Lolita sub styles: part 2
In my last post I talked about the four most common sub styles. They were Old school/ Traditional, Sweet lolita, Classic lolita and Gothic lolita. This week, I'm going to expand on this and tell you about other substyles available. As you become more confident with lolita, you can start to experiment and take it further by adding as some would call a "theme", to your coord. Adding a theme is an outlet for more creativity, and you can also add handmade pieces to it as well. There is no "written rule" saying you have to stick to bought pieces. After all, fashion is a form of expression. So, enough of me rambling on................let's take a look at what you could do to make your coord more exciting!!
Aristocratic Lolita
This style is more considered a sister style to our friend " gothic lolita". Characteristics of Aristocratic style are dark colours such as black, deep navy blue, and also scarlet reds. The outfit can also have black or white lace accents as well. It can also be worn with a one piece dress OR a skirt and blouse combination, with sometimes a corset over the top. The skirt is filled out with a long A- line petticoat, and some times a hoop skirt as well. Headwear can be anything from big hats adorned with feathers and roses and/ or other flowers, top hats, mini hats decorated with other accessories that work with your outfit. However, one could argue and could make this style more "Classic", by using lighter colours, wearing fabrics with prints and etc.
Casual Lolita
Casual lolita........the style you want to wear and feel comfortable wearing without the constant worry of adjusting your outfit all day, and worrying about spilling things on that BRAND!!!
Lolitas tend to choode to wear a cutsew over a blouse, a dress or skirt with a petti coat without less poof or no petti at all. Minimal accessories are used and styling are also used. You can also get away with using T- shirts with cute lolita appropriate prints on them for a more casual tonned down look. Casual lolita can also overlap with Otome style which is also a style suitable for everyday wear.
Country Lolita
Country lolita can easy be mistaken for classic lolita style, as the two are smilar as each other, in terms of colours and acessories. However, there are some subtle difference that make this style more country. For example, but not limited to; straw hats, and what about a straw purse or bag to match!! Wear pale yellow, floral designes, fruit printss and also some gingham to give it a country feel. You can braide your hair into pig tails, wrap and pin them to your head and BAM, you have a country milk maid hairstyle!! Wear some croachet gloves to make your outfit more cute and add a lady like element. Wear boots ( or cowboy boots) to give that true country feel!! Lastly, carry a parasole for those long strolls by the river or through the country side!! Wear natural make up to keep in touch with the nature around you. But remember, there is no need to make it complicated. Keep is simple and you will look gorgeous!!
Hime Lolita
Hime means "princess" in Japanese. But this style is often refered to as Hime style. This is a very rich and elaborate style that is meant to look like a princess. Hime style dresses consist of lots of layers of fabric, consisting of chiffon and other precious fabrics and detailing finished off with lace. Colours can be seen in lighter colours, such as dusty pinks, creams and blues. With this style, you can also use darker colours to pull off a gothic kind of look. Acessories are often tiaras, vales, lots of pearls and elaborate hair styles. As for make up, some people wear contact lenses, or know how some cleaver make up tricks to make their eyes bigger. I don't recommend the newbie lolitas attempt this style to begin with as it is tricky to pull off. However, with experience in years to come, you can have a go and see what you come up with.
Punk Lolita
Punk lolita is a style that adopted its name from the influence of western fashion in Japan. A Punk Lolita coordinate is considered a more casual lolita style. As shown in the picture below, the skirts tend to be a little shorter and sit just above the knee. That being said, a lolita skirt should never be short enough to be considered a mini-skirt and should always be safe to bend over in. Charateristics of Punk lolita are tartan, stripes, and checkerboard patterns as well as pleated skirts, distressed fabric, ties, and many layers.I don't recommended this style for very new lolitas as it can be a difficult style to pull off without having a lot of experience.
Pirate Lolita
Pirate Lolita is a very specific theme that is often saved for themed events such as beach related meetups, Halloween meet ups and\ or photoshoots. The style often includes things like asymmetrical cuts, corsets, bustles, pirate hats, eyepatches, and pirate themed prints.
Sailor Lolita
As with Pirate lolita, this style is often kept for special occassions such a trip to the beach, a summer meet up, Halloween and photoshoots It is modeled after Sailor uniforms (not school girl uniforms) and often includes sailor collars, stripes, sailor hats, and nautical motifs such as anchors and boats.
Here I have just scrated the surface in regards to lolita substyles available out there.........However, I heed a word of caution with these substyles I have discussed. There is the tendency to make it more like a costume or cosplay. Please keep in mind when putting your themed coord together to try to NOT make it look "costumey"; rather, keep it simple while still adhearing to the lolita aesthetic. Also, ask for help from your lolita community and facebook pages for help if you are still not sure if you are doing it right, or ask if you are heading in the right direction. I wish you good luck in your future lolita fashion adventures!!
I hope that you have a lovely lolita day!!
That's all for now rufflebutts!!
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