Lolita fashion is probably one of the most well known Japanese street fashion not just in Japan, but also in different parts of the world. Lolita has a lot of substyles that stems under it and the prominent ones are Classic Lolita, Gothic Lolita, Kodona or Boystyle, Deco Lolita, Hime Lolita and Sweet Lolita. Each of these substyles are different from one another when it comes to themes and motifs, in fact, most of them are completely opposing one another, one example would be Sweet and Gothic Lolita, Sweet is about being child-like that makes you think about desserts, candies, bunnies and fruits whereas Gothic is dark with motifs like coffins, bats and cobwebs. 

But the main focus of this article is about the sweetest Lolita style there is. If you have little to no knowledge about what Sweet Lolita is, let me take you to a brief introduction on this adorable Lolita substyle. If you want to know more about the different substyles under Lolita fashion, click on the link that I've provided below. 

Related: What is Lolita Fashion style? All you need to know

What is Sweet Lolita?

Photos: Lolita Style Fashion, Pinterest

This substyle is mainly focused on being the epitome child-like and cute. The main color scheme for this style are pastel colors like pink, sky blue, pastel purple, pale yellow and mint green. You'll usually see sweet patterns and motifs on the dresses like adorable bunny rabbits, Alice in wonderland related themes, some fruits like strawberries or mixed berries, clouds and cute shapes like hearts and stars. Sweet Lolita has the same silhouette as the rest of Lolita fashion substyle, though unlike classic which uses A-line skirts, Sweet can use both Bell shape or "cupcake shape" and A-line silhouette. 

Now that you have more idea about what this substyle is, it's time to take you down the to each key element on how to be a sweet Lolita, let our complete guide help you on your Lolita fashion journey. 

The common silhouette

Lolita fashion will always have the same silhouette (with an exception for Kodona or Boystyle, to know more about this substyle, click on this link), and like mentioned above, sweet Lolita can use both A-line and bell shaped skirts, the latter would really enhance the child-like theme of this style but you can always go for A-line if that's what you prefer, it's really not problem at all. 

Basic clothing style staples

Photos: Pinterest, sololita, lace market

Jumper skirts are very common when it comes to Lolita fashion and sweet Lolita is no exception. But you have to take note of the key elements before you get yourself some sweet Lolita dresses, make sure that you take the motif into consideration, choose dresses that has any cute pattern like fruits, cute animals, cute characters or cute shapes. The color is also very important, always stick with any pastel color and you're good. The length is usually just in level of your knee or above it, but make sure that it's not too sure or you'll loose that "innocent" vibe that you're trying to project. Skirts and dresses with a lot of frills and laces would be best ideal for the look. You can get yourself some petticoats that would help volumize your skirts as is it the trademark of any Lolita fashion style. 

Blouses is also a must add to your sweet Lolita wardrobe, but it's not just any type of blouse, you need to get the ones with ruffles, high collars with ribbons (basically, any frilly blouse that doesn't show any skin), and the color should always be white or ivory. Flared sleeves and short, poufy sleeves would also work in some cases. 

What to wear for bottoms

Photos: Pinterest, iMall

The type of shoes worn in Lolita fashion is almost the same with every substyle and those are platforms and Mary janes, though some substyles like Gothic and Punk Lolita would include leather boots as a staple for footwear. For sweet Lolita, Mary Janes and ballerina platforms are most ideal, these will further enhance the child-like image that is being portrayed by the wearer. Shoe color is also a big deal, normally, black shoes is never an option for sweet Lolita, as much as possible, the color should match everything within the coordinates, like if you're wearing a pink dress, you should choose a pair of shoes with the same color or any pastel color that would be a good match. 

Sweet Lolita should show little to no skin at all, so stockings would be your number one choice to pair with your shoes. Stockings adorned with cute patterns like ribbons or hearts should be considered, the color that is normally picked is white, but in some cases, other colors that matches the color scheme would also do good, like someone who wants to do a monochromatic sky blue Lolita style would wear a sky blue stockings, or a white one with sky blue accents. Knee high stockings or socks would also work, something with laces, ribbons and cute prints as long as not too much skin is showing. Remember that you need to maintain the image of innocence at all cost.

Locks and clips

Photos: Lolita Show, DevilInspired

Sweet Lolita hairstyle is also one of the things you need to be excited about, it usually consists of hair that is dyed with a pastel color or you need to get a bunch of pastel colored Lolita wigs so you can customize your look in any way you want to, a different hair color and style everyday, perhaps? Why not? Trademark hairstyle for sweet Lolita is always curled and since sweet Lolita is all about being child-like and innocent, hairstyle typically worn by little girls is very common for this look, like twin buns, twin pigtails and braids. You can also put your hair down and style it with some cute curls or beach waves. 

Aside from all the hairstyles you can do, you can also accessorize them with cute hairclips, hair ribbons, big or small bows, flowers, headbands, the iconic Lolita head dress and in some cases, tops hats, though the latter is not really recommended because the entire look would look too "costumey".

Finishing off the look with more cute additions

Never forget about the rest of your accessories, you must invest in a large collection of pastel accessories like rings, bracelets and necklaces. The motif is very easy, you just have to find something that is related to cute and sweet, the best ones are charms which have designs based on desserts like cake, cupcakes and candies. Also got for fruits and cute animals like cats, dogs and rabbits. Pastel colored rainbow beads would also work. You get the idea, right? If you're up for the challenge, you can create your own accessories using polymer clay, nothing like a good DIY, right? I've provided a video below on how to make some simple but kawaii charm designs that you can try.

Kawaii-fy your face with makeup

You're almost there, but we're not done yet, you should never forget the last step which is applying makeup fit for sweet Lolita style. Makeup for this look is not really that complicated, you can keep it simple and clean so you would retain that innocent look, or you can be more elaborate but you have to make sure you don't overdo it, also remember that eyes are always the main focus when it comes to any Japanese fashion makeup and sweet Lolita is not an exception for that rule. Enlarging your eyes with the help of eyeliner, false eyelashes and some light colored eyeshadow (that's almost unnoticeable) is a must. To maintain your child-like appearance, some blushing would definitely do the trick while keeping everything as natural as possible. 

Conclusion

In order to achieve your dream in becoming a sweet Lolita, you'll need to really invest time, dedication and well, a lot of new stuff to put inside your closet. It may seem like a lot of work but you'll feel that every step you're taking will be totally worth it. With the right knowledge of everything you need to remember, you'll be sure to get there in no time.