On Blouses

Hello Everyone!
May has arrived, bringing with it sunshine and warmth to the streets of Tokyo, signaling the time to say good-bye to thick coats and heavy outerwear. Clothes made of lighter material are starting to dominate the fashion scene, and without a coat or jacket, more attention will be paid to the tops you chose to wear, so perhaps a lesson on blouses would be useful at this time.

Choosing Your First Blouse

The most classic top in all of Lolita fashion has to be the blouse. Of course t-shirts or "cut-sews" are also wonderful for a casual Lolita look, but there is nothing like a blouse when it comes to expressing the gorgeousness and loveliness of Lolita style. You can choose to be sugar-coated sweet or elegantly demure depending on the design of a blouse. By combining it with a skirt of the same color and similar lace decoration, you can wear it like a dress as well.
Here, I would like to talk about a few useful tips for buying a Lolita blouse for the first time.

1. Choose White

Most all Lolita blouses are either white, black, or cream. However, white is the color that is easiest to coordinate with other garments, so it is recommended for your first purchase. It will brighten your visage and give you a cute and radiant look. However, keep in mind that your innerwear may show through if worn on its own without a cardigan.

2. Simple is best

A blouse with a simple design on the front and around the sleeves is best as you can coordinate it with a range of outfits, and it will not ruin your silhouette when layering. A blouse with detachable sleeves is a great item that you can wear all year round, but for the beginner Lolita, an ordinary blouse is recommended.

3. A round flat collar or a standing collar

Both collars are Lolita classics that go great with a range of other garments. The round flat collar is exceptionally feminine, and is recommended for Lolitas who prefer a sweet style. In contrast, you can enjoy a classical and elegant look with the standing collar.

Blouses decorated with lace or frills at the hem designed in an over-blouse style can be worn with the hem exposed over your skirt, while blouses with laces at the back (which allow you to adjust the waistline) are not only beautiful, but they are useful for wearing under jumper skirts (sleeveless dresses) as it helps you stay faithful to the original shape of the dress.

Black and Cream Blouses

Although I recommend a white blouse for the beginner Lolita, I would also like to introduce two other classical blouse colors; Black and Cream.
A black blouse will give you a refined look and it is perfect if you are a little reluctant to go for the super-sweet style. If you have a lot of garments with deep colors and sophisticated patterns, you'll find that you'll have plenty of options when it comes to matching your black blouse. As it is an eye-catching color, wearing black shoes or socks with your blouse will help in balancing the outfit.
The cream blouse is a warmer, kinder color when compared to the standard white. It is ideal for an antique doll look when matched with a classical floral pattern or with a yellow shade. Coordinating it with black will soften the contrast compared to the white and black combination.

Short-sleeved Blouse

A summer blouse has short sleeves, and with Lolita blouses, you wouldn't be wrong to assume that all short-sleeved blouses have puff sleeves (personally, I will go as far to say that all short-sleeved shirts must have puff sleeves). The soft round shape is ever-so princess-like and adorable. The sleeve length and amount of puff varies from item to item, however search for a design that will make your upper arms look slender. Short-sleeves mean more skin will be on display. However, it also means you can wear "sleeve cuff" accessories or long lace gloves. Blouses with an open neckline also give you the opportunity to coordinate with accessories such as chokers.

A Whole Lot of Detail

As well as those mentioned above, blouses have many other characteristics and detachable accessories that have become a standard in Lolita fashion. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce some of these details one by one.

Shirring

To stitch across gathered material which is then "shrunk" using shirring elastic. It is a decorative technique seen on many Lolita garments. With blouses, shirring can help define your waistline and give shape to sleeves.

Pin-tucks

This is another decorative technique that is common on Lolita clothing. Material is folded in even folds and the fabric is then stitched across the folds. It adds a delicate and elegant look to the front, collar, or sleeves of a blouse.

Jabot

A decorative necktie made of lace or frills. Let one peak out from underneath your jumper skirt or jacket to accentuate your outfit.

Bow

A necktie that is arranged like a ribbon. Often made of the same fabric as the blouse. Accessories such as the bow that are made with the same fabric as the main piece should be cared for in the same way as the blouse itself. If you dry clean the blouse, but hand wash the tie for example, the shade and fabric texture may start to differ.

Necktie

Lolita ties are unlike neckties for gentlemen, and are short in length and decorated with lace. Recommended with a jacket.

Sailor Collar

This collar extends to the back in a square shape and resembles the uniforms worn by sailors. Like the flat and standing collars mentioned above, the sailor collar is a common feature on Lolita clothing. Great for a school girl or "marine" look.

Princess Sleeves

Sleeves with cuffs that spread out in a bell shape. Perfect to complete an aristocratic outfit. However, it is rather difficult to keep your sleeves clean; especially during meals.

Cuffs

An important feature when it comes to long sleeved blouses. There are two main types of cuffs; "shirt cuffs" with a band around the wrists, or "drop cuffs" that dangle on your lower hands. Basically, shirt cuffs give you a smart look while the drop cuffs give a gentler impression.

Waist Ribbon

A ribbon that ties around the lower back. A large decorative ribbon when worn with a plain skirt (without a ribbon) will accentuate your outfit.

A Pretty Blouse For a Pretty Lolita!

So here ends your lesson on blouses. Even if you usually go for a casual Lolita style why not enjoy an elegant look with a blouse from time to time. A blouse will be sure to bring out the loveliness of your Lolita skirt or jumper skirt.
Farewell until next time!