Source.

In Lolita fashion, it is generally accepted that "Lolita" does not refer to Vladimir Nabokov's
famous novel. Adherents present themselves more as Victorian children or porcelain dolls
and prefer to look "cute" or "beautiful" rather than "sexy". While there are Lolitas who
agree that the term 'Lolita' does not necessarily have anything to do with sex at all, the right
to make this determination is up to the individual wearer.

Lolita fashion is a fashion originating in Japan, from Harajuku a fashion capital of the
world. Many prominent designers and fashion ideas have sprung from Harajuku and
incorporated themselves into other fashions throughout the world.

Lolita fashion that is primarily influenced by Victorian clothing as well as costumes from
the Rococo period. Lolita has made this into a unique fashion by adding gothic and original
design elements to the look. From this, Lolita fashion has evolved into several different sub
styles and has created a devoted subculture in Japan.

Gothic Lolita - The style

Goken Lolita style is usually a combination of black and white, often black with white lace
and typically decorated with ribbons and lace trims. Skirts are knee length and may have a
crinoline or petticoat to add volume. As in mainstream Japanese fashion, over-knee socks
or stockings are extremely popular. Black fishnet stockings and white or black tights are
also common. Shoes or boots with high heels - though not usually stiletto heels - such as
Mary Janes, complete the look. Frilly, ruffled or lace-trimmed Victorian blouses are also
popular especially with "EGL" types, who may also favour long skirts and jackets rather
than the overtly "childish" designs of typical gothloli's. Apart from the occasional shortness
of skirts, designs are usually modest, sometimes with long lace-capped sleeves.

Some additions may include an Alice in Wonderland-style apron, tiny top hats, parasols,
lace gloves, and lace headpieces. Mostly black or white, headgear might consist of a
headband with ruffles, ribbons, lace or bows. Sometimes even bonnets are worn. Hair may
be curled to complete the porcelain doll look. The naturally dark Japanese hair color may
be lightened to blonde or kept black. Some may choose to wear wigs as well.

Makeup is used sparingly and is seen more often with EGL styles than with other gothloli
styles. Black eyeliner is typical. A pale complexion is preferred, so white foundation might
be used. Red or black lipstick is seen but lighter makeup is the rule.

Goken Lolita outfits may be accessorized with other props like conspicuous pocketbooks,
hatboxes, handbags and other bags, sometimes in the shape of bats, coffins, and crucifixes.
 Teddy bears and other stuffed animals are also common, and some brands make special
"goken" teddy bears out of black leather or PVC. Also, many Goken Lolita own Super
Dollfies and carry them around.
"Lolita"
Although "Lolita" is a reference to Vladimir Nabokov's famous novel, and GothLoli is
often worn by teens, most followers of the style do not consider it overtly sexual. Adherents
present themselves as Victorian children or baby dolls and prefer to look "cute" rather than
"sexy". Many Lolitas claim that the term 'lolita' doesn't necessarily have anything to do
with sex at all. The usage of the word may also be considered wasei-eigo.

Japanese culture places a higher value upon extremely youthful appearance and behaviour
than Western, and some adult women buy large amounts of products, such as Hello Kitty
goods, that are typically marketed only to children in the West. GothLoli is perhaps a more
visible extension of this phenomenon.
Goth Loli culture
In Japan it is mass-marketed and has wide visibility particularly in the streets of Tokyo and
Osaka, on television, in manga (see Paradise Kiss by Ai Yazawa for an example of gothloli
inspired manga) and computer games. Outside of Japan it is still a fringe fashion although it
has slowly begun to spread to other countries. Gothic Lolita, along with Cosplay and other
Japanese cultural phenomena, can sometimes be seen at concerts and anime conventions
throughout Europe and the United States. The style has not yet been mass marketed outside
of Japan. However, there are plenty of dedicated fans filling the gap. Gothic Lolita
magazines are widely available for purchase on the internet and at Japanese bookstores,
which also deal in anime and manga. Adherents in Europe and the United States often sew
their own homemade Gothic Lolita outfits, sometimes offering them for sale to make up for
the difficulty of acquiring them from Japan.
Gothic Lolita in the West
Many Goth girls in the west, have borrowed from the Japanese goth loli style, and have
created a market for this style of clothing (particulary in online auctions). Americas
Tokyopop recently comissioned, along with performer Courtney Love (who is not
goth/goth loli herself, but is a former Japanese resident) an original manga in the goth loli
style, called Princess Ai. This was the first (at least publicised) Japan/West goth loli
collaboration.
Gothic & Lolita Bible
One magazine in particular, the irregularly published Gothic & Lolita Bible, has played an
instrumental role in promoting and standardizing the style. The 100+ page magazine
includes fashion tips, photos, sewing patterns, catalog descriptions, decorating ideas, and
even recipes.
Gothic Lolita - Shopping
Currently the heart of the Gothic Lolita subculture, at least commercially, is the Marui
Young department store in Shinjuku, after its predecessor Marui One closed at the end of
 August 2004. This large youth-fashion oriented department store has 4 floors entirely
devoted to Gothloli and related fashions.
Crossover with Goth
"Gothloli" as a fashion is not as strongly associated with a particular style of music or
outside interests as goth, and individual followers of Gothloli fashion may listen to a wide
variety of music including regular Japanese pop.

In Japan, Goth is a very minor subculture with few followers, partly because the emphasis
upon visual identity in Japanese youth culture makes other factors such as music and
literature less important signifiers and perhaps partly because Christianity and Germanic
culture are not integral parts of society. In Japan, people who have heard the term "Goth"
usually assume that it refers to "Gothic Lolita", except for the Goths themselves, who
strongly emphasize the differences. (Likewise, some western observers incorrectly assume
that "Gothloli" is the Japanese version of "Goth".)

However, due to the popularity of Gothloli from around 2001–2004 and its continued
acceptance by many young girls, Goth nightclubs and events increasingly include Gothic
Lolita elements in order to attract more customers. Thus many Japanese "Goth Clubs" will
also feature a guest DJ playing J-pop and Visual Kei music, tea and cakes in the chill-out
room, doll decorations, and other items designed to appeal to the Gothloli sense of
European nostalgia.

Anime and Manga

Due to the popularity of this cute style with many fans of Japanese animation and comics,
characters dressed in the "Gothloli" style may be found in numerous anime and manga.
Some of the most prominent are Paradise Kiss, Le Portrait de Petit Cossette, Rozen
Maiden, Tsukuyomi - Moon Phase, Othello, Chobits, xxxHOLiC, and Pitaten. Most of
these titles appeal primarily to male fans rather than the gothlolis themselves. However,
large numbers of gothloli girls are visible at manga events such as comiket. They often buy
doujinshi based upon their favourite bands, dolls and movie characters; and some are
interested in other kinds of cosplay apart from goth loli style.

Movies
The main character in Shimotsuma Monogatari (or Kamikaze Girls as it is known in the
English language release) dressed in the "Gothloli" style.

from : japaneselifestyle.com.au
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Lolita es una moda urbana inspirada, principalmente, por la vestimenta y los estilos de los
periodos Rococó y Victoriano. Se inició en Japón en los años 80’s y ha evolucionado
bastante desde entonces. Hoy en día, la Moda Lolita ha crecido y vuelto relativamente
popular alrededor del mundo.
Mientras que la mayoría de las modas están abiertas a varias interpretaciones, el término
Lolita es usado exclusivamente para describir a un muy específico “look” creado
respetando un número de estrictas indicaciones y principios. Las “reglas” de la Moda
Lolita no existen para limitar a quien quiera usarla sino para calificar lo que hace a un
vestuario Lolita. Sin embargo, dentro de estas mismas reglas hay una variedad de estilos,
es decir, dependiendo del estilo de Lolita que se elija se seguirán ciertos principios, por
así decirlo.
Gothic Lolita es, probablemente, el estilo que más se asocia con la Moda Lolita fuera de
Japón. Varias veces es referida como GothLoli o EGL; el término GothLoli es correcto
mientras se aplique como subgénero de la Moda Lolita y no como un todo, en cambio
EGL son las siglas para el término Elegant Gothic Lolita, quien fue acuñado por el músico
japonés Mana para describir su línea de ropa específicamente.
El término “Lolita” puede ser mal interpretado por aquellos que lo escuchan o leen por
primera vez, debido a la connotación de la novela de Vladimir Nabokov “Lolita”, lo cual
cambia el significado del nombre para la mayoría de la gente, sobretodo en este lado del
mundo. Generalmente se asume que el nombre de la moda viene de una distorsión del
significado mientras que no es nada más que una palabra prestada del inglés; en el caso
de la moda, el término “Lolita” únicamente se refiere a la personalidad de un niño (una
niña en este caso) o su vestimenta, también es usado por la belleza o la ternura del
nombre. La Moda Lolita no se trata de lucir sexy, sino de verse tierna o elegante.
Además de ser una moda, algunas personas disfrutan vivir un “Estilo de Vida Lolita”, en
donde uno ve el Lolita más como una filosofía de vivir hermosamente en vez de
solamente vestirla. Alguien viviendo este Estilo de Vida Lolita tratará de vivir como una
princesa, rodeándose de cosas de belleza y tomando parte en un número de actividades
“propiamente” femeninas; tales como hornear, bordar, coser entre otras actividades
antiguas de mujeres.
Para conocer más sobre la historia de la Moda Lolita, lean este artículo (si saben inglés).
Si tienen problemas con el idioma puedo poner un artículo traducido si lo desean :)
 Gothic Lolita is one of Japan's many popular street fashions that is
growing in popularity in the Western world today. The style often is
meant to make the wearer look doll-like, sweet and/or elegant. But,
behind this fashion is a lifestyle. Here's how to not only dress like but
be Gothic Lolita.

1.

1
Throw away any pre misconceptions you may have! Gothic Lolita
is not necessarily related to what you think of as "Goth", nor does it
have anything to do with pedophilia. The fashion and the lifestyle do
not contain sexual connotations. Followers of the fashion do not
consider it to be a sexual style. Instead, adherents present
themselves as young Victorian girls and consider it necessary to
look "cute," "beautiful," or "elegant" rather than "sexy."

2.

2
You may want to purchase one of the Gothic & Lolita Bibles
from a Japanese bookstore, comic book store or online. These
magazines are a great resource for anyone interested in the style. If
you don't have the funds to spend 15 to 20 dollars on one of the
 Bibles, visit one or more of the listed External Links for more
information on what exactly "Gothic Lolita" is. It's good to have a
strong foundation regarding what the style consists of before you
attempt to dress in that way.

3.

Sweet Lolitas, in contrast to the black of Gothic Lolita

Invest in a few essential items. These include (but are not limited
to) a white blouse and/or a black blouse (depending on what style
your wardrobe is leaning towards), one or two full skirts, a good
petticoat, bloomers, and knee-high or over-the-knee socks. Blouses
vary with style, for sweet you may want a peter pan collar, for classic
you may want a high collar. Other elements to look for in a blouse
are a nice, tailored look, puff or cap sleeves, a bib or yoke, pintucks,
ruffles or a decent amount of lace, and perhaps a neck bow if you
wish. The skirts must be around knee length and full enough to fit a
petticoat underneath. Also, make sure that the skirt fits on your waist
or a little below it, but not at your hips. In order to get the right
silhouette, the skirt must sit at the natural waist. After you have
these, expand into other colors than black and white. A good
petticoat is NOTHING like a square dancing petticoat. A-Line or Bell
shaped is recommended. Hoop skirts and light slips will not fill out
the skirt correctly.

4.
 4
Get a good pair of shoes and/or boots. Appropriate shoes include
the classic Mary-Janes and Mary-Jane inspired shoes, platforms,
chunky heels or espadrilles that cover your whole foot. If you're a
beginner, you should invest in a good pair of Mary-Janes, as they
will always be acceptable (assuming they're real Mary-Jane type
shoes, not fetish Mary-Jane 'inspired'). The heels should be as wide
as the natural heel itself. Stiletto heels are sometimes acceptable, if
comfortable and not too high. Wedge heels might be acceptable as
long as the shape of the shoe is appropriate. If possible, you may go
for these kind of shoes on platforms, as long as they are not meant
to be fetish shoes.

5.

5
Headpieces are a key part of your outfit. Headdresses can be
simple headbands (Alice bands), or more elaborate pieces
decorated with ribbons, lace or flowers. The most common are the
Alice Bow (one large on on top of your head, or two smaller ones off
to the side), the basic headdress (an oval or rectangle of fabric
embellished with ribbon or lace), and mini-hats/crowns/flowers worn
at an angle. Whatever you choose to go with, you must make sure
that the headpiece goes well with your outfit. Attention to detail is
very important. The fabric and lace or other ornaments on the
headpiece must match those of your outfit, yet must not compete
with everything else.

6.
 6
A purse is usually a functional accessory to have. Bag options
are endless as long as they match your outfit. Parasols, bags,
jewelry, nails and makeup can make the outfit more spectacular and
interesting. If you are going to get a parasol though, make sure you
invest in a good sized parasol that will compliment you and will also
protect you from the sun. Please avoid lace craft/wedding parasols
or toy parasols available at your local toy store. They make the outfit
look very costume-like and that's not what we are going for. The
outfits are meant to be clothes, NOT costumes.

7.

7
Hair is important. Use references to see what hairstyle works for
you - and wigs are always an option! Bangs (fringe), ringlets, long
hair and pigtails are common. Wild, unnatural color is optional.

8.

8
Look at stores like H&M, Target, Forever 21 and even TJ Maxx -
popular or trend stores like these often have nice blouses,
skirts and stockings that can be considered Lolita. You do not
have to pay 25,000 yen for a dress from Japan. You can often find
many things to work in with a Lolita coordinate for under $30.
9.

9
Try to look as natural as possible. Anyone can wear Lolita, but
having raccoon eyes or hot pink eyeshadow does not look good with
your classic style Innocent World jumperskirt. Try to match your
makeup to the style. Gothic? Dramatic deep eyeshadow and a
crimson lip work well. Country? Natural, light makeup and pink
cheeks do the trick. But no matter what, do not use whiteface
makeup. It looks very costume-like and horrible, and only 80's era
goths are known and should be known for doing that.

10.

10
Be confident! Don't take anything from anyone; don't let people
make fun of you. If someone makes a rude comment, reply with a
smile or ignore the person. Getting angry is a bad response. If you
are having trouble being confident to go out this way, don't wear
Lolita.