How To Dress Like A Gothic Lolita

Posted on August 3rd, 2009 by Elaine

(4 votes, average: 3.5 out of 5)

Loading ...

View 1 Comments Comment on this Article

Republish

If you go to Japan, you’ll see many young women wearing cute French maid-like outfits while loitering the streets. This famous fashion trend is known as the Gothic Lolita or “Gothloli”. Since it’s an adorable and unique style, you might want to try it out.

What You’ll Need:

Gothic lolita clothes
Shoes
Accessories
Makeup

Invest In A Few Outfits

The Gothic Lolita comes from several eras, such as Edwardian, Rococo and Victorian. The look is meant to be innocent and childlike, but seductive at the same time. The first step in getting this look, is purchasing the right clothes. Invest in black and white clothes, with a dash of red, pink and purple mixed in. Lolitas wear skirts and dresses all the time, so buy several dresses, full skirt and petticoats. The skirt should be exactly at the waist or a bit below it, and must be full length or slightly below or above it. You can also wear tights underneath, in black or white, but if you’re wearing socks, you can do without the tights.

As for the blouse, purchase various styles with high or peter pan collars. They should have a nice and tailored appearance, with cap or puffy sleeves. Those with a bib or a yoke is all right.

Once you have a variety of Lolita clothes, you can now mix and match them, to get different looks. Just keep experimenting and you’ll figure out which pieces look together best.

Lace And Trim Are Essential

Girlishness is an important trait of the Gothic Lolita look, so never forget to give your clothes a lacy look. Trim, ribbons, frills, big bows, and pintucking are always present in the outfit. If your clothes don’t have these, then purchase some lace and sew it on yourself.

Wear Lolita Shoes

A good pair or boots or shoes will complete this look. Get white or black Mary Janes, or any style that looks like it. Chunky heeled-shoes, espadrilles and platforms are also ideal, as long as they cover your whole foot. As much as possible, the heels should be as wide as the natural heel.

Pair your shoes with knee-high stockings or socks, in white or black. While this might look strange, it’s quite normal. Japanese girls are known to wear knee-high socks with their school uniform.

Accessorize

The Gothic Lolita look isn’t complete without accessories. Here are a few items to consider.

Headdresses and hats - Accessories on the head are very important, adding a touch of elegance and putting the outfit together. Headbands adorned with large bows, ribbons and laces are good examples. There are also small Lolita hats available, that are secured by tying a string under the neck. Make sure your headdress goes well with your outfit.
Hairstyle - Ringlets, bangs, pigtails and bangs are great, but if you want, just let your long hair loose behind you.
Purses - Any small white or black purse will suffice, as long as it matches the get up. Find one with a lacy or frilly look to it. A parasol is also a good accessory, though carrying it around may be cumbersome after some time.
Gothic accessories - To bring in the “gothic appeal” carry small crucifixes, bats, coffins, and voodoo dolls with you.
Other accessories - Stuffed toys, keychains and small jewelry can be added, to give a more feminine look.
Makeup - Avoid wearing raccoon eyes or heavy eye shadows with the look. If you want to wear makeup, opt for a natural, light makeup, with pink cheeks, and a crimson lip.

Act The Part

Now that you look the part, you got to act the part. Be shy and timid, and avoid talking or laughing too loudly. Stand pigeon-toed or stare at your feet. Act sophisticated, but not too snobbish.

Some Tips

Plan the outfit before you actually wear it.
Purchase Gothic or Lolita Bibles from a bookstore, to find out more tips on the style. They won’t cost you more than 20 dollars.
Avoid showing too much skin. You’ll be dubbed as an erotic Lolita, not Gothic.

The Gothic Lolita look is cute, fashionable, and unique. If you think this fashion is for you, then try these tips to get this delightful getup!