One of the most popular Japanese street fashions, which is also growing in popularity in the Western World, is that of the Gothic Lolita. The fashion is one that is meant to make the wearer look "cute" or "beautiful" such as the way a porcelain doll does. The wearer may also be described as "elegant" or "sweet." However, Lolita is not just a fashion, but it is a lifestyle, so here is how one can be Lolita and Goth at the same time.

Throw your misconceptions out the window! When you see the word "gothic," you are probably taken to an image of teens with black hair, baggy black clothes, silver chains hanging off of them, with piercings through every inch of their face. This is not so. The wearers of Lolita fashions consider themselves the same as young Victorian girls in order to look elegant, cute, and beautiful. They are not trying to achieve a look of darkness, nor are they trying to look sexy in any way.

Essential items that you’ll need. The essential items include a black or white blouse (the color depends on your preference and your wardrobe), a quality petticoat, one or two full skirts, socks that go over the knee or knee-highs, and bloomers. The blouses you choose can have varying styles. If you’re looking to achieve more of a sweet look, you may want a high collar for a classic look or a Peter Pan collar for a more contemporary look. You also need your blouse to have cap or puff sleeves, it must be tailored, consist of a yoke, bib, pintucks, ruffles, or lace. If you wish, your blouse can even have a neck bow. The skirts go to the length of the knee. It is important that the skirt is full enough that the petticoat will fit underneath. Once you buy these colors and these fashions, it is time for you to expand to other colors. These colors can include pink, red, different shades of blue, floral patterns, and even brown.

Good shoes and boots are a must. Whether you want just boots or just something like Mary-Jane style shoes, your shoes can complete the outfit. In addition to Mary-Jane style shoes, chunky heels, platforms, and espadrilles work perfectly. Ballet flats are not usually chosen because they look odd with the knee socks. Some do, however, choose to wear these shoes. As for the heels, they should be as wide as the natural heel, although Stiletto heels are worn at times. Sometimes they can be uncomfortable, but it is possible to fix this if they are not too high. Wedge heels tend to be acceptable as long as the shape of the shoe looks nice with the outfit.

The headpiece completes the outfit. The headpiece, or headdress, can be a great finishing touch to the outfit. It is a link to the distant, Victorian past. The headdress can be elaborate, such as a piece decorated with lace, ribbons, or flowers, or the headdress can be as simple as a headband. The Alice Bow tends to be the most common. It is a large bow that sits atop the head and has two smaller bows off to the side. The basic headdress is a rectangle or oval fabric adorned in ribbon or lace. Mini-hats/flowers/crowns may also be worn atop the head at an angle. Whatever you choose, it is important that the headdress match the outfit.

Other accessories you may need. One of the other accessories that you need is the bag. The options go on and on as long as your outfit is matched. You may also want to look into jewelry, parasols, makeup, and having your nails done. Each of these can make a spectacular outfit even more amazing. If you choose a parasol, make sure it is of a considerable size so that your outfit is complimented and you are protected from the sun.

And this is how you can be a gothic Lolita.