When I first started wearing lolita fashion, I was certain that I wanted to be a “lifestyle lolita.” At the time, my work allowed me to wear my main pieces in a formal office setting. Now I probably wouldn’t call what I was wearing a “coordinate” but it did allow me to get much more use out of my clothes.
My current job doesn’t allow me the same flexibility, but I still wear my lolita wardrobe as often as I can. Sometimes this means dressing up for a trip to the grocery store. Sometimes it means lounging in a cutsew OP around the house. Would I post these on Instagram or call them “lolita?” Probably not, but I think it’s important to show the myraid ways that we can enjoy this fashion. Here are some of the ways I wear my clothes outside of the bounds of a “lolita coordinate.”
No petticoat
The first advice that most beginner guides give is that lolita fashion is typically defined by it’s distinctive silhouette. Without a petticoat, dresses and skirts just look a little flat. Of course, if you’re just trying to grab coffee or run errands, that’s perfect. Don’t be afraid to skip the petticoat if you’re just wearing something casually.
Cardigan, no blouse
It’s a little usual to see shirts or blouses under dresses in Western fashion (although the 90s revival is leading to a rise in white t-shirts under spaghetti strap dresses). If you want to look a little dressed up without the usual attention lolita fashion brings, just throw on a sweater and skip the socks with your shoes. This outfit wouldn’t look out of place grabbing brunch or even in some offices.
No blouse (sundress)
While most lolitas wear blouses under jumperskirts, simple sleeveless dresses like this one from Leur Getter make a great sundress. I threw this on to walk my dog and got several compliments rather than questions about what I was wearing.