Everyone has those little secret style crushes that they absolutely adore yet would probably never wear for many reasons. I have them. A lot. Mostly on the unconventional side of things. But instead of just leaving them in the state of fashion crushes because I am far too scared to go whole hog, I like to try and incorporate little accents when I dress myself or do my makeup sometimes, a little proverbial hat-tip to my unconventional side.
So today I wanted to share these slightly unconventional fashion styles that I love, which definitely shows the extremes my wardrobe sometimes has to put up with – my heart is caught somewhere between wanting to be a fairy princess and a hell child.
Lolita Fashion
Where it’s from: Japan
What it’s about: not dressing like a little girl, as most people assume. Rather, it’s sometimes seen as a rebellion against the rise of skin-baring fashion that came about at the same time – a wish to present themselves as cute or elegant rather than for the attention of men, with silhouettes taken from styles of the Victorian Era. It’s a movement that’s spread far beyond Japan now, which is amazing, and has evolved into many sub-styles. Lolita Fashion becomes a bit of a way of life for the girls and boys who dress like this, tea parties and meetups are as common as the stares and criticism they receive. There are also a looooooooooooot of substyles, so generally there’s something for everyone
Why I like it: the dresses are beautiful, gorgeous, and the branded ones are made to such a high standard that it almost justifies the hefty price tag of shop bought brand. Almost. The girls and boys that dress like this look like princes and princesses, and the amount of effort they put into achieve that is so commendable. A typical outfit would include: a dress, a blouse underneath if the dress was of a jumper-skirt style, a petticoat, bloomers, socks, shoes, wig, hair and general accessories. All coordinated. The effort. The aesthetics are stunning.
What inspiration I get from it: generally, I feel really inspired by the people who regularly wear Lolita fashion – it makes me feel a lot braver to wear things I wouldn’t usually. More specifically, I’ll look to the way they accessorise their outfits, cute can go with anything. Lolita Fashion also taught me that twinning is not always a bad thing.
There’s a really brilliant tumblr blog called Lolita Tips that is ace for coordinate inspiration.
Gyaru Fashion
Where it’s from: Japan
What it’s about: Rebellion, as most Japanese fashion subcultures are, only this was a rebellion of the traditional Japanese culture. I’ve seen it described by gal’s across the globe as being a style where Japanese fashionistas try to dress in a more american/californian kind of way It’s had it’s peak, and probably isn’t in for much of a revival anytime soon, seeing as the Korean fashion wave has swept the country.
Why I like it: I’m not fond of all the Gyaru styles, there are a couple of key ones that I don’t really like at all, but the older-sister style and the biker style (ane gyaru) are more up my street. I like them because they’re less OTT, easier to replicate and generally more accessible – way less of a shock factor.
What inspiration I get from it: Makeup tips! Gyaru gals are lash queens. and if you want to learn how to make your eyes look huge, they are definitely your go-to resource. Also I’m pretty sure gal’s birthed the nail deco trend way back when, some of the nails I’ve seen are scary. Awesome, but scary.
Pastel Goth
There’s a buzzfeed article on pastel goth which I found quite an amusing read – but whatever we’re calling this trend (goth lite is quite cute), and despite how popular it is on tumblr, I still wouldn’t say it’s the most conventional.
Why I like it: remember me saying my heart was a cross between fairy princess and hell child? Well yeah, my heart is pretty pastel goth. Baby blue, mint green or lavender, probably.
What inspiration I get from it: the bravery to wear pastel colours and/or white a lot, but still be able to ‘goth it up’ a bit. Summer dresses and spiked garter belts resonate within my soul, apparently. As well as creepy cute jewellery and leather harnesses.
So what do you guys think – have you heard of these trends before, or are there any out there that you take inspiration from sometimes? I’d love to hear about them! Hope you’ve had an awesome monday ๐
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I love the look of pastel goth on other people but I look terrible in pastels. I refer to my look as "sporty goth"COOCOO FOR COCO
I love how so many trends are getting mashed together these days! And I do sympathise, I look absolutely awful in yellows and tones for more tan skin. Sporty-anything is something that I feel I can't pull off very well, so I commend you!Fii x
In complete love with this post(Why don't bloggers talk about this style of fashion more often?!)! Japanese fashion is the absolute cutest <3 xxx She Will Be
Awh thank you! I'm guessing because it's not exactly on the mainstream fashion radar – and I know, they have such diverse styles! I wish the west was as open to expression of self in fashion like Japan is. Fii x
Gyaru fashion is perfection.. Thanks for sharing about this..XOXO,www.fashionerza.com I can rock any outfits, come follow my online diary
Some of the subcategories are certainly a show stopper! If you want to have a look at some more of the style, I suggest searching for egg models or egg magazine! :)Fii x
When I was a teenager, I did a project on Japanese street style and since then I've certainly been influenced to collect an eclectic mix of fashions. Thanks to witnessing the confident take on a plethora of looks that I was faced with during my research, I became rather enthralled with it all. I remember flicking through pictures and being amazed at how colourful and vibrant things were. So much time and effort goes into such styles and I think that is absolutely wonderful. No doubt my project also propelled my wardrobe into pastel mayhem! Oh and also, I loved this post!
I know exactly how you feel! I very very much wish that the UK was as accepting, or at least wouldn't stare so much if you have anything different than a slightly normal look. There has been a ridiculous increase in pastel and frill on one half of my wardrobe, and spikes and roses on the other. I just need to become a little more confident to mash the two together a lot more. Thank youu!Fii x
Lolita fashion is my favorite! I know some people in my university who are into cosplaying and lolita fashion, and some of them are really dedicated to buying as much lolita dresses as they can, some of these people even make these dresses themselves!I was supposed to apply with my friends for the Kawaii Manila (Philippines) fashion show where the models will wear lolita dresses but I got sick and it's too late when I recovered. I hope there would be a Kawaii Manila fashion show again this year because they accept at least 5'2 models.The pastel goth fashion looks great by the way! I love pastel colors and I would love to dye my hair a pastel color someday.
Ahh brand! If I could afford anything Alice and the Pirates I'd be a very happy girl! I've made a couple of Lolita-style dresses myself for expo's and cons, and I do adore wearing them.Awh I hope that the con comes back! I definitely know how frustrating being under 5'5" when you want to model.Fii x
This post is really interesting! I love reading about different trends around the world :)Style Sunrise โ :)x
There are so many fashion subcultures around the globe that are so interesting, so I'm glad that you enjoyed this!Fii x
Wow the gyaru takes me back a good few years… I had a major phase where I wore circle lenses and false lashes all the time trying to emulate them and they're still a major inspiration for my make-up now along with uljjangs (are they still a thing?).Now people say I'm a pastel goth but I think they just see the blue hair and constant black because I don't think I'm pastel gath *at all*.You've got the greatest fashion sense as always!Chantel | chanteldione.blogspot.co.ukxo
I know right, was writing this going through the tags hoping to see my fave models from back in the day but… yeh they've been replaced l o l. Uljjangs are not the in thing, but the hallyu is strong in Asia, so they've just rebranded really. Still doll faced and doe eyed, wearing adorable clothes as per though. ^^I'm so inbetween my wardrobe right now is hilarious, need such a massive clear out but clothes hold so much sentimental value for me that it is so hard it's painful. Bless you sweetie, lovely as ever xo