Q&A for How to Be a Lolita

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  • Question
    What if I want to embrace my Lolita self in school, but there's a strict dress code?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    What if I am a boy?
    Community Answer
    You can still be a Lolita. Like any other fashion, Lolita is not restricted by gender.
  • Question
    Where can Lolita stuff be purchased?
    Community Answer
    If you live outside of Japan, your best bet is buying online. I have also sometimes found Lolita clothes in thrift stores.
  • Question
    How old can I be to be a Lolita? What age bracket?
    Community Answer
    Any age! Lolita is a fashion, and not restricted to a certain age. In other words, you are never too young or old to be a Lolita.
  • Question
    What should I do if my parents don't approve?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    If I have very light brown hair that is very fine, should I wear a wig?
    Community Answer
    Not necessarily. A lot of Lolitas wear lighter wigs to stick to a color palette. It's a matter of finding your color scheme.
  • Question
    What if I am not Japanese and have a darker skin color? Would that be alright?
    Community Answer
    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!
  • Question
    When did this fashion style start?
    TheSeaGull
    Community Answer
    Late 80s to early 90s is the generally accepted range of time. Precursors to lolita such as doll-kei and otome-kei were around since the 70s, but lolita really became its own identifiable style in the 90s. Angelic Pretty was founded in 1979 and Baby, the Stars Shine Bright was founded in 1988, and as those are two of the most popular lolita brands, I figure those years are relevant. The first noted use of the word "lolita" to refer to the fashion was in 1987 in the September issue of Ryukou Tsushin magazine.
  • Question
    Do I have to wear platform shoes if I'm already really tall?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    I'm a guy. Can I be a Lolita too?
    Community Answer
    It's acceptable for guys to be Lolita. In fact, enough guys dress this way to be referred to as "brolitas". They tend to look as elegant as other Lolitas. Also, Mana, a member of a visual kei band called Malice Mizer, is a brolita that owns one of the most popular Lolita brands: Moi-même-Moitié.
  • Question
    Do I have to wear long sleeves?
    Community Answer
    Long sleeves aren't a requirement, but your shoulders shouldn't be showing.
  • Question
    Can I be a lolita if I wear a hijab?
    Community Answer
    Yes, and there is actually a style of Lolita that focuses on hijab called hijab Lolita.
  • Question
    I have always loved this style, I always wear dresses with petticoats and pretty hair accessories, however I currently have to wear trousers for my studies. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Maybe glitter up some trousers. Try fabric gluing or sewing on different patches. Get creative!
  • Question
    What do I do if I'm being a lolita and my friends don't like it?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How do I get my parent to realize that being a lolita isn't a costume?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Is it okay for an eleven-year-old to become a Lolita?
    Community Answer
    As long as your parents are okay with whatever you're wearing/doing, it's perfectly fine.
  • Question
    What if I am too fat?
    saaphyri hayden
    Community Answer
    You are never "too fat" for anything! You can wear Lolita no matter the size of your body!
  • Question
    Can I be sweet gamer Lolita?
    Community Answer
    Of course there are many Lolitas who play video games. Check out a game called "Style Savvy."
  • Question
    I have Mary Janes, but they don't look like the ones that Lolita usually wears. Should I still wear them?
    Community Answer
    If you can't afford a new pair of Lolita shoes those will be fine.
  • Question
    What are some Lolita pajama styles?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How can I get my parents to let me start wearing a skirt, stockings and platforms when I go into 6th grade?
    Glass lips
    Community Answer
    Since Lolita is relatively modest, your parents might not have an issue. Try Otome Kei (casual) at first before trying general Lolita.
  • Question
    Can children be lolitas?
    Ben (AB)
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    I’m short. Can short people be Lolita, too?
    Ben (AB)
    Community Answer
    Yes! Lolita is for anyone! If you want to appear taller, try some platform shoes.
  • Question
    Can I still be a Lolita with a pixie cut?
    Ben (AB)
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Is Lolita different than kawaii?
    Ben (AB)
    Community Answer
    Yes, Lolita uses a specific silhouette and style. You can have something be both kawaii and Lolita though.
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