For those who had been updated with Japan’s latest and still popular craze, most of them have already heard about Lolita Culture. Lolita culture originated from the old Victorian doll style of clothing and accessorizing. In Japan, it is one of the most popular fashion style until now. One of the reason why Lolita culture “clicked” on the Japan’s youth is its notion of breaking boundaries with respect to normal Japanese norm—a rejection of their patriarchic beauty standards (which is also the reason why fashion styles such as Ganguro and Gyaru is widely known). Surprisingly, some claimed that the Japanese Lolita Style was popularized by man.
Now, for those who had been searching about this culture for a while now and has been wondering and asking themselves why they find those frills and bows adorable. Or maybe for those who have already tried to wear one during cosplays and events and was actually trying their old costumes out at night when no one is looking deciding whether they really want to take a dive into something different may be a little bit hard. So, for those who are still not sure what to do about their Lolita curiosity (or growing addiction), here’s a brief guide for you:

Kinds of Lolitas
From Sweet to gothic to borderline scary, Lolita style has different kinds.( Now, you might have seen some related post of these somewhere in the forum, but now, I intend to dig a little deeply on their kinds and other stuff.) Here are some of the most popularized ones:

Classic Lolita



Classic Lolita can also be assumed the most true to its origin since it usually sticks to Victorian era’s mature style. It usually boasts intricate design and patterns in muted tones that are not as color concentrated as either gothic or sweet Lolitas. They are sophisticated and most of the time accurate. One of the growing trend on it is the use of printed patterns together with laces and functional accessories.

Sweet Lolita (ama-loli)



Sweet Lolita focuses more on the fantasy or fairytale-like approach of style using light color tones in their clothing and child-like appearances matched with a heavy influenced Edwardian/Victorian aesthetic. Bows, ribbons, frills in pastel colors are the usual set used for this kind of Lolita and it was often shot around widely lit spaces like green houses or gardens in photoshoots.


Gothic Lolitas (Gosu-loli)



In contrast to Sweet Lolita, gothic Lolita’s approach is more mysterious than whimsical. It uses dark and mature color tones in both clothing and makes up. Most of the time, black is its most abundant color. It also dominantly uses crosses or keys as an accessories and more of a corset type of clothing rather than frills.


Country Lolita



Almost comparable to Sweet Lolita, Country Lolita only differs with its usual printed patterns and use of other accessories. Most uses hats, baskets, satchel and aprons as an accessory and they can also have checkered pattern accents or earth tones colors in their clothing.

Wa-Loli



Nothing says Japanese Lolita than Wa-loli, which uses a modernized style of kimono as a clothing. Its style design contains sleeves (open/ bell liked shaped ), obi, corsets and shortened skirt with frilly laces and petticoat.

Guro Lolita




Guro or Gore Lolita is a style that depicts blood and scars. They usually portray a nurse in a mixed Lolita/nurse form (preferably white) holding a knife or any sharp object with blood splatted on their dresses. Some of these lolitas goes to a point of making fake scars for the part.


So here you go! I’m wishing for an enlightenment for those who are confused out there (if they want to try Lolita or not). I may not have helped you decide, but at least you’re a little bit informed now if you decided to try.

See you again next time!

Mashiiro xoxo