Faux Pas Lolita Trends? Only Time Will Tell...

In the lolita fashion world, many trends have come and gone. Some are even revitalized. Recently, as in the last two years, there has been many significant trends. I would like to dedicate this post on the trends that stand out and impacted the fashion. You're probably wondering where these trends came from. A significant number of them are because of Japanese lolita brands. Afterall, they are the greatest influence. That brings us to the many Japanese fashions that exist out there and are heavily influenced by brands. The different fashions and brands influence one another and it is no surprise that you would find overlap. Few of the ever existing trends came from individual lolitas. Today, Tumblr remains the largest source of lolita inspiration. By following the right people, you're then part of a close knitted fashion community, therefore, you quickly pick up what other lolitas are up to when it comes to their clothes.

Note: the word "trend" is used loosely.


Long Sheer Overdresses / Peignoirs

(IMG SOURCE: http://fake-choco.livejournal.com/)

Borrowed from the cult party style, these dresses are meant to be worn over printed dresses to create a fairy-like outfit. This wasn't a popular trend, if i can ever called it that, but I have a feeling it will be. This trend is currently not very active. However, Angelic Pretty has implemented a similar concept to their dresses. Remember Angelic Pretty's Day Dream Carnival print? Specifically the "tiered" dress? Do you see a similarity? How about their upcoming Crystal Dream Carnival tiered dress? Angelic Pretty took the idea even further, if you look.

Veils

(IMG SOURCE: http://www.babyssb.co.jp/)

This trend is BABY, THE STARS SHINE BRIGHT specific. They're currently the only ones releasing head wear with veils. BABY has a history of releasing wedding dresses that come with veils, but recently stepped out of that box. Namely, Labyrinth in the Reminiscent Mirror and other popular series released this year thus far. Some lolitas that attended the lolita fashion convention, Enchanted, wore veils and maybe this trend will become popular because of it.

Overly Fake Hair Extensions

(IMG SOURCE: http://kerashop.jp/)

Not very notable I have to say. Its a small bleep on the Japanese trend radar.

Wedges

(IMG SOURCE: http://yaplog.jp/ap-kanazawa/)

This was something Angelic Pretty experimented with. It didn't sell too well, so you can guess whether this trend was popular or not. It looked funny at most angles. I am not a huge fan of Angelic Pretty boots, they're usually awkward.

Sashes

(IMG SOURCE: http://sporkii.tumblr.com/)

Another trend that started with Angelic Pretty. Day Dream Carnival was the first series that featured a sash as a limited item, followed by Musee du Chocolat. The sashes sold and was a hit, which means Angelic Pretty will be making more. Due to its popularity, a handful of lolitas started making their own sashes. This trend is very much alive.

Rosette Pins

(IMG SOURCE: http://mossbadger.storenvy.com/)

This trend may have started with Angelic Pretty's Chocolate Rosette series. It can also be borrowed from pop and fairy kei(style) because both of those fashions use rosette rather predominately. I would have to go with the latter. Right now, the store "Moss Badger" is selling theirs like hot cakes.

Harlequin Patterned Legwear

(IMG SOURCE: http://www.babyssb.co.jp/)

One of the oldest trends and patterns used in lolita fashion. It will be sticking around for a while. This pattern is used mostly in pirate lolita, goth lolita, kodona, and ouji.

Split Wigs

(IMG SOURCE: http://www.dolluxe.com/)

This trend was popular approx. two years ago and slowly died off. Very few lolitas wear split wigs nowadays. This trend caters to sweet lolitas mostly.

Bright Colored Wigs

(IMG SOURCE: http://lockshopwigs.com/) 

Like the split wigs, the bright and colorful ones are trendy because of so many sweet lolitas are preferring them over natural hair colors. This trend is still alive but more toned down. The colors are no longer as bright, but muted.

Virgin Mary Halo

(IMG SOURCE: http://apatico.net/)

The hottest trend right now. Perfect for religious themed prints. Made popular by a handful of lolitas that attended Enchanted.

Scepters

(IMG SOURCE: http://www.babyssb.co.jp/)

Another trend by BABY. Ever since BABY came out with their scepter, they have been selling them non-stop and selling out everytime. This prop is very popular right now. Many lolitas have made their own scepters if they do not own one of these. 

If you have noticed a pattern while reading this article, royalty seems to be the trending theme. The next trend will be long velvet cloaks...?

Other notable trends:
Grimoire Tights
Realistic Food Jewelry
Long Underskirts