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.

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.

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.

Not necessarily. A lot of Lolitas wear lighter wigs to stick to a color palette. It's a matter of finding your color scheme.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 are okay with whatever you're wearing/doing, it's perfectly fine.

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

Of course there are many Lolitas who play video games. Check out 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.