Please tell me if this is in the incorrect area!Anime conventions have are notorious within the lolita community for having some really, really bad outfits. A lot of time, the lolita fashion itself is known for being considered "cosplay" because it is worn poorly at anime conventions, which it really is its own style of everyday clothing.
My goal is to help you guys with your lolita outfits to bring out their full potential and keep them from looking like a cosplay, and to keep you from being ridiculed online. I'm not an expert, and I doubt that anyone truly is, but I've been a part of the lolita community online for over a year now, and I've seen a ton of outfits. Some good, and some not so good.
First of all is a quick history of lolita fashion.
Because it is considered an alternative fashion, the roots of lolita are somewhat unclear. It gained momentum during the 80's and 90's, but specialty lolita shops are said to have been around as far back as the 70's. Throughout the years, the fashion has changed and grown, and it is still evolving today.
There are many different styles of lolita.
Gothic: the most well known, by far. In fact, most lolita is referred to as "gothic lolita" even when there are no gothic elements present. The colors used in gothic lolita are usually black, or sometimes white, but black and white lolita is mostly considered sweet lolita now. Navy blue is also popular.
Sweet: this could be considered the most popular style right now. A lot of overseas sweet lolita brands started shipping internationally, leading to a surge in the popularity. The colors are traditionally pink and white, but almost any color can work. Pastels are common, along with motifs involving candy or pastries or animals.
Classic: another style also becoming more popular. This is the most "laid-back" style, because it is generally less over-the-top than the other styles. Colors and cuts are generally more mature and subdued, with creams, burgundys, and browns. The skirts are usually less cupcake-like than sweet or gothic, more like an A-like shape.
There are other sub-sections of lolita, but these are the main ones. You can find more information in the links below.
There are a lot of misconceptions about lolita. For example, the idea that you have to act polite and sweet while wearing lolita. This is very much untrue! What you wear does not dictate how you act, which is something a lot of lolitas like to remind people. There are a variety of other misconceptions, which I'll add on as I think of them.
So now, here are some links to places with more information about lolita:
lolitafashion.orgLolita HandbookEGL CommunityI can almost guarantee that one of the first questions will be "where can I buy cheap lolita clothing?" So here are some more links:
Bodyline (please use caution when buying from them; not all of their products are lolita)
EGL Community SalesAnna House (prices are in Hong Kong Dollars, not USD)
Again, I'll add more links as I find them.
You should never, EVER buy lolita from these places:
Hot Topic
Ebay (unless you're buying shoes, and be careful)
Rakuen
Etsy (some accessories are okay)
Cosplay shops
Goth shops
Milanoo
I'll hopefully be adding more onto this post, but feel free to ask questions about your lolita outfits and I'll give you my input! ; D