thread of different lolita fashion styles and their unique attributes

GOTHIC LOLITA

• primarily influenced by victorian-inspired goth styles
• follows the basic lolita silhouettes
• common motifs are crosses, bats, skulls, and dark red/black roses
• mainly uses dark colors like black, navy, maroon, crimson, and deep purple

SWEET LOLITA

• the most innocent style, containing lots of bows and frills
• follows the basic lolita silhouettes
• common motifs are desserts, berries, flowers, and some fantasy elements
• mainly uses soft colors like pink, baby blue, white, and pastels

CLASSIC LOLITA

• inspired by historic and victorian fashion, designed to be elegant
• tends to have simpler silhouettes
• common motifs are flowers, crests, and antiques
• can be any color
• mainly uses floral and striped patterns

PUNK LOLITA

• inspired by western punk fashion
• this style appears in two forms: one that's more punk and one that's more lolita
• accessories and layering is VERY important, common accessories are fishnets, chains, and studs
• mainly pairs black with a bright color

HIME LOLITA

• an over-the-top style that focuses on a princess-like appearance
• tends to feature long skirts with plenty of ruffles
• mainly uses light colors like pale pinks, blues, greens, yellows, and white
• similar to sweet lolita, but is more elegant

SAILOR LOLITA

• inspired by japanese sailor school uniforms and nautical motifs
• sailor collars are a must, and dark blues or black and white is common
• common motifs are ship anchors, ship wheels, and fish

CASUAL LOLITA

• an umbrella term for any style of lolita that's toned-down but still has lolita elements
• favored for its simplicity and elegance
• usually a simple lolita skirt with few accessories
• can be any color as long as the colors used match

DECO LOLITA

• an umbrella term for any style of lolita that's over-the-top in terms of decoration
• the complete opposite of casual lolita
• the outfit is covered head-to-toe in decorations and accessories
• poofy wigs are commonly used to hold more hair accessories

KURO LOLITA

• an umbrella term for any style of lolita with a completely black outfit
• kuro outfits can't contain any colors other than black except for one or two small accessories

SHIRO LOLITA

• an umbrella term for any style of lolita with a completely white outfit
• shiro outfits can't contain any colors other than white except for one or two small accessories
• cream or off-white clothing is also acceptable

STEAM LOLITA

• inspired by western steampunk fashion
• steam lolita is more thematic and prop-centered than other styles
• common accessories are goggles, victorian hats, gloves, and other common steampunk accessories
• mainly uses colors like brown, cream, and bronze

PIRATE LOLITA

• inspired by pirate outfits
• similar to classic or gothic lolita but with a pirate twist
• common accessories are tricorn hats, eyepatches, sword props, and treasure chest purses

NUN LOLITA

• inspired by the orthodox clothing of nuns
• mainly used by gothic lolita styles
• a common motif is a cross, and black or dark blue is the main color palette

NURSE LOLITA

• TW - many nurse lolita outfits (including below) contain needle props so mute the term "nurse lolita" if you're uncomfy!
• inspired by hospital imagery
• defined by the motifs rather than the clothing
• common motifs are red crosses, bandages, and shots

MILITARY LOLITA

• inspired by classic military uniforms
• common accessories are, jackets, hats, buttons, pins, ties, and shoulder decorations
• mainly uses black or dark green, but red or blue is also used
• props like canes or plastic guns are common

GURO LOLITA

• focuses less on sweetness or elegance and more on horror
• common motifs are blood splatters, bandages, eye patches, and fake bruises
• mainly uses black and white
• despite the horror theme, still looks innocent and doll-like

COUNTRY LOLITA

• how a sweet lolita would dress if they grew up in the countryside
• most outfits use gingham patterns
• common accessories are straw baskets, hats, fruit, flowers, and things related to picnics

OLD-SCHOOL LOLITA

• the original and most widely known version of the fashion
• dresses are less print based and more design based
• commonly uses the classic lolita headdress
• black and white is the most common, and most outfits contain lace

ALICE LOLITA

• not an official lolita style, but it's similar to some so i'm including it on my list!
• dresses are mainly blue with a white apron
• common motifs are cards, card suites, hearts, and other alice in wonderland themed items

OUJI LOLITA

• a style of lolita that's commonly worn by boys, though anyone who wants to can wear it
• instead of skirts, ouji uses pants or shorts
• common accessories are hats, ties, and waistcoats
• also implements lolita elements and accessories