Elegant Lolita Fashion

Hello again everyone,
In Japan, many people are on winter vacation during the beginning of January. During this time, one of the most exciting events for young ladies are the New Year's bargains. Lolita brands have many fabulous store-wide sales and often offer popular grab bags which include many secret accessories and articles of clothing inside, and surprises are always fun. For those of you who are just getting into Lolita fashion and are looking to expand your collection, you can't pass up this once in a year chance.

Now then, today's topic is a little bit different that usual, but I'd like to talk about how to wear Lolita fashion in a more mature looking way. Now, "Lolita" and "mature" may be rather contradictory terms, but I'm sure there are many out there who enjoy matching their own personal style into Lolita fashion. Flowery and bright styles are very cute, but a how about trying a calmer, more elegant style? How to create a romantic look without being too sugary or too flashy... Let's look into this together shall we?

Choosing Items

In general, we want to choose items that have a simpler design and are not too decorative. Classical Lolita items rather than Ama-loli items are much easier to blend into a mature, elegant outfit. For the main focus of your outfit, I recommend a simple skirt that can be worn over and over again. Even you choose something with a somewhat Ama-loli design to it, you can change the look of your outfit depending on which top you choose to coordinate with it. For dresses and jumper dresses, try for something that has a more refined shape and a sedate color. Even something with a high waist, which is in general very cute, can be tamed by electing a refined looking color. The length of the skirt should fall around the knees for a composed appearance, and if you must choose a shorter skirt, go for something where the silhouette is closer to the body and less filled out. As for the top, something tight and compact is easy to match with an airy skirt. A lower cut neck line also makes for a more adult and elegant image. If choosing a blouse, avoid anything with a large, rounded collar and find something with a standing collar or bow-tie instead.
While high socks are usually the standard for Lolita fashion, tights will make you look much more refined. With shoes also, you should avoid anything too thick-soled and clunky and go for an elegant pair of flats or short heels. I recommend something with a rounded toe or maybe a more ballet slipper looking pair if you'd like a more casual look.
For your hair, try accessories like barrettes or a small corsage that will not overpower your image with its presence. Although headbands are generally labeled as a cute accessory, if you choose one that is simple in design it can blend nicely into your mature outfit.

For a chic look, choose something simple for the focus of your coordinate. While lively, busy patterns are common in Lolita fashion, if you settle with just one item with a pattern and have the rest of your outfit in natural colors you can manage your outfit so it will not be too overwhelming.
Wearing an undershirt will look more child-like compared to having just one layer, so for a more mature outfit, try wearing a bolero or cardigan on top instead of a shirt underneath. If you do decide to wear a blouse underneath, choose something with a standing collar and not a large, rounded collar so you will appear more refined. It is also important to choose more mature looking materials for your outfit, such as georgette fabrics and other formal materials.
Panniers, although an essential item in Lolita fashion, can sometimes make your skirt flare out too much if you're going for an elegant look. Wearing your dress without a pannier will look natural and quite nice, or if you decide to wear a pannier, choose a soft material such as chiffon or organdy. Even a petticoat is fine as long as you find something that isn't too poofy.

Recommended Coordinates

Next, I've organized some concrete examples of coordinates based on different styles.

Clean and Pressed

A dressy blouse paired with a simple skirt is a combination that speaks of good manners and yet is still florid and lively. If you're not one for blouses, a light weight knit top or a shirt with an elegant design can be worn instead. Wearing a jacket with your dress or jumper dress can make for a dress suit look, which is also fabulous.

Casual Outings

Even for our regular outfits, it's nice to preserve a high class quality while being casual. Dresses and skirts made from light, airy materials are perfect for these occasions. Instead of a heavy jacket, elect for something with a lighter image, such as a bolero or cardigan. If you're trying for a more easy-going look, match your outfit with some nice leggings. Quite often Lolita fashion items are not made with casual outfits in mind, so be sure to consider the whole image of your outfit from top to bottom when deciding on what to wear.

A Dressy Look

Aside from a formal dress, I recommend combining a bustier and skirt. It's a rule of thumb in Lolita fashion to not show too much skin, but baring your shoulders or having a low cut neck line can instantly give your outfit a more mature appeal to it. (It is important to find a good balance and not reveal too much though, as revealing outfits are not considered refined or high class.) If you're going for something even more gorgeous, I recommend a long skirt. Whichever you decide upon, if they are made of fine materials such as organdy, tulle, velveteen etc. then you will look beautiful.

Let's not forget about your hairstyle! Pigtails and similar cute hairstyles are standards in Lolita fashion, but if you're going for an elegant look, how about a loose bun? It's important that your hairstyle doesn't steal all the attention from your elegant outfit. Try out many different hairstyles in combination with your outfit to find one that gives you a nice balance.

And with this final column, the Lolita Lesson comes to a close. To everyone that has read up until now, thank you all so very much. I hope this column has been of use to you. Lolita fashion is a world made of the dreams of girls, and I hope that everyone continues to enjoy it from here on out.