A guide to Lolita terms

✨ Welcome to the enchanting world of Lolita fashion, where the terminology can feel like stepping into a dreamy language all its own! Whether you're a curious beginner or have already dipped your toes into this magical style, it's always helpful to know the common terms that float around the community. So, let’s break it down and make things super cute and simple!✨

Bloomers 💖 While they might not be seen, bloomers are an essential undergarment in Lolita fashion. These cute, frilly shorts are worn under your skirt to maintain modesty (especially with those twirling skirts!) and give you a sense of comfort while keeping your outfit looking voluminous and perfect.

Bonnet 🎀 A bonnet in Lolita fashion isn’t just a simple headpiece—it’s a magical crown of elegance. Inspired by Victorian and Rococo styles, bonnets are often intricately decorated with lace, ribbons, and even flowers. They add a regal, vintage touch to any Lolita look, perfect for days when you want to feel like you’ve just stepped out of a fairytale.

Coord (Coordination) 🌟 The term co-ord is short for “coordination,” and it refers to the process of putting together a Lolita outfit. This can involve mixing and matching dresses, blouses, accessories, and shoes to create a look that’s cohesive and enchanting. A well-coordinated outfit brings together all the magical elements of Lolita, from head to toe.

EGL (Elegant Gothic Lolita) 🌹 Though EGL originally stood for "Elegant Gothic Lolita", it’s not as commonly used for that purpose anymore. Back in the day, it was a term that was synonymous with Lolita fashion in the West, especially on early online communities like Livejournal. These days, though, EGL is more of a nostalgic reference to that community rather than a specific fashion substyle. You’ll rarely hear "Elegant Gothic Lolita" used in conversations, but it still has its place in Lolita history.

Fukubukuro (Lucky Pack) 🎁 In Japan, Fukubukuro means "Lucky Pack." It’s a special grab-bag style sale that many Lolita brands offer, especially around New Year’s. The contents of a Fukubukuro are a mystery—sometimes you’ll get exclusive dresses or leftover items from the year’s collections. The thrill is in the surprise! But remember, while it’s exciting, you could end up with pieces that don’t fit or aren’t quite your style. It’s a bit of a gamble, but that’s part of the fun!

Ita Bag 💕 An Ita bag is a bag with a clear window designed to display all your adorable pins, badges, and charms! Lolitas often use these to showcase their favorite character merch or cute accessories, adding an extra layer of personality and kawaii flair to their outfits. It's a perfect blend of style and fandom love!

JSK (Jumper Skirt) 🌟 The Jumper Skirt, or JSK, is a Lolita staple. It’s a beautiful dress with shoulder straps that allows for versatile styling because it’s designed to be worn with a blouse underneath. You can mix and match different blouses and accessories to create endless looks! The name comes from the idea that you 'jump' into it (how cute is that?). So whether you're feeling sweet, classic, or gothic, the JSK is your go-to for building enchanting outfits with layers of charm.

Lucky Pack 🎀 Similar to Fukubukuro, a Lucky Pack is a grab bag offered by Lolita brands, often at a super discounted price. You usually don’t know what you’ll get until it arrives! It could be a specially designed dress for the Lucky Pack or leftover items from past collections. You could receive an entire outfit’s worth of goodies, but the catch is—it’s all a surprise! You might end up with your dream pieces, or something a little more unexpected.

Off-Brand 🌼 In Lolita fashion, off-brand refers to pieces that aren’t from the well-known Japanese Lolita brands. They might be from smaller or indie brands, or even handmade by a talented seamstress. Don’t worry—off-brand doesn’t mean it’s any less cute! Many Lolitas mix in off-brand pieces to create unique and personal looks.

OOTD (Outfit of the Day) 🌟 OOTD is short for "Outfit of the Day," and while it’s not unique to Lolita, it’s definitely a favorite in the community! It’s a fun way for Lolitas to share their magical looks on social media. So if you're proud of your outfit and feeling extra cute, don’t be shy—snap a pic and share your OOTD!

OP (One Piece) 🌷 The One Piece (or OP) is your all-in-one fairytale look! Unlike the JSK, the OP doesn’t need a blouse because it has sleeves and is complete on its own. It’s a dreamy dress option when you want something simple yet elegant, with just enough detailing to make it magical. Perfect for days when you want to look effortlessly adorable without all the layering.

OTT (Over The Top) 🎀 If you're all about the extra, then OTT is your vibe! OTT stands for “Over The Top,” and it’s exactly what it sounds like—a dazzling, bold style that embraces layers, accessories, and all the flair you can dream of. Think extravagance with everything from oversized bows to multi-layered petticoats, sparkly jewelry, and even themed accessories. OTT Lolita is perfect for when you want to go all-out and make a whimsical statement. ✨

Petticoat 💫 Ever wonder how Lolita skirts get that fluffy, bell shape? That’s where the petticoat comes in! It’s a structured undergarment that gives your skirt that full, voluminous look. The poofier, the better, right? Petticoats are essential to achieving the classic Lolita silhouette, making you feel like you’re walking through a whimsical wonderland with every step.

Prints 🌼 Prints are a defining feature of many Lolita dresses. From cute, whimsical motifs like desserts and animals to intricate designs inspired by fairy tales and Rococo art, prints add a unique charm to each piece. They help tell a story through fashion and can turn any dress into a work of art!

Lolita fashion is a magical journey filled with whimsical details and endless possibilities for self-expression. Now that you’re familiar with the key terms, you’re all set to explore this enchanting style with confidence. Whether you’re building your first JSK look or going OTT with layers of cuteness, remember—Lolita fashion is all about celebrating your individuality and feeling like the cutest, most whimsical version of yourself!

Ready to dive deeper into this dreamy world? Keep exploring, keep styling, and most importantly—stay magical!✨