Lolita fashion is wonderful because within the confines of the “rules“, we can create a wide range of coordinates. Naturally, this means that lolitas rarely agree about anything. Debates rage about silly things (like whether or not knees are allowed in the fashion) to the much more serious (whether Angelic Pretty or Jane Marple makes better chocolate prints).
As I pondered the raging lolita debates, I was struck by a simple, elegant thing that unites all lolitas, thanks to April’s theme from blog circle Bibliotheca: “Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.” Behold, my tidy thesis:
Floral prints are the one things lolitas can agree on.
Okay, I can already hear the naysayers. “Jenna, I don’t have ANY florals in my wardrobe. I NEVER wear flowers.” I understand that literally not every lolita will love every floral print produced, but in theory, any lolita could fit florals into their wardrobe. Whether kuro or shiro, gothic or sweet, old school or OTT sweet, florals are there are for you. But don’t take my word for it.
Every major Japanese brand has produced floral prints.
Florals have been with us since the inception of the fashion. Early lolita brands used floral prints because they were commercially available. These prints would have added interest to dresses without the need for complicated, time consuming sewing techniques. Plus, florals instantly read girly and cute, perfect for a hyper feminine fashion.
Even after Japanese brands began producing their own prints, flowers remained a popular choice.
It’s also amazing to see just how florals get used by different brands. While all over prints are popular, florals also appear as border prints, in lace, as appliques, screen prints, and more. Even if florals aren’t the main focus of a print, they make their way into the little details in all kinds of pieces.
All substyles can use floral prints.
Aside from solid colored pieces, it’s hard to think of a motif or theme that all of the major substyles could use. Even though different substyles use florals in different ways, florals manage to work in every substyle.
I know I’m a little biased as a Classic (TM), but it’s hard to argue with brand stock photos.
Floral prints are produced in every colorway.
Seriously, what can’t florals do?
There’s room for floral prints in every wardrobe.
One of the great things about florals is there’s just so many of them. This means that you can find florals at virtually every price point, in every color, in every substyle.
So even if florals aren’t your favorite, I hope that you give them a chance as the great equalizer in lolita fashion.