Q&A for How to Be a Lolita

Look at your dress code closely. Does it specifically state "white socks" or does it say something a little bit looser like "solid colored socks"? If the latter, wear solid pink stockings or black, whatever suits the style you're going for. Do you have free dress days? If so, wear a more casual Lolita look (otherwise known as "Otome Kei"). Don't go over the top. You basically just have to look for loopholes in the dress code.

You can still be a Lolita. Like any other fashion, Lolita is not restricted by gender.

If you live outside of Japan, your best bet is buying online. I have also sometimes found Lolita clothes in thrift stores.

You can be any age to dress in Lolita fashion, as it is not restricted by age. You are never too young or too old to enjoy and participate in this style.

Remember that you will not be a child forever, when you grow up you can do whatever you want. Ask if you can incorporate small and subtle Lolita accessories into your wardrobe in the meantime.

You don't necessarily need to wear a wig. Many Lolitas choose lighter wigs to match their color palette, so focus on finding a color scheme that works for you.

Of course. People of all nationalities and skin tones can look great in lolita. Try searching "POC lolitas" on Google or Tumblr for some inspiration!

Lolita fashion is generally believed to have emerged in the late 1980s to early 1990s. While earlier styles like doll-kei and otome-kei existed since the 1970s, Lolita became a distinct style in the 1990s. Notable brands like Angelic Pretty and Baby, the Stars Shine Bright, founded in 1979 and 1988 respectively, played a significant role. The term "lolita" was first used to describe the fashion in the September 1987 issue of Ryukou Tsushin magazine.

You could, but you don’t have to. Mostly, they are more for fashion than for height anyways, so you can choose what shoe style you like.

Yes, you can be a Lolita as a guy. Men who dress in Lolita fashion are often called "brolitas," and they can look just as elegant as other Lolitas. For example, Mana, a member of the visual kei band Malice Mizer, is a well-known brolita and owns the popular Lolita brand Moi-même-Moitié.

Long sleeves aren't a requirement, but your shoulders shouldn't be showing.

Yes, and there is actually a style of Lolita that focuses on hijab called hijab Lolita.

Maybe glitter up some trousers. Try fabric gluing or sewing on different patches. Get creative!

As long as you're not doing anything to harm or offend anyone, it doesn't really matter what your friends think. Just let them know that this is your own personal style choice and you'd like them to respect it, just as you respect what they choose to wear.

Show them communities of lolitas, watch (credible) documentaries (Sugar Coated is a good example), and expose them to the differences between the fashion style and costumes.

As long as your parents approve of what you're wearing, it is generally fine to dress in Lolita fashion.

You are never "too fat" for anything! You can wear Lolita no matter the size of your body!

Yes, many Lolitas enjoy playing video games. You might want to try a game called "Style Savvy."

If you can't afford a new pair of Lolita shoes those will be fine.

You could wear silk pajamas, frilly nightdresses or just a light coloured pajama top and bottom. If you're going for the sweet style, then try to include some lace.

Since Lolita is relatively modest, your parents might not have an issue. Try Otome Kei (casual) at first before trying general Lolita.

Yes, but it may be hard to find clothing that will fit you. You will also need to get parental approval and not break any school rules with your clothes.

Yes! Lolita is for anyone! If you want to appear taller, try some platform shoes.

Yes, while longer hair is more common in Lolita fashion, you can have a pixie cut. You can even buy a wig if you want to have longer hair when you wear Lolita.

Yes, Lolita uses a specific silhouette and style. You can have something be both kawaii and Lolita though.

You can opt for cute swimsuits with frills or skirts attached to maintain the Lolita style. However, you don't need to stick to Lolita fashion all the time; a regular swimsuit is also perfectly fine if that's your preference.