If you're familiar with Lolita fashion, you've probably wondered what it would look like if it's a male version of the style? If you're curious about it, this is your lucky day. Kodona fashion, also known as Ouji (王子) in Japanese is not necessarily under Lolita subculture but rather a counterpart, and it surely shares a lot of its elements aesthetically. Just like Lolita, this is also influenced by Victorian era, but it's all about how the boys of the time look and dress. But in spite of the fact that this is considered a male outfit, it does not mean that other genders can't wear the look. It's actually quite versatile due to the fact that most of the accessories used for this style are on the feminine side like ribbons or flowers, the wearer even wears makeup but at a very minimal amount. This can be considered by any girl who loves the concept of Victorian Era clothing styles but are not much into the dresses, and the good thing is, girls are not really required to act like a boy when wearing this look. 

Another term for this look is Boystyle and is called Kodona by the western community, but this term is somehow disregarded by Japanese so Ouji is the widely used term for this style from its country of origin.

Photos: Pinterest

Must read: Top 11 Japanese street style explained

You're probably now intrigued at how gorgeous and unique this style is but there aren't much information about this one on the internet. Keep reading because we're here to tell you everything you need to know about Japanese Kodona/Ouji style. 

The look

Like Lolita fashion, Ouji can have different color schemes, either monochromatic or multi-colored, it could be modern or casual but it can be really elaborate and fancy. A more interesting fact is Kodona or Ouji can have the same scheme as all Lolita substyles. Probably the most notable element for this style is the pumpkin pants, which actually varies in length, the most common ones seen though are usually short or right around the thigh area. Longer ones can be seen as well. 

Photos: Pinterest 

Color schemes are very simple, blacks, wine red, grey, dark blue, etc. Mostly revolving on the darker colors but there are other colors that can be considered but we'll get to those later. Tops usually consists of high collared blouses or dress shirts with intricate details like ruffles or sometimes bows, you may notice that the chest area in Ouji clothing is filled out with the said ruffles or some bows/jabots, and these are usually paired with waistcoats. Like mentioned above, pumpkin pants is a must for the outfit, you can picture the classic Lolita pieces layered together but instead of a jumper dress or skirt, you replace it with those cute shorts. Lolita is known to wear socks that are knee high with either laces or elegant patterns, and it's the same with Kodona fashion, you can go for a pair of socks that is usually knee length (like what a prince would look like) with patterns that are more on the feminine side if you want as long as it goes with everything else on your look, or you can just stick with the plain, masculine types. The look is typically including a headwear or hats, and the most ideal type are some top hats. You can get any plain kind of top hat that you can just accessorize with bows, flowers or something else that you prefer later on for more variety. Other usual accessories are pocket watches, and a sling bag.

The hair part is pretty easy to do than Lolita, since this style is a male counterpart, short hairstyles or haircuts are typical. For someone with long hair, wigs are worn for convenience of not needing to cut their hair shorter or their hair is put in an up-do. 

The substyles

Photos: Pinterest

Exactly the same as Lolita which have multiple substyles that exists under it, and they are;

• Sweet Lolita
• Gothic Lolita
• Classic Lolita
• DecoLoli
• Sailor Lolita
• Punk Lolita

Must reads: Classic Lolita fashion: All you need to know, Sweet Lolita fashion: All you need to know, Gothic Lolita fashion: All you need to know

Ouji has them all, too. Neat huh? Sweet Lolita is one of the major substyles of Lolita fashion, so there's also sweet Ouji, which is the same silhouette as classic Ouji but with pastel and bright colors and a more kawaii aesthetic. Then there's also Gothic Ouji, and just like Gothic Lolita, it focuses on dark tones and a lot of blacks. Darker motifs same as Gothic Lolita are also used, like skulls, cobwebs and religious artifacts like crosses. There's also a Sailor Lolita counterpart which is Sailor Ouji, which is pretty much inspired by Japanese sailor uniform, but with pumpkin pants. Nautical themes are also used like anchors or sailor hats to go with the look. There's also punk Ouji, with maintaining the same silhouette but with punk related elements and pieces like studded accessories, plaids and skulls.

It is not known when this style had first became a fashion statement, but it is believed to have emerged along with Lolita when it first became popular. The thing about Kodona or Ouji fashion is until today, it's not as popular as Lolita or other types of Japanese fashion subculture so there's not much information about it. But despite the fact it is considered by others as just a minor substyle of Lolita, it can't be denied that this is one of the prettiest styles in the Japanese street fashion scene. 

What do you think about this style? Does it have the same appeal for you as the Lolita fashion? Can you share us what you think on the comments below?