creating Lolita coordinates based on specific characters. A good way to start is by drawing from the character’s color scheme for the main pieces of your coordinate. Let’s say you wanted to create a coordinate inspired by Captain America. The main color he wears is blue so perhaps you would want to start with a blue dress. His costume also includes red and white so you could bring those colors in through accents on the dress and through accessories. To really get a sense of the character you could also bring in accessories that are directly related to the character, perhaps Captain America’s shield. You could also consider looking at specific elements of the character’s outfit if they’re things that could easily work into Lolita. For example, Captain America wears red boots so you could wear red Lolita boots.

(Above: A non-Lolita outfit themed around Captain America aside a Lolita coordinate of the same theme)

For years Lolita brands have been collaborating with different companies to produce clothing relating to characters and various fandoms. Disney is a very popular company for brands to collaborate with because they produce cute characters who are easy to work into cute fashion and Disney is very popular in Japan. In 2016 Angelic Pretty collaborated with Disney Store Japan for a line based on Marie from The Aristocats called Kiss Me Cat. Other brand collaborations over the years have included Gloomy Bear, Kuroshitsuji, Rozen Maiden, Gosick, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and of course the ever popular Alice in Wonderland. Many indie brands have also taken to using fandoms as inspiration for designs, whether they’re directly in collaboration or not. In 2015 FanPlusFriend had a particularly popular Doctor Who inspired design which featured a TARDIS border print and in 2016, TaoBao brand Westeros Armoire released a dress with embroidery based on Supernatural.

Fashion is a form of self expression and a way to show the world who you are and what you’re passionate about. While Lolita is a particular form of fashion that has a set of guidelines that define what it is, it is no exception to the notion of being a means of expressing oneself. It is important to stay true to the Lolita aesthetic in order for your coordinate to be considered Lolita but, with a little creativity, the possibilities for fun and unique new coords are endless.

Lolitas may choose to incorporate off-brand pieces into their wardrobes for a variety of reasons. Some Lolitas do it because it is often more cost effective than buying from Lolita brands, others do it because they want to avoid shopping online, and some do it just because they happen to come across something cute and think it would work well for Lolita. No matter what your reason is, it’s important to know what makes something work for Lolita and what should be left out. A term often used for off-brand pieces that can be used for Lolita is “loliable” which is just short for “able to be Lolita.” But what exactly makes something loliable?

One of the biggest mistakes made by many beginner Lolitas is thinking that something having lace or frills automatically makes it loliable. In reality, there is much more to it than that. Lolita is about a certain aesthetic; a look that balances cute and refined, girlish and elegant. It’s not just about having lace and frills, but also about making sure those things are in the right places and achieving a cohesive overall look. The best way to learn about what kinds of things will work for Lolita is to really examine things that are made for Lolita and taking in all the things they have in common. For example, take a look at blouses made by Lolita brands. While there are often differences based on substyle, (Sweet Lolita may use a lot of extra frills, Classic Lolita may be more subdued, etc.) you will notice many similarities as well, such as similarly shaped collars and sleeves and of course an overall very feminine look.

Taking these observations into account you may find many off-brand blouses that will work very well for Lolita. Peter Pan collars which are very common in Lolita are also found on a lot of women’s blouses outside of Lolita. Department stores like Kohls as well as fast fashion stores like Forever 21 and H&M often carry popular styles like this. Things like high collars with frilled fronts are less popular but can often be seen on blouses found in thrift stores as they have been popular in the past.

(Above: Some blouse from Lolita brands alongside similar off-brand pieces.)

Loliable accessories are probably the easiest things to find from off-brand sources. Legwear like solid colored and lace tights can be found all over the place. Some less common pieces like good quality lace gloves can be found at vintage or antique stores as well as reproduction shops that you might find in historical areas. Jewelry is another big thing to find off-brand but where you find it can often depend on the substyle you’re looking for. Pay attention to common themes and motifs in the different substyles to get an idea of what kind of jewelry might work with it. Jewelry for Classic Lolita will have an elegant, often antique look and could potentially be found at antique stores or the reproduction shops mentioned before. Jewelry for Sweet Lolita is often very girlish and might be found at stores like Claire’s. Jewelry for Gothic Lolita will often be along the same lines as more elegant gothic looks and can sometimes be found in stores like Hot Topic, but this is a place to be especially careful. While Hot Topic may have some loliable pieces it is important to look at them with a critical eye as they are infamous for making things that they want to be Lolita but don’t meet the standards of the fashion. Because of this, most Lolitas prefer to avoid them for anything other than the occasional accessory for use in Lolita.

(Examples of loliable jewelry found from off-brand sources.)

When it comes to buying off-brand shoes to use in Lolita it is just as important to research what they should look like just as much as you would anything else. Mary Janes are very commonly associated with Lolita but that doesn’t mean every style of Mary Janes will work, you have to keep the Lolita aesthetic in mind. Lolita shoes can be flat, platforms, or have heels but when it comes to heels it is best to avoid them being excessively tall and thin which tends to have a more mature, often “sexy” look that takes away from the girlish nature of the fashion. Some substyles will open you up to using other styles of shoes, for example Oxford heels and T-strap shoes are popular in Classic Lolita. You can also alter shoes as you could with other things to make them fit Lolita. A lot of Lolita shoes include decorations like scalloped edges and bows but these things can be difficult to find on adult shoes outside of Lolita. Websites like etsy are good places to look for things like shoe clips that can be added to shoes to give them cute details like that.

(Above: Examples of a few kinds of shoes often seen in Lolita.)

The most difficult things to find off-brand are skirts and dresses that work for Lolita. One of the staple design features of Lolita is the full skirt which means there has to be a certain amount of gathered fabric at the waist so the skirt can hold a petticoat. This paired with the fact that that Lolita skirts should be around a certain length to retain the modesty factor can make it hard to find loliable skirts and dresses in regular stores. Places that specialize in retro styled clothing may have skirts that can work with the right petticoat but they can often be nearly as expensive as buying Lolita. Vintage and thrift stores can be good places to look for skirts, especially if you have some skill in sewing and can make alterations. Some Lolitas have found square dance skirts that have plenty of room for a petticoat but the shape tends to flare differently than Lolita skirts and sometimes they have questionable quality lace and other decoration but with a bit of alteration they can be made over into something great.

There are a lot of places to shop for loliable clothes and accessories. From thrift stores to shopping malls, you never know what great things you might find. As many great places as there are to find Lolita, there are plenty of not-so-great places too. As mentioned before, there are places where you may find things that the designer intended to look like Lolita but really aren’t. Hot Topic is one offender but costume shops are another. Every year around Halloween, costume brands will inevitably make some form of “Harajuku girl” or “Goth Alice” costume and accessories meant to look like Lolita but they just look like what they really are: cheap costumes. While you might sometimes find cute Gothic jewelry or petticoats (that usually aren’t great on their own but can be great for layering) at these stores but it’s best to avoid the full costumes, cheap wigs, and weirdly shaped mini top hats.

Lolita takes a lot of research in general and becomes more difficult when you start looking for loliable pieces off-brand. But whether you’re doing it to save money, avoid shopping online, or find a wider range of sizes, the extra work can definitely be worth it.

1. A good go-to petticoat

The signature fluffy skirt that’s associated with Lolita is dependent on a good petticoat and while some Lolitas will have several petticoats of different shapes, sizes, and colors, it’s a good idea to have one reliable petticoat that you can always count on. Most Lolitas will choose a bell-shaped petticoat for this because it is a more commonly seen shape than an A-line petticoat so it will usually get more use, but of course it is best to base this on how you intend to plan your wardrobe. If you specifically want to have a wide selection of A-line dresses, choose an A-line petticoat. The idea is that your go-to petti should be a neutral color that can be worn with most of your coords without standing out, it should be full enough to fill out your average dress or skirt, and it should be sturdy enough to use often.

2. A versatile blouse

A versatile blouse can mean different things to different Lolitas, mainly depending on what your favorite Lolita style is. Generally speaking a versatile blouse should have enough detail to make it pretty and fit your desired style, but should also be relatively simple as to be wearable with different looks. This blouse should be a neutral color like white, black, or ivory depending on what you foresee suiting your wardrobe the most (white is a great option if you switch styles a lot), and should have neutral details that can fit with any motif. Blouses with a Peter Pan style collar are popular in any style of Lolita and work with a lot of different JSK styles. If you find yourself falling in love with a skirt or JSK, having this blouse in your wardrobe will ensure that you can wear it right away without having to buy a new blouse.

3. An “easy” dress

This piece is for those days that you want to wear Lolita but either don’t have the time or don’t have the energy to go all out. The ideal dress for this is a simple, shirred OP that you can easily throw on over your head if you’re in a hurry and can wear for a super casual coord or dress up for more elaborate looks if you choose.

4. A basic purse

Bags that are shaped like rabbits and horses are a lot of fun but aren’t necessarily going to work for every coordinate. While purses aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, many Lolitas see them as a necessity as not all Lolita dresses and skirts will have pockets for essential items like cellphones and wallets. When it comes to choosing a basic purse there are a lot of styles to choose from, the biggest thing to keep in mind is to avoid very specific themes. Basic purse styles like a satchel or Boston bag are good choices or if you want something more fun you can go with a simple shape like a heart that can work with just about any Lolita look.

5. Versatile, comfortable shoes

The key here is comfort! If you’re putting together a coord for a particularly special occasion you might be okay with them being a bit uncomfortable if they have the perfect look, but for every day you’ll probably want something easier to wear. Simple shoes that are flat or have a very low heel are always a good idea to have in your wardrobe. Tea Party shoes are a popular choice because they’re cute yet simple enough to go with just about everything.

6. Basic sewing skills

While you may never choose to make an entire garment from scratch, it’s a good idea to master a few basic sewing skills to help you make the most of your wardrobe. If you know how to thread a needle, properly sew a button, and mend torn seams you can save yourself a lot of trouble and money and keep your clothes with you longer.

7. A go-to beauty routine

Experimenting with your makeup can be a lot of fun but you won’t always find yourself with enough time to try out a completely new look before heading out. Mastering a basic beauty routine will speed up your prep time whenever you wear Lolita. This should include a basic daily skincare routine to keep your skin clean and healthy as well as an easy everyday makeup look that can go with any coordinate.

8. A Polyvore account

Polyvore is quite popular with Lolitas and can be a great tool to help you with new coordinates. Polyvore allows you to import photos of clothes and accessories from different websites and assemble a collage. It’s a great way to get an idea of how your coord will come together and allows you to compare how different items will look with the coord.

9. A simple explanation of what Lolita is

Any Lolita who plans on wearing their frills in public should be prepared to answer questions about what they’re wearing. There are a lot of ways to answer these questions but the best are simple responses that satisfy the questioner without getting into too much detail. Saying the name “Lolita” often raises even more questions so it’s often recommended to leave it out of the explanation unless asked specifically what it’s called. Many Lolitas will say something to the effect of “It’s a style of street fashion from Japan.” Think about how you would like to answer this question so you can respond quickly when it arises.

10. A network of other Lolitas

Whether you’re part of your local community or only talk to other Lolitas online, it’s always good to have some sort of connection to other wearers of the fashion. If you don’t have a community in your area you can join Facebook groups such as Rufflechat and Lolita Updates or follow Lolitas social media such as Tumblr, Twitter, and Instagram. Not only does an online presence in the Lolita community help you keep up to date on new trends, events, and brand releases but it can be nice to have a community to reach out to if you need opinions or help with coordinates.