Your First Lolita Meet-Up; What to Expect and How to Make It a Success!

©Gothic & Lolita Bible

It is always fun to make new friends!

Lolita meet-ups are a great way to meet up with other local Lolitas in your immediate area! Meetups allow you to interact with others that are into the same fashion. At a lolita meet you can often discuss recent dress releases, trade accessories and apparel and show of your lolita coordinate. Many times meet-ups have a common goal or theme, such as a twinning challenge or a swap meet. Each experience is different and I truly enjoy being able to participate in my local lolita gatherings!

Before You Go...

Your first meetup is a lot of fun to attend and it is an experience many continue to treasure. You may be excited, nervous, or a strange combination of the two. These feelings are completely natural. Before you attend your meetup, there are a few things you may want to check off your to-do list.
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1. Connect with the meetup coordinator

It is always a good idea to be in touch with the person who is coordinating the event. The host of the meet will be able to provide you with the details and agenda of the event. This is helpful knowledge to plan your attendance and ensure you have a good understanding of the meetup. The meetup host will be able to express any cost that may incur for the meet as well. If the gathering has a special theme, such as an old school coordinate challenge or a twinning event, the person who is in charge of organizing the event will be able to express the details.

For special events, the meetup coordinator will be able to give you a general cost approximation. Some events may include a specified event, cafe or restaurant. If you can attend a special meetup, it is always preferable to state that you will be in attendance sooner rather than later. Many times, special events need an accurate headcount and pre-payment for your attendance. The more accurate the number of the attendees, and the funds to secure the event, the better!
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2. Plan Your Visit

It is a lolita meet-up, so lolita fashion is preferable and the most fun! Lolita is fun to wear among others in frilly attire. Select a coordinate to showcase your most recent dress or your favorite skirt. Choose a coordinate that will complement the theme of the meetup. Be sure to pay attention to every aspect of your appearance also, as you will want to make a favorable impression.

If you do not have lolita style clothes to wear, do not fret! Many times, people who are interested in the fashion attend meetups. This is especially so if the meetup is open to the public and if it is not a gathering for a specified event or theme. Feel free to dress on the nicer side. A simple blouse paired with a nice pair of pants or a skirt will allow you to blend with the other members of the gathering. This is especially important for group photographs or videos. Either way, be sure to dress your best!
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3. Pack Your Essentials

In addition to your coordinate, there are additional items that you may need. Some of these articles may include your wallet, a parasol, car keys, camera, cellphone, comb, small emergency sewing kit, required papers such as a ticket or receipt to attend a special event and networking business cards.
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At The Meet Up

No doubt you have planned this day out to the finest detail. As you secure your final shoe strap and curl the friendly spiral around your awaiting finger, you can scarcely wait to arrive at the lolita meet!
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1. Strike Up A Conversation

The largest aspect of the meetup is to mingle with others who adore the same fashion that you do. This gathering allows you to meet new people, forge new friendships and be able to chat about the latest lolita fashion trends, name brand releases or the latest lolita-related news!

Do you need a few ideas to strike up a conversation? Here are some statements to get you started!
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✓ Compliment a fellow Lolita on their overall coordinate
✓ Compliment a fellow Lolita on aspects of their coordinate
✓ Inquire what brand a fellow Lolita's dress is from
✓ Inquire what the title of a fellow Lolita's dress is called
✓ Inquire where your fellow Lolita purchases various aspects of their coordinate
✓ Ask a fellow Lolita about their thoughts on a particular recent dress release
✓ Ask a fellow Lolita if they where they prefer to acquire items (Taobao, brand, Lace Market)
✓ Inquire what online communities the fellow Lolita is a part of
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Group conversations are often lead by the host of the event and fueled by extroverted individuals within the group. If you tend to be on the quieter side, you may contribute to the conversation with simple remarks or questions, which will allow the stream of conversation to continue its course.
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2. Connect With Someone New

If you attend a meetup with another Lolita that you know, or even just a friend for moral support, be sure to strike up a conversation with someone new! One of the perks of an in-person lolita meetup is to see new faces, build beginning relationships and forge new friendships. Do not ignore your friend by any means, but do allow yourself to remain open to new conversations and new potential friends.
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3. Be Polite

Mind your manners! As with all social events do be sure to implement all of the lessons you have been taught by your parents. No one enjoys someone who comes across as rude or inconsiderate.
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Have Fun!

Most importantly, have fun! Be yourself, meet new people and enjoy the bustle of a frilly group!

Do you have any particular concerns about attending you first meet up? Do you also have any advice for a Lolita who has not attended a meet-up as of yet? I would love to read your comments!

​Stay Frilly,