Here is an updated version of my previous Gothic Lolita Introduction.

In today's article, I am going to talk about five things that Lolita newbies should know about Gothic Lolita.

• 1. What is Gothic Lolita?
• 2. What are EGL and EGA?
• 3. Some misunderstandings about Gothic Lolita
• 4. 10 Recommended Gothic Lolita Coordinates
• 5. Where can you buy Gothic Lolita items?

1. What is Gothic Lolita?

Gothic Lolita (ゴスロリ) is a substyle of Lolita fashion. It originates from the Gothic subculture in Europe. After being absorbed by Japan, it has become an artistic style completely different from that of the Gothic subculture. Its formal term is 'Gothic and Lolita'. People can also call it 'GothLoli' in short.

Gothic Lolita is a combination of many different styles. In addition to Gothic style and Lolita style, it also integrates with many other items, like Romanticism, Metaphysics, Mysticism, Super-naturalism, Oddity, Curiosity, and so on.

Its clothing is mainly black, white, red and pink. It is usually dark, but there is also 'white Goth'. There are no hard-and-fast rules as to the make-up and hairstyle of a Gothic Lolita. But its accessories usually have a special meaning, such as roses, skeletons, butterflies, spiders, and the white wings that symbolize the angel, the black wings that symbolize the demon. Also, it includes some items like vampires, bloodstains, scars, churches, clock towers, and antique figures.

And you can read the more detailed information in my last post. It is about the history and development of Gothic Lolita.

2. What are EGL and EGA ?

EGL and EGA were first proposed by the original Goth ---- Mana.

EGL is short for Elegant Gothic Lolita. It was the original Gothic style influenced by the later Baroque style, with the elegance and splendor of the continental nobility and empire palaces. Then, Mana added elements of "angels and demons" to make Gothic Lolita more gorgeous inclining visual effects. (PHOTO as follows)

EGA is short for Elegant Gothic Aristocrat. The original meaning of the word 'Aristocrat' is "bisexual". Influenced by Rococo Style after the Baroque style, EGA is more slender and delicate. Compared with proto-Gothic, it has fewer Gothic elements than EGL and is mainly cross-dressing, with men often disguised as women. (Mana, who promotes EGA, is male himself.) Its clothing has more ruffles and lace. What's more, there's not much gender difference in this style. (PHOTO as follows)

3. Some misunderstandings about Gothic Lolita

3.1. Gothic Lolita is a kind of Cosplay?

Actually, neither Gothic Lolita nor any other kind of Lolita Fashion has anything to do with Cosplay.

Cosplay is the imitation of the appearance and clothing of characters in existing works. While, Gothic Lolita or Lolita Fashion stresses more the importance of individual traits. Their biggest difference is that one is dressing for others, while the other is dressing for the wearer himself/herself.

3.2. Gothic Lolita is a type of Goth?

Although Gothic Lolita is a metamorphosis of the Gothic subculture after the 1980s in Europe, there are significant differences between these two styles. To put it simply, Goth is a music-based subculture, but Gothic Lolita is a fashion-based subculture.

3.3. Only Asian people can wear Gothic Lolita Clothes?

Well, Gothic Lolita or any other Lolita fashion style is just clothing. It means as long as you wear Lolita dresses out of respect and appreciation, you certainly can do that.

Different people wearing the same clothes will have different effects. So, people not from Asia may have their own styles in Gothic Lolita clothes.

3.4. Gothic Lolita must follow a strict dress code？

My understanding is no.

Despite the fact that the guidelines for Gothic Lolita are sometimes a little more complicated than other fashions, it doesn’t matter to not comply with that 100% if you have a moderate grasp on the fashion. Usually, an experienced Gothic Lolita can coordinate his/her own outfits according to their preferences.

4. 10 Recommended Gothic Lolita Coordinates

4.1. Blue / Red Twins Square Neckline Short Puff Sleeves Lolita Dress OP Full Set

Features: It features a square neckline, short puff sleeves, empire waist, and ruffled hemline lolita dress. 

Color: Blue / Red

Fabric: Polyester

Recommended Accessories: one white wig, blue/red Twins Lolita Dress matching hairband, sleeves and back bowknot, a white handbag, and a pair of white stockings and black high heels.

4.2. Insects Note Elastic Waist Drawstring Hemline Gothic Lolita SK

Features: It features an eyelet lace-up on both sides of the waist, back with a lace-up, and a fish-bone corset.

Color: Black / White

Fabric: Polyester.

Recommended Accessories: one white or pink wig, one black or white blouse, one corset with the same style, a pair of stockings, and Mary Jane shoes.

4.3. Defender Criss-cross front Gothic Lolita Dress JSK

Features: It features a square neckline, criss-cross front, bowknot on the waist, ruffled shoulder straps, tulle overlayer on prints skirt, flounce hemline Lolita dress. There is a shirring back and the dress can stretch a few centimeters.

Color: Beige / Black

Fabric: Polyester

Recommended Accessories: one wig, one Ode to the Cross Lolita Dress Matching Hairband, one Trumpet Sleeves Blouse, one pair of white stockings, and black Mary Jane shoes.

4.4. Gothic Square Neckline Lolita Dress JSK Full Set

Features: It features a square neckline with a self-tie design, a front collar with detachable bow tie decoration, sleeveless, asymmetrical flounce hem, and print design.

Color: Red / Black

Recommended Accessories: one orange long curly wig, one Gothic Lolita Lace Metal Chain Choker, one Gothic Lolita Dress JSK Matching Wine Red Long Sleeves Blouse, a pair of black socks, and high heels.

4.5. Dark Night Cross Gothic Lolita OP

Features: It features no shirring and back zipper.

Color: Black

Fabric: Lace and jacquard

Recommended Accessories: one blond long wig, one pair of white stockings, and a pair of light gold shoes.

4.6. Soul Eater Palace Halloween Gothic Square Neckline Lolita Dress JSK

Features: It features a square neckline with lace trim, a high waist, back with shirring, flounce hem, and print design.

Color: Black & White / Blue & Purple / Wine Red

Recommended Accessories: one DIY Lolita Headpiece Accessories, one Soul Eater Palace Gothic Lolita Dress JSK Matching Long Sleeves Blouse, one Soul Eater Palace Halloween Gothic Lolita Dress JSK Matching Long Hooded Cape, and a pair of black boots.

4.7. Sweetheart Neckline Detachable Long-Tailed Girdle JSK

Features: A elegant Gothic JSK features a detachable girdle that has a long tail and decorative buckle, a Cami-style bodice, irregular hemline on one side, shirring back, and lace-up back.

Color: Black & Brown / Black & Red / Purple

Fabric: Blender of regenerated fiber and spandex; Lining: Cotton

Recommended Accessories: one dark long wig, one hairband with the same color, one Handmade Gothic Gorgeous Purgatory Fire Skull Brooch, a black blouse with long sleeves, and a pair of black boots.

4.8. Church Stained Long Sleeves Lolita Dress OP

Features: Stand collar, long sleeves, prints skirt Lolita dress

Color: White / Black

Fabric: Polyester

Recommended Accessories: a dark wig, one hat with the same style, a pair of black stockings and high heels.

4.9. Apocalypse Square Neckline Short Sleeves Classic Lolita Dress OP 

Features: It features a square neckline, short sleeves, bowknot decoration on the empire waist, big bowknot on the back, and flounce hemline.

Color: Light blue / Dark blue / Black

Fabric: Chiffon

Recommended Accessories: A Bunch of Guns Elegant Lolita Dress Matching KC, one dark wig, one Sands of Dawn Hime Lolita Dress Matching Necklace, a pair of Black Wave Point Lolita Crystal Stockings, and a pair of shoes in the same color.

4.10. Baphomet's Dream Lolita Dress JSK

Features: It features a square neckline with ruffles, bowknots front, empire waist, tulle overlay on the skirt elegant lolita dress. There is a shirring back and the dress can stretch a few centimeters. Custom size available.

Fabric: Polyester

Recommended Accessories: one red long wig, one handmade headpiece, a black blouse with a ruffled round neckline and short sleeves, and a pair of black middle heels.

5. Where can you buy Gothic Lolita items?

You can Click Gothic Lolita to find more Gothic Lolita clothes and their accessories on our website.