Hey, I am very new to learning about the lolita community. I know that places with very cheap-looking garments can be labeled "bad", but what other things turn the lolita community off about outfits? I thought about getting a cute dress before myself, but all this information is in all honesty very intimidating. xD I'd feel like I was doing something wrong.
Also, what does the lolita community think about striped tights/socks? I've seen it done a lot in anime, but I don't know if it really reflects the actual thing.
As long as everything goes together well, it really doesn't matter how much the items cost. A Lolita friend I have mostly gets her wardrobe from "loliable" finds at Goodwill, and she's adorable! Also making your own dresses can save money. My advice to newbies is to start casually, maybe a skirt or two, paired with cute T-shirts, shoes, hair bows, cardigans, etc. because you can explore the different styles and coordinates without spending a lot of money. It is very intimidating, but I think my best advice to have a good experience is to not take criticism as, "OMG YOUR OUTFIT IS BAD, HOW DARE YOU SHAME THE LOLITA STYLE." Because that's not what it is. When we give criticism, like above, it is constructive criticism, but a lot of people get butthurt about it.
TL;DR: Wear what you like, be simple, don't get butthurt about constructive criticism, have an open mind and be open to advice and improvement.
As for striped tights/socks, they tend to be frowned upon because they're pretty oldschool, and can go ita REALLY fast. But it all really depends on what they're paired with. For example, I'll wear my black and white striped tights with Pirate Lolita, because it goes with the Pirate aesthetic, and I've worn some red and white striped socks with a Christmas outfit, because thy looked like candy canes. It all depends.