Styles of Lolita Fashion Dresses

Lolita Fashion is comprised of a number of styles, of which Gothic Lolita; Sweet Lolita; Classic Lolita; Punk Lolita; and Princess Lolita are among the most well-known. The clothes are made of high-quality materials, with excellent workmanship and attention-to-detail. Cotton is a particularly popular fabric.

All of the Lolita dresses are adorned with bows, ruffles and lace. Eyelet lace is used extensively, but not to the exclusion of other laces. Hemlines are invariably trimmed with lace. The dresses vary from knee-length, above-the-knee length, to full-length. They can be sleeveless, have short (usually puffed) sleeves, or they can have long sleeves. Necklines can be high, low, round or square; and some are criss-crossed with ribbon. Petticoats or frilly bloomers are worn underneath the different types of dresses to provide structure. Corsets may be worn to accentuate and define the shape.

Gothic Lolita:

These dresses are characterized by the use of dark-colored fabrics. Black is the predominant color for Gothic Lolita dresses, but purple and dark blue are used also.

Sweet Lolita:

the Sweet Lolita dresses are more child-focused, and emphasize cuteness. They are usually of soft pastel colors, and pink fabric with white lace is particularly popular. Influenced by fairy tales, the designs carry themes that include animals, flowers, and fruit.

Classic Lolita:

The Classic Lolita dress assumes a more mature style, and is the most mainstream of the Lolita dresses. They share the same basic A-line or bell shape common to Lolita dresses, but empire waists are also used. Typically, the colors of the Classic Lolita dress are much more muted, and the patterns on the fabrics are smaller and of greater intricacy. The overall effect is one that is elegant and demure. Sophistication is key to the Classic Lolita dress.

Punk Lolita:
Classic punk elements such as chains and safety pins are vital elements of Punk Lolita dresses. Favorite fabrics are checks and plaids, along with screen-prints. The dresses take on a worn and dishabille appearance.

Princess Lolita:
These are courtly dresses, influenced by 18th-century French/European aristocracy, and usually worn with tiaras. The dresses are characterized by a bustle at the back of the skirt.

The various styles of Lolita dresses can be individualized to suit particular tastes, and many adherents of Lolita Fashion do just that.

Lolita dresses are not fashion statements by and of themselves. The choice of accessories is an important consideration, as is the hairstyle and make-up (if worn). The type of dress usually determines the choice of accessories and hairstyle.