How Old is Too Old for Lolita? An Opinion by a Tricenarian

As the date of my birthday ebbed closer, this topic began to creep into my mind. Apparently, a few other Lolitas in the online community are revisiting this topic as well. The question is:

How old is too old?

Is there an expiration date for this fashion?

What Makes Lolita Fashion Unique?

As an alternative fashion style, it is easy to see that lolita fashion is unique. The overall feminine, modest, and carefully coordinated outfits truly make a statement. Especially when compared to mainstream western fashion styles, there are a few details that set lolita fashion apart.

✓ A-line or Bell-shaped Silhouettes
✓ ​Uniquely Rococo and Victorian Inspired Pieces
✓ Bold Storytelling Prints
✓ Well Made Pieces
✓ High-Quality Materials

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Some additional attributes that set lolita apart for me personally involve the creative freedom that is available. I adore the fact that I can accessories so completely with lolita. I also appreciate that I am able to play with multiple patterns and colors with a single complete lolita outfit.

©Gothic & Lolita Bible, Misako Aoki

My Society's Expectations

Especially when this fashion is compared to current western trends, lolita fashion stands out. The most common utterance I overhear are that the clothes I choose to wear resembles a costume. I can see that this is the case when compared to most standard western clothing. Many times, the people who express this are impressed to learn that my fashion is an alternative clothing style from Japan.

Aside from the over the top features, it is often expressed that the style is very youthful or childish. While my estimated age is never guessed, which I could only credit my wigs and my youthful personality, it is always surprising to me that such an elegant style is considered "childish".

Now that I am thirty years old, I have noticed that the western suggestions from American clothing companies have changed as well. This is especially clear to me when I look at online Google and other similar advertisements. While these companies seem to grasp the concept that I prefer a printed dress in a modest style, these suggestions are a far cry from the lolita aesthetic.
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© Old Navy

© Misako Aoki

© Old Navy

While these suggestions by Old Navy are fashionable, they are just not a style I am interested in wearing. I still prefer multiple clothing layers, a full skirt, and the creative freedom lolita gives me. While I may consider a similar simplistic style for work and everyday use, it is more likely that I will naturally gravitate to fashion styles with more common features as lolita, such as Otome-Kei.
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My Overall Opinion Is

I do not believe someone is to anything for lolita fashion, least of all for something as trivial as your age. I have seen mothers who coordinate with their young daughters. I have seen grandmothers create elegant and impressive Lolita looks, and young women still in high school enter the fashion. Life is far too short to wear conventional clothing. My personality fits the lolita aesthetic very well, especially Sweet lolita. While I may age into a more Classic Lolita fashion style or a more mature Sweet Lolita style, I cannot see this transformation occurring any time soon. lolita is all about expression. The ability to wear such feminine, sweet and cute clothes brings me great happiness! I believe this is infectious. Many times the reactions to my clothing style are overwhelmingly positive!

I believe that confidence is key. If you are confident in your clothes, people can pick up on that assurance. If someone feels that you are too, well anything, to do what you love then ignore them. There are far too many people out there in the world who will support you for your courage and creativity. Surround yourself with people who inspire, respect, drive, support and empower you!
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In conclusion

Do what you love and what makes you happy. Your choice of style is not going to harm anyone. If this means that you will wear over the top Sweet Lolita for the rest of your life, then do it! While I share that vision, I do realize that fashion is changing and evolving. If I evolve and I wish to take a different turn with similar styles, those desires will be based on my personal journey, but not my age.
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What is your opinion? Do you feel that there may be people who are too old to wear lolita fashion? Have you personally found yourself questioning if you are aging out of lolita? Let me know below!

​Stay Frilly,