Cosplay Or Lolita Fashion, The Continuous Convention Conundrum!

Anime and gaming conventions are a fantastic opportunity and excuse to dress up, purchase some awesome gear, and to connect with others who love these interest in addition to Japanese pop culture. When I attend conventions, I have been extremely fortunate to be able to connect with anime lovers and lolita fashionistas alike! As I plan my panel and meet up schedule, one question is the most important of all the rest.

The question is:
​Should I wear cosplay, or lolita?

©Nuigulumar Z

Decisions, decisions.

©Nuigulumar Z

This question is always at the forefront of my mind as I make my plans to attend a convention. This question is, admittedly, much easier to answer when I plan to attend the convention for multiple days! If I plan to be at the convention for only about one day, I truly have my work cut out for me! Thankfully, there are a small number of tried and true ways to make a definitive choice between my favorite Japanese fashion style, and the costume of a much-admired character!
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1. It's all about the location!

When I plan to attend a convention, it is always important to note where the convention will take place. How far is the convention that I would like to attend? Is it a convention where I can dress up for in the morning? Is the convention far away? Will I have to pack an overnight bag, or a bag for several days since the event is across such a great distance? This information is extremely vital when I plan to wear an elaborate costume, or require space in my suitcase for a petticoat or two!
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2. What's on the Agenda?

What panels and events are going on the day when I will be at the convention? Are there any particular panels that are of interest to me? Are there any lolita related panels or meets? What cosplay events will occur? Will there be any lolita or cosplay related photo shoots on site? All of these questions will help to determine if a lolita coordinate or a costume would be a good fit.
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3. How many opportunities Exist?

I ask myself, how many opportunities will I get the chance to wear cosplay? Will I be able to attend multiple conventions this year? Will there be any cosplay meet-ups in my area? How active has my local lolita fashion group been? Since I have an active fashion group, as well as plenty of weekends that provide as an excuse to wear my favorite street fashion, these questions often are pro cosplay.
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4. What is my crew up to?

Conventions allow me to hang out with some of my greatest and dearest friends! I must ask what are my friends up to? Do we have a group cosplay planned? Will my friends be in lolita coordinates, or will I have an opportunity to twin with another lolita? How absolutely exciting!
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5. Quite simply, excitement!

Perhaps the greatest question of all would be, am I more excited for my cosplay, or my lolita coordinate? If I am excited for a specific costume or coordinate, well, the answer is rather obvious!

What are your tips and tricks in order to decide between lolita fashion or cosplay? I would love to hear of your decision making process. I hope you all have a fantastic time at your local conventions!

Stay Frilly,