EGL [Elegant Gothic Lolita]
[Disclaimer: I’m not very good at personally judging what is or isn’t lolita standards, so here’s a snipit from the Lolita Handbook from Cosplay.com by Meiki.]
Keep in mind that this fashion is very strict. If you don't feel the need to follow the general guidelines and post pictures on the internet still claiming to get Lolita, you will probably end up somewhere being made fun of.
What to Wear:
-KNEE LENGTH skirts or dresses.
(Ero-lolis exist, but I wouldn't suggest trying it. This is a very hard style to get right. So a little below or above the knee is your best bet.)
-Tights or knee socks, opaque and one color.
(Stripey tights/socks are generally looked down upon unless they are brand. Especially black and white ones. You could also wear socks with a pattern like crowns or flowers on them, but good luck finding them if they aren't brand.)
-BLOUSE or Cutsew
(Wear a blouse. Unless your dress is a one-piece, meaning it has sleeves. Even then, it's a good idea to wear a blouse. Lolitas convey MODESTY. This means no cleavage. Cutsews are basically the lolita equivalent to a tee-shirt, it normally has puffy sleeves, a square neckline, an image on it such as bunnies, crowns, etc. and lace)
-Mary Jane shoes
(Mary janes are fairly easy to find these days. With a heel or without, whatever your preference is. It's argued that you can wear black mary janes with an outfit that doesn't contain black, but I'd avoid it if possible. You can also wear boots, but unless you're wearing punk loli don't wear big buckled boots or anything.)
-Hair acessories
(Alice bows, which are large hair bows, pairs of smaller hairbows, headdresses, and small hats are acceptable. Wearing something on your head is really mandatory, it balances things out.)
-PETTICOAT
(Wearing a petticoat is pretty much mandatory in EGL fashion.)
-Stuff to carry
(Most lolis don't carry much except for their purse, so make sure it matches your outfit well. Stuffed animals are occasionally carried, but not really very often. Parasols are good, but avoid the ones that are entirely lace, they tend to look cheap.)
Dont's:
-Fishnets
-Lacy gloves are looked down upon
-Very strange color combinations, no neon colors
-Cheap lace (a good tutorial about what is and isnt is here: http://community.livejournal.com/egl/4214467.html)
-Armwarmers/Legwarmers. These are okay for things like decora, not loli.
-Too MUCH lace
-A flat skirt, or one that's too short.
-Cheap fabrics, especially satin.
-CAT EARS. Please no cat ears. EGL is not a costume, it is clothing.
-Aprons aren't commonly worn, it gives to much of a maid look.
Makeup:
-No white face or black lipstick.
-You want to look natural, glossy lips, light eyeshadow and a little blush is fine.
Hair:
-Natural hair, or a natural looking wig.
-Typically curled, hime cuts look very nice too.
-Bangs or no bangs, both look fine with loli.
-Crazy hair colors can work alright, but avoid anything really crazy, cyber dreds, really poofy hair, etc.
Recomended reading:
-Anything in the EGL LJ community memories: http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=egl
-This is an excellent resource as well: http://lolita-handbook.livejournal.com/
- - -
Music-based Cosplay
[Visual Kei]
Not many, but a good few of the cosplayers you see dress up as singers from J-pop/J-rock bands or other Asian music groups. The flamboyant costumes that these singers wear is also a fashion called Visual Kei.
Much like normal costumes, after researchering a certain group or singer, there will be costumes that strike you as appealing and thus the cosplay journey begins!
[Please feel free to add anything. My knowledge on Visual Kei and musical cosplay is very very limited.]
-Table of Contents-
*Introduction
*What is Cosplay and Crossplay?
*Who should I cosplay?
*EGL [Elegant Gothic Lolita] &&& Music Cosplay
*Fursuits
*Natural Haired characters I
*Natural Haired characters II
*Un-Natural Haired characters I
*Un-Natural Haired characters II
*I’ve chosen a character, now what? [Sewing tips]
*Tips for Crossplayers
*Useful Tutorials
*Commissioners and stores
*FAQ
*Reserved
