Fashion

What Is Sweet Lolita? History Of Sweet Lolita

What Is Sweet Lolita? History Of Sweet Lolita

Sweet Lolita is a fashion trend that began in the early 2000s and has since become a widespread phenomenon. It is a style of dressing that combines elements of Victorian-era clothing with a more modern and playful approach. Sweet Lolita fashion is characterized by bright colors, pastel hues, frills, bows, and other girly touches. The look is often completed with an elaborately decorated headdress, such as a bonnet or headband. Despite its outwardly girlish appearance, Sweet Lolita is embraced by people of all genders and ages. It is an expression of creativity and artistry, as well as a way for people to express themselves and feel liberated. This article will explore the history of Sweet Lolita fashion and how it has come to be so popular.

Sweet Lolita (Ama-loli or ama rori’), also known as the founding culture of Lolita fashion is a staple in Japanese culture; however, it has crossed the pond and has become a beloved subculture in the West as well. This Japanese trend has roots that are based on Victorian and Edwardian era clothing. Typically this look began as one that had a bold focus on modesty. While the original silhouette is typically that of a cupcake-esque shape marked by knee-length skirts or dresses assisted by layers of petticoats, it has been expanded to include floor-length skirts and corsets. Often times it is accessorized with socks, stockings, headdresses, and parasols.

While many people will agree that Japan is the soul creator of the Lolita fashion trend, including Sweet Lolita, the overall meaning behind the name remains undetermined. It is however speculated that it started in the late 1970’s when labels such as Milk and Pretty (Angelic Pretty) and Pink house started selling clothing that would now be considered staples in the Lolita fashion trends by today’s tough standards. 

Almost all of these labels can now be found in chain department stores throughout Japan, as well as your less-known Lolita designers which may be a bit more affordable. Sweet Lolita fashion became exceptionally popular in youth when bands began to don this sugary sweet fashion subculture’s style. Needless to say, it didn’t take long for Lolita designs to become popularized outside of Japan and throughout the world.

Common color pallets 

Some of the most common color pallets used in Sweet Lolita clothing is:

  • Bright pink
  • Pastel pink
  • Peach
  • Pearl white
  • Other Pastels

Sweet Lolita prints

Some of the prints most frequently seen with Sweet Lolita fashion are:

  • Fruits such as strawberries, cherries, or any other sugary sweet fruit.
  • Flowers such as jasmine, lilies, cherry blossoms, and roses.
  • Lace.
  • Bows.
  • Dessert themes such as ice cream, pudding, and cakes.
  • Animal Prints such as puppies, bunnies, unicorns, and kittens. Any animal that can be considered “cute”.
  • Classic Fairy Tales such as Alice in Wonderland.

Sweet Lolita accessories

The accessories such as headdresses, bonnets, bows, and other fantasy-esque designs are often times used to push the “cute” or “kawaii” factor over the top. They are all used to reflect the fantasy theme of the popular subculture. Some other accessories a Sweet Lolita may wear or carry with her are:

  • Crowns
  • Stuffed animals
  • Hearts
  • Stars

Shoes of course are one of the more important staples in Sweet Lolita beside the petticoats and skirts. Some of the shoes worn are going to be reminiscent of Mary Janes or Tea Party shoes in pastel or lighter colors. Typically they’ll wear lower heels or flats, though; sometimes you can find a Sweet Lolita wearing high heels.

The hair and makeup is exceptionally ornate. Typically a Sweet Lolita will wear their hair curled, pin-straight, in a bun, pigtails, or braids. However, it is rare to see a Sweet Lolita wearing a ponytail. The key to Sweet Lolita hair is to offer a softer look that frames the face. The makeup in contrast to the hair is usually very light, airy, and neutral.

As a whole, Sweet Lolita is one of the most childlike, whimsical, innocent, and most popular of all of the Lolita Styles. It definitely has a pointed emphasis on looking cute (kawaii) and girly which appeals to many women and girls throughout the world as they embrace their femininity and sweetness. Sweet Lolita outfits can range anywhere from the ultra simple to ornate and complex depending on the wearer.

BM

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Belle Morte