How to Design a Gothic Lolita Outfit
For a Gothic Lolita outfit, you want to aim for a look that is Victorian-inspired and quite modest, despite what the name implies. While the name "Lolita" is associated with the Vladimir Nabokov novel about a very precocious, sexy child, Lolita fashion culture retains the childlike aspect but rejects any overt sexuality. Lolita outfits conceal more than they reveal, with high necklines and skirts no higher than knee-length.
Things You'll Need
- Dress or blouse with puffy sleeves
- Bell-shaped skirt
- Crinolines
- Bloomers
- Stockings
- Chunky shoes or boots
- Dark wig or hairpiece
- Headband
- Black top hat
- Red lipstick
- Black mascara
- Black eyeliner
- Dark eyeshadow
- Large purse
- Black lace parasol
- Black lace gloves
- Creepy doll or teddy bear
Instructions
Choose a dress or a skirt and blouse ensemble with a bell-shaped skirt and puff sleeves. Look for one covered in frills, ribbon and lace. Most Gothic Lolita outfits are all black, although black and white is also acceptable as are darker colors such as purple, burgundy and navy blue. The affect you're trying to achieve is that of a Victorian child in mourning attire. Achieve the right silhouette by layering crinolines under the skirt. Add a pair of bloomers to help preserve the modesty so essential to all Lolita fashions. Complement your dress with the right shoes and stockings. Gothic Lolita stockings should be knee-high or thigh-high and are usually an opaque black. Alternatively, opt for black fishnet stockings or white stockings with ruffles and bows at the top. Choose chunky, round-toed shoes such as Mary Janes, which can be either flats or platforms. Alternatively, platform boots are an option, as is a style called the rocking horse ballerina -- a ribbon-tied, ballet-style shoe with a raised sole. Top off your Gothic Lolita outfit with the perfect hairdo and headpiece. Wear hair in large curls on either side of the head, or long and straight with bangs. Look for a wig or hairpiece to achieve this look -- preferably a black or dark brown one. Your outfit must include a headpiece, usually in the form of a rectangular headband made of ribbons and lace, worn at the crown of the head and often tied in a bow under the chin. The headpiece should be black or black and white. If you prefer, use a small black top hat instead of a headband, but this should be worn at a slight tilt. Go easy on the makeup. Gothic Lolitas aim for natural-looking skin, wanting to appear young and fresh-faced. Lipstick is should be red; definitely not black. Eye makeup can be part of the Gothic Lolita look, but stick to a dark color palette. Choose black mascara and black eyeliner. Alternatively, go for a more dramatic "smoky eye" look, using dark eyeshadow. Pick the correct accessories to go with your outfit. For example, Gothic Lolitas usually carry very large purses, sometimes shaped like coffins or bats. A black lacy parasol makes a nice touch. Add a pair of lacy gloves or arm warmers for a dressier look. Play up the childlike, yet morbid, nature of the Gothic Lolita look with a creepy-looking doll or a teddy bear wearing a spiked collar or chain. Previous:No
