Why Don't I Wear Lolita Fashion More Often?

©Misako Aoki

I have asked myself this very question many times, especially recently and it is a question many Lolita's ponder during the course of their fashion life.

Once you begin to build your wardrobe the desire to wear lolita more often only grows larger, at least in my opinion. It is only a nature progression that one would want to wear lolita style clothes more often. Unfortunately, there are numerous factors that can cause complications to inhibit that wish. Here are my 5 reasons why.

​Work

Ah yes, work. Now that I am out of school I have even less opportunity to wear lolita. I work full-time during the week and therefore I am only able to wear lolita on weekends. While my current position does not have a strict dress code, my "princess fashion" isn't entirely appropriate outside of Halloween. On the plus side I did make quite an impression and earned the nickname "Princess Callista" after our costume party! Talk about an excellent perk.

©Misako Aoki

Impracticality

While lolita is a beautiful, expressive and an adorable fashion it is extremely impractical for the modern age. From the requirement of multi-layers to bloomers and petticoats, the 21st century is not particularly kind to a lolita's needs. In the heat of Summer, the layer requirements are less than ideal. When I meet up with my friends to grab a bite to eat downtown many of the restaurants are not petticoat friendly and, when we use public transportation, the same inconvenience applies. Still, I absolutely love the elegance and extravagance that the lolita fashion style inspires!
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Time Consuming

Lolita is an arduous task. First, you must plan your coordinate. What wig, shoes, tights/socks, blouse, dress, petticoat shape, and accessories do you wish to wear? You dress in your bloomers and petticoat essentials before the planned coordinate is even adorned. Next, it is time for make-up. After all, one must be presentable in such finery. By the time your transformation is complete, you have invested real time into the consideration of your look. Often, I opt for something less complicated to wear during my downtime to turn my attention to my other hobbies. When I can find the time to dress in lolita the experience is that much more of an award.
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Wardrobe Limitations

It's a fact -- I have a limited lolita wardrobe. While I have enough in my possession for a full week of coordinates, that is where my versatility ends. Additionally, my wardrobe is not stocked for certain types of weather. Currently, in my part of the world, it is Winter. My severe lack of any lolita style boots or coat limits my ability to wear lolita in cool temperatures. Thankfully, this particular reason can easily be fixed with additionally wardrobe pieces! Who doesn't love the excuse to buy pieces?
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Illness

Last, but certainly not least, is my fifth and final limitation. Illness. I don't want to bore you with the details of my illness, but one of the variables I struggle with daily is chronic fatigue and chronic pain. The amount of energy and willpower required to even get dressed in normal clothing is a battle. An attempt to dress in the extravagance of lolita is often too much. While this struggle is one that I will be most likely unable to conquer, it is one that I will never stop attempting to.
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And there you have it! What prevents you from wearing lolita more often?

Stay Frilly,