Choosing Your Very First Item

Hello and konnichiwa to everyone!
The news that the popularity of Lolita fashion is on the rise around the world has reached the shores of Japan. It is fascinating to see Lolita fashion -- which was originally inspired by western styles --being absorbed back into the culture that inspired it.

There are probably many aspiring Lolitas out there who are now contemplating buying their first Lolita piece. In this article I'd like to give some advice on the basics of this charming style and answer any questions one might have in pursuing a Lolita look.

For some of you, all of this may seem a bit trivial. You might even be saying, "This is fashion, there are no basics or rules, you just arrange the clothes however you like them!" And that is indeed a fair point. However, just as you cannot build a castle without a solid foundation underneath, truly imaginative arrangements cannot come about without considering some fundamental principles. The most wonderful fashions are those that are universal; styles that are seen time and time again and remain everlasting. These are the "basics" or "classics" of fashion. And knowing the basics can never be a disadvantage.

So here begins your first lesson in Lolita fashion: choosing your very first item. Purchasing your debut Lolita item may seem a little daunting at the beginning. You might wonder whether it looks Lolita enough, or if it will suit a broad range of outfits...

Here, I will suggest some items that are perfect for the novice Lolita by dividing potential Lolitas into two groups: 1.) Those who simply want to make a striking debut onto the Lolita scene, and 2.) Those who want to enter the Lolita world with something a little simpler.

1.) Those who simply want to make a striking debut onto the Lolita scene

For the first group, I'd like to recommend an item that can be easily worn without the stress of having to coordinate it with the other various elements of an outfit -- a sleeved dress. Wearing a sleeved dress would complete about 80% of your outfit right away, so it's definitely easy to handle. Puffed-up sleeves, a tight torso, and a flared out skirt makes up the classic silhouette of a sleeved dress. A jumper skirt (sleeveless dress) in a plain, basic color would be best if you want to try out a variety of garment arrangements. For example, wear a blouse with a sweet design under your jumper skirt to become an exemplary cute and innocent Lolita.

With sleeveless items such as the jumper skirt, wearing something underneath becomes the key to pulling off your Lolita look. The feminine maiden residing within you is revealed through the act of layering garments. Wearing a long-sleeved blouse underneath a short-sleeved dress is also a typical sweet Lolita arrangement.

2.) Those who want to enter the Lolita world with something a little simpler.

Now for the other group I mentioned earlier. For those who are slightly put off by the extreme and spectacular look of Kote-lolis (Lolitas who radically adhere to the "ama-loli" or sweet Lolita style) and want to start with something a bit more simple, a skirt is probably the best solution.

With a skirt, you can control the intensity of your "Lolita degree" by experimenting with the tops you chose to wear. Many people, despite their love of the Lolita fashion, feel apprehensive about actually wearing it themselves. For those who claim, "Oh, it won't suit me, it's too cute" or "I am too old to wear this now", I would recommend choosing chic and refined colors to achieve a more discreet look.

A classic example of a Lolita skirt is one that widens at the hem, such as a gathered skirt. The standard length is just above the knee, but if you opt for a longer skirt that covers the knee, it will give you a more elegant appearance. Enjoy your Lolita skirt with a simple cardigan or a knitted top and develop your own subtle yet sweet "casu-loli" (Casual Lolita) style.

Panniers

An important point to note here is that the Lolita garments that you see posted on the Internet or splashed across magazines are usually taken with a pannier worn underneath. So you may find that a skirt or dress by itself does not produce as much volume as you thought it would. However, dresses made of stiff material will provide adequate flair, and so will some skirts with a tiered design. Of course shopping for a pannier would usually be a secondary mission, just like when buying shoes and headdresses. First, you need your primary garment to make sure the item fits and suits the main component of your outfit. If you already own a skirt that might look good with some volume underneath it, one idea would be to go ahead and make a pannier your first purchase, and enjoy a causal Lolita style with the addition of a simple undergarment. In any case, wearing a pannier depends heavily on your own taste and sense of aesthetics. The fact is that some garments just don't suit panniers, so I cannot make any further comments about the "do's and don'ts" of wearing a pannier, and will leave that topic for another time.

Final Advice for Lolitas

If you are eager to shop from a Lolita brand, but want to keep your expenses minimal, simply buying a pair of socks can be sufficient, or even just picking up a small accessory. What is important is that a small-yet-cute part of the Lolita world has entered your life, and that your adorable item gives you happiness every time you behold it. This is the joy of Lolita fashion. No matter how small your item may be, the pleasure it provides is immeasurable, and it will add a definite hint of Lolita flavor to your everyday style.

I've already said a lot in these past few passages, but I hope you will allow me to make one final and important point. The secret to having a successful shopping experience is to "have faith in your instincts". Lolitas do not look to others for gratification. Instead, they simply wear what they love. Cherish that moment, when you encounter an item that makes your heart skip a beat, and you fall in love with it at first sight. It is these items that end up being your most prized and long-lasting companions. Nothing good comes out of thinking about it too hard.

Here ends your first lesson in Lolita! I sincerely hope you will encounter an outfit that adds joy and satisfaction to your life, and happily brings you deeper into the world of Lolita fashion.