• Gothic Lolita
• Sweet Lolita
• Steampunk Lolita
• Deco-loli
• Punk Lolita
• Hime Lolita
• Punk Lolita

But classic Lolita is what we are going to be concentrating on. This one is very much influenced by the Victorian era (it was the time of the reign of Queen Victoria, from 1837 to 1901) and it the basis for everything Lolita and its substyles.

Victorian Women. Photos: Pinterest

Although there are many branches for this look, they are all very distinct from each other and very easy to discern. You may separate them the colors and accessories, even though they all have the same silhouette.

The essentials for a Classic Lolita lifestyle

Color Scheme and Motif

They mostly have dusty pastel shades, jewel tones, lilacs, mauve, misty grey, browns and grays, things you'd remember about Classic Lolita. You will also see cream and off-white shades, rather than just white. The layered pieces can be one toned color or they can be vintage or antique patterned motifs, like florals, artworks, animals, old paintings or some other relevant prints.

Photos: Pinterest

But always keep in mind that this style is so much more simpler and sometimes even considered plain unlike its other branches like sweet Lolita or Hime Lolita, which uses a lot of colors (rainbows, pastels) and lots and lots of cute accessories. The way they coordinate the pieces of clothing is very important for this also. Considering colors that would go together as well as themes, like vintage white and rose colors, or an offset of white and black. Maybe a navy blue and white offset.

Frills, Laces, Flare, Ruffles

Of course, it's just about everything frilly, lacey, ruffly. Like the kind of blouses or shirts they use, most of them has elements consisting of a lot of ruffles or intricate sleeve styles, or high collars. And the dresses or skirts are more on frills and lace side. Even hair accessories like headbands also have these Lolita elements incorporated. Each piece that are layered with other pieces are noticeably detailed (most of the time, anyway) but some can just be really plain and simple.

The Silhouette

Typically, Lolita fashion utilizes bell-shaped dresses, but A-line skirts are also used by Classic Lolita. The tailoring of these is the perfect fit for the Victorian clothing style. To help create more volume and fullness, petticoats are required, not only that, it also adds to the overall appeal of the outfit.. One of the features of this style is the poufy-ness, which should not be left out.

The length of the skirt is also slightly different, unlike gothic or sweet Lolita which are above or knee length in height, classic Lolita is so much more longer than that, it could run down just below the knee or until the calves giving off that really elegant vibe.

Accessories

The popular accessories typically used are hair bows (big or small), top hats, lacey headbands, pearl necklaces and bracelets, berets, gloves, lace cuffs and charm bracelets, since the overall concept of a classic Lolita is refined, elegant and mature, none of the childish accessories should be applied (in contrast to sweet Lolita, which is the epitome of child-like fashion). Parasols are also carried and used depending on the weather and they usually goes with the color of the outfit, which also adds to the overall elegant effect.

Footwear

Mary Jane shoes is the most common ones they wear for this style, and black and white are the typical colors to choose from, but other colors can be considered as well. Socks and stocking are essential to be added and worn. Knee high or ankle socks adorned with ribbons and laces are good choices, stockings with Lolita patterns of just any plain color will also do.

Photos: Milanoo, LolitaShow

High heeled shoes with straps are also a great partner for this look, some use laced boots as well, as long as they looked like that they came from the Victorian era.

Makeup 

Should be also light and sweet most of the time, but a little bit of dark elements can be added, too, but not too much or it will go under Gothic Lolita style. The makeup usually is focused on the eyes, making it rather doll like in appearance.

Hairstyle

It is very common that they used their natural hair for the look, unlike the other substyles like gothic Lolita or sweet Lolita where they used wigs of different colors. Black, brown or blonde hair color are the most perfect for the look. Intricate curls, ponytails, braids, pig tails or even up dos are the typical styles for this one. This will be easy for them to decorate their hair with beautiful hair accessories. 

Photos: Pinterest, Tumblr

The history of Lolita fashion has gone a long way, but it is still very widely popular in Japan and all over the world, and it looks like that it won't be going away anytime soon. No matter how many Lolita substyles that would appear sooner or later, it will always stem back from its roots, which is the classic one. 

There's no denying of the appeal of this and that this look is really beautiful, mature and elegant and it takes you through time, and it is a great option for those who wants to go for Lolita lifestyle and fashion but don't want to be part of the more kawaii side of the community.

Do you think that you like this classic Japanese street fashion? Do you want to or are you thinking of incorporating this style for yourself in the future? What did you like most about this style or how does it really appeal to you? Share your thought with us in the comments below.