A sub genre of lolita is Sweet Lolita, one of the most popular lolita substyles.

From 2009-2014 it was very popular. It was also popular to wear wigs, circle lenses, fake lashes, deco nails and elaborate makeup, but this is now known as OTT sweet lolita. Brighter, lighter colours and whimsical motifs are used in this style too. This style is also known to be
poofier with larger petticoats and includes more trimmings like lace, bows and ruffles. The popular colours in this substyle consist of baby pink, light blue, yellow and white! Different prints
are popular too, such as fruit, flowers, lace, bows, sweet foods, candy, cute animals and ribbons.

In makeup looks, you see a lot of subtle glitter and pastel colours.

LOLITA

Lolita fashion is another popular sub-genre from Harajuku. It is unknown where the fashion gets its name, but unfortunately shares the name with a controversial book by Vladimir Nabovok about a young girl preyed on by an older man. The book and the fashion are thankfully unrelated!

This style is inspired by the Victorian era and styles from the Rococo period. The clothing is excessively frilly, doll-like/maiden/princess-inspired. A distinctive silhouette is achieved by wearing petticoats underneath the dresses or skirts with a specific cut. Every outfit includes a dress or a skirt.

A full Lolita outfit is called a “co-ord”. Headpieces, gloves, parasols are used to accessorise the “co-ord”. The styling of this fashion clearly shows the aged inspiration people aim for when wearing this style!