Welcome to Gaia! ::

(i wasn’t sure if this topic should go under FAQ or BEAUTY)

thanks to this guild and others/various websites/books/videos i now have a better understand of lolita fashions, attitudes and lifestyles – generally.
now i would like to look a little more at the details and i was hoping you lovely lolitas could help me.

please try to answer as many of the questions as possible, and as detailed as possible
any pictures, diagrams, drawings or visual examples would be much loved

head to toe lets go!

heart

HAIR:
-treatment/care
-colors
-length
-styles
-accessories

NECK UP:
ears…
-earrings/jewelry
-hidden or not
-accessories
face…
-make up/colors
-piercings
-skin (color/care/whatever)
-accessories
neck…
-hidden or not
-accessories
-makeup/colors
TORSO:
-how much allowed to be exposed/what areas allowed to be exposed
-desired breast size
-piercings (i.e. nipples/belly button
-appropriate undergarments
-desired waist size
-accessories (small fashion details)
ARMS:
-hidden or not
-accessories
-jewelry/gloves/bracelets
-shaved arm pits or not
HANDS:
-accessories
-nails (color/care)
-jewelry/rings/gloves
WAIST DOWN:
-genital area shaved or not
-appropriate undergarments
-is virginity desired or not
-legs shaved or not
-jewelry/socks
-accessories (small fashion details)
-hidden or not, how much exposure and where is allowed
FEET:
-hidden or not
-jewelry/toe rings/shoes
-accessories
-nails (color/care)

and other information/details you have to provide, please do share!


heart heart heart

Because I need to go to bed soon, I shall answer these for now, then the rest later and add pics. ^-^

HAIR:
-treatment/care-- Make sure you get it trimmed at least once every two months to get rid of split ends. Shampoo everyday, if your hair is dyed, use a shampoo you get at a salon for colored hair; the drugstore products are too harsh and will dull the color. During the winter, condition everyday, during the summer, condition every other day.

-colors-- A natural color is best for a Lolita or Aristocrat. Punk can go any color of the rainbow. If you are very pale, deep blonde can work for you. Medium or darker skin tones best stay with darker hair color, as the lighter your hair is, the darker it makes your skin seem, and it amplifies dark blemishes. Aristocrats with black or dark brown hair are mysterious and beautiful.

-length-- Any length is fine if it matches your style. A china doll style (short with even, blunt ends) suits just fine for Kodona, Oujisama, and some Lolita styles if it is a cut that covers the rear of the neck. Lolitas are nice with a medium to long style, but can be short if the length is in curls. An Aristocrat prefers a longer style, either sleek with one length, or upswept for women in a twist with curled tendrils. This style is nice with a short veil or head covering.

-styles-- Lolitas are typically seen in curls of all types. Ringlets, sausage curls, and teased curls are ideal. For short pigtails, ringlets are cute. The hime style cut looks nice both down and long or curled. Punk can accept any style, including modern styles such as chunky layers. Aristocrats tend to have simplified hair, very elegant. Lots of styles do not need bangs. However, bangs look cute on many face shapes. Those with round faces, be sure to pull hair forward to frame the face if you have bangs. The hime style cut is good for round faces because of this, if the detached bangs are long enough-- down to the lips. Since bangs cut off the forehead, round faces need to cut down on the sides of the face as well, or the face would seem wide.

-accessories-- Hair bows on barrettes and elastics are cute. These may have lace trimming and ornaments sewn on, such as a pearl shank button at the knot. Ribbons loose are not seen often. Since pre-formed bows keep their shape perfect and hold securely on an elastic or barrette, they are preferred. A large bow on a hairband, an Alice bow, is often seen. Also, the traditional headdresses are very acceptable, including the rectangular traditional headdress, round headdresses, and miniature hats and crowns. Aristocrats can wear top hats, Kodonas and Oujisama of the miniature version, and Aristocrat women can wear small, brimless veiled hats, like a pillbox hat, or simple veils, always black and usually short.

NECK UP:
ears…
-earrings/jewelry-- Small earrings can be worn for Lolitas, but should avoid hoops and chandeliers. This is an area often not decorated lavishly, as it detracts from the image of the little girl. One piercing per ear is normally seen, but there can be more depending on the style.

-hidden or not-- If you are wearing earrings, they are often hidden by hair. If you want them to be noticeable, arrange hair in a way to flatter them.

-accessories-- Chokers of lace, velvet, or ribbon are often worn, as are lace sleeve stoppers. Elegant Gothic Lolitas may wear necklaces with cross pendants and rosaries. This goes for Aristocrats as well.

face…
-make up/colors-- Firstly, determine your "season". Winters look good in cool colors, but not in warm ones. They are the only ones who can truly wear pure white and black. Therefore, if you are not a Winter, you may wish to minimize white by turning to off-white and ivory in your clothing, which is warmer. Depending on your season, determine your eyeshadow and blush colors. Makeup counters are very helpful in finding your perfect shade. Match your foundation to the lightest skin tone on your face. If you are blotchy or reddened, use a lavender tone to cool it down and add translucency to the face. If you are naturally ruddy, avoid warm toned blush, and use a minimal amount if at all. Loose powder is best for normal to dry skin for its natural look. If you are oily or have trouble covering problem areas, use pressed powder to absorb the oil and increase coverage. A Lolita is described as youthful with a glowing face and childlike features. Therefore, your makeup should be minimal, not sultry or sexy, and should make the most of as little makeup as possible. Keeping it natural is key.
-piercings-- One in each ear for Lolitas, but can be more... Punk style is most accomodating for body piercings.

-skin (color/care/whatever)-- While pale skin is most often seen in Lolitas, it is not necessary if you wear the right colors. If you are very dark or of a race in which you cannot be light, it is beautiful to be mysterious in Elegant Gothic Lolita or Aristocrat. If you are borderline pale, aim to be pale. If you are borderline dark, aim to be dark. It is best to be one or the other, not some common in between, I think. However, never let your skin tone stop you from wearing the style you want to wear! Find the colors that are best for you and shine in them. To care for oily skin, use a gentle wash with salicylic acid. Make sure your skin feels soft and supple after washing, not tight, which indicates dryness. If your skin is dry, use a non-comedogenic moisturizer. It should be specifically face lotion, and should be non-scented. Make sure your face wash is non-comeodogenic as well. Good face washes that are mild include Purpose, Eucerin, and Cetaphil.

-accessories-- Chokers are nice. (:
neck…
-hidden or not-- They are meant to be seen! ^-^

TORSO:
-how much allowed to be exposed/what areas allowed to be exposed-- Do not have cleavage. Make sure your blouses are long enough. Hip length is good. Low rise skirts and pants are not proper, because they can reveal the midriff, and sometimes the derriere if you are sitting, and they ride too low. Skirts should be three inches above the knee at the shortest. (I understand that Moi-meme-Moitie seems to make their skirts shorter than ordinarily? Mana once said that girls look better in shorter ones than knee length, I think.) The calves should be covered if they are showing. Opaque tights or knee socks with trim can be used to do this. As for tops, sleeveless is fine in the summer if the straps are thick enough. (no spaghetti straps.) Ruffles are a cute and summery addition to the shoulders of sleeveless tops.

-desired breast size-- If the top or dress is flattering to your breast, then it should be fine. Those with larger busts should avoid shirred tops if their chest is at the high end of the fitting scale. Shirring is not attractive when stretched fully. Avoid tops that attract attention to the bust, and choose tops than are perhaps looser and skim over the curves. A-line dresses look good on every shape.

-piercings (i.e. nipples/belly button-- Ears for Lolitas, anything goes for Punks.

-appropriate undergarments-- Underwear should be cotton. Always. It breathes and doesn't itch or chafe. Bloomers or pettipants can be worn under skirts, but some do not wear them. A substantial pannier or petticoat should always be worn beneath skirts. A Lolita outfit is not a Lolita outfit without a proper, full underskirt. They give the skirt shape and volume. Whether you wear a petticoat or pannier is up to the wearer. Panniers give a skirt a bell shape, while petticoats lend more of cone-like shape.

-desired waist size-- Any, as long as the dress fits.

-accessories (small fashion details)-- Things that are cute and elegant. Cameos and pearls, bows, small stuffed animals, hatboxes, bags of all shapes and sizes....

HAIR:
-treatment/care
Doesnt matter to much, it just should be healthy and neat looking. Everyone's hair is different. I wash and condition my hair every other day.
-colors
Depends on the style. But the color that looks good with most style is medium blonde. I wouldnt say red is a very loli color. For a more mature look natural dark colors would look good but for a younger look lighter colors would look good.
-length
Chin length to mid back length is good.
-styles-
Going with straight hair can never go wrong. You have to experiment with it. I dont look good with curles so I dont wear them but other people might look better with curles then straight. That also goes with the hime style, I dont look good with it but other people do, I go for the fringe hime style (the front of my hair is shorter but its a blunt cut its in different length, if that made sense) I forgot about pigtails! They are cute with the hime cut or fringe hime (XD I love that term)
-accessories
Depends on the hair style you have. Chin lenght hair looks good with the circular headdresses. Straight long hair looks good with normal headdresses. Pigtails look good with bows in the (on the hair ties) I'm not a fan of curly hair with headdresses I like them with bows.

NECK UP:
ears…
-earrings/jewelry
Doesnt matter. I have seen sweet lolis with piercings all up the ear and it still looked cute. Most of the times they are covered with hair so it doesnt matter. Nothing huge, I wear studs when in loli.
-hidden or not
Depends on what headdress you are wearing.
-accessories
earrings?
face…
-make up/colors
For gothic lolita and sweet loli, natural! The point of make up is to enhance your features. For the more mature looks you can go darker in the lips and eyes.
-piercings
For any loli look never facial piercings! I dont even think it looks good on punk loli.
-skin (color/care/whatever)
Fair skin looks best. The cair depends on your skin type.
-accessories
for your face..?
neck…
-hidden or not
Doesnt matter really. You can never really cover your neck unless its a turleneck and those arent really loli.
-accessories
a simple necklace will do. I dont like chokers unless its for the mature looks.
-makeup/colors
er....
TORSO:
-how much allowed to be exposed/what areas allowed to be exposed
Depends on the style? Most dresses are more low cut then the blouses. I guess the only thing that matters is that your boobs are hanging out... No tummy out, I wear a camisole under my bouses so if my shirt does go up there is no skin showing.
-desired breast size
Doesnt matter as long as long as the top doesnt look to tight.
-piercings (i.e. nipples/belly button
Doesnt matter since they wont be showing.
-appropriate undergarments
For the top; bra and camisole; bottom underwear (doesnt matter what kind just whatever your prefer) petticoat, bloomers (never not go without bloomers! I can not stress this enough! It doesnt matter how long the skirt is or how ever hot the day is. Always wear bloomers!!!!)
-desired waist size
Doesnt matter as long as it fits in the dresses/skirts
-accessories (small fashion details)
Bows on the skirt/dress, umm I guess thats it for the torso
ARMS:
-hidden or not
meh doesnt matter. I prefer long sleeves just because I am self consious of my arms
-accessories
Bracelets are cute and lace cuffs.
-jewelry/gloves/bracelets
bracelets and lace cuffs. Never gloves unless its cold.
-shaved arm pits or not
Er doesnt matter?
HANDS:
-accessories
Rings are cute
-nails (color/care)
Neat clean nails are best. I normaly have clear nail polish on or light pink. For the more darker or the more mature looks dark reds and black look good.
-jewelry/rings/gloves
Rings are cute ^_^
WAIST DOWN:
-genital area shaved or not
er doesnt matter? What ever you want since they arent showing (hopefully)
-appropriate undergarments
Undies, bloomers, petticoat.
-is virginity desired or not
Er doesnt matter since you shouldnt be going around saying that you are or are not a virgin.
-legs shaved or not
Yes please.
-jewelry/socks
Must have knee or over the knee socks. Or if its really cold tights are good. Just no exposed leg.
-accessories (small fashion details)
For your legs?
-hidden or not, how much exposure and where is allowed
A little above the knee is cute ^_^ just not half up your thigh.
FEET:
-hidden or not
the shoes should be closed toe
-jewelry/toe rings/shoes
uhh..I just like my socks and shoes on, no toe rings or anything. Platforms are good. The shoes dont have to be platforms >.< most people think they do but they dont really (I only have one pair of platforms all the rest all have a small heel and they are all brandnamed shoes, I think I have 6 pairs of shoes)
-accessories
socks?
-nails (color/care)
doesnt matter. I have mine just painted pink.

wow this thread is so helpful! thank you to the person who made it and to the people who responded with answers! yayyy!

Note: I'm not commenting on punk loli, because they pretty much can break most of the accessory rules.

HAIR:
-treatment/care
Wash it. Dry it. Brush it. Style it. I dunno.
-colors
Depends on the style. Though I'll say it right now that I think drugstore black, red, and 'burgundy' all look pretty tacky. If you're going to dye your hair black, get it done professionally so it's not really dull, and don't get a red shade it it'll clash with your skin tone. I personally don't dye my hair, but with most lolita styles, natural shades are good.
-length
However long you want it, so long as you can make it look cute.
-styles
Eh, bangs don't look good on EVERYONE, but if you can rock em, rock em. I put the top layer of my hair in little pigtails. But PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't try rocking that hideous lump hairdo girls today have been trying to make look good -- with the bangs clipped up on top of their heads?...... it just makes foreheads look even bigger than they are...
-accessories
Headdresses, mini top hats, hair ribbons *I tie mine manually every morning*, hair ribbons on clips also work.

NECK UP:
ears…
-earrings/jewelry
Small earrings, nothing gaudy.
-hidden or not
Depends on how you feel about your ears. If you think it's cuter to have them showing, do it. If you think you look better with them covered up, do that.
-make up/colors
Keep it natural for the most part -- you're trying to look like a little doll, not Barbie. And gothic lolita does NOT mean go for 'goth makeup'. Darker makeup is okay, but Alice Cooper-esque makeup isn't very ladylike.
-piercings
Too many piercings can look tacky, and I personally think they only really fly with gothic loli and punk loli, but it's all a matter of personal taste.
-skin (color/care/whatever)
There's no pressure to be light skinned. Embrace whatever skin color you were born with, and just rock it. Wear the RIGHT shade for your face -- wearing foundation two shades lighter can be a real disaster.
-accessories
neck…
-hidden or not
Yes and no?... it's okay to wear a high collared shirt, and it's also okay to show your neck.
-accessories
Collars are nice, but if you're wearing a headdress, a collar would be a bit overkill, because the ribbons already tie under your chin.
face…
TORSO:
-how much allowed to be exposed/what areas allowed to be exposed
No matter what you wear, you NEED to have SOMETHING covering your shoulders -- a good suggestion of a minimum width would be the width of your four fingers held together.
-desired breast size
You can't CHANGE that all that easily. So long as your clothes fit, it doesn't matter how big your boobs are.
-piercings (i.e. nipples/belly button)
No one should be able to see them with the way you're dressed...
-appropriate undergarments
Please, wear a bra -- preferably one that WON'T be seen through your outfit. Your outfit won't look good if everything isn't where it's supposed to be.
-desired waist size
Once again, so long as your clothes fit you, it doesn't matter.
ARMS:
-hidden or not
Both. If you're wearing a summer dress, it's okay to show your shoulders. And wearing a cute short sleeved shirt under a jumper is perfectly fine! It all depends on the weather.
-accessories/jewelry/gloves/bracelets
Nothing too gaudy, but something that will compliment your overall look.
-shaved arm pits or not
Please do. If you're wearing a sleeveless dress, no one wants to see your hairy pits.
HANDS:
-accessories
Small jewelery is fine.
-nails (color/care)
With most lolita looks, you don't want anything horribly tacky, but designs in a color scheme that matches your dress is perfectly fine.
-jewelry/rings/gloves
Yes yes, nothing gaudy.
WAIST DOWN:
-genital area shaved or not
Umm... No one should know that.
-appropriate undergarments
NEVER GO COMMANDO. That's just nasty... If you INSIST on wearing a thong or other skimpy undies, wear bloomers or something over them. If your wearing granny panties, just make sure they're white.
Petticoats actually don't look good with every outfit ie. empire waist dresses, but if a skirt is meant to be worn with a petticoat, please, wear a petticoat.
-is virginity desired or not
A lady doesn't go around talking about those things, does she?
-legs shaved or not
Please do. Hairy legs are not cute.
-jewelry/socks
If it's warm outside, stockings are not required, but a cute pair of socks are always encouraged.
-hidden or not, how much exposure and where is allowed
If you bend over, your skirt should still cover your bum. That's my guideline. I settle on knee-length skirts.
FEET:
-hidden or not
Not hidden, no..
-jewelry/toe rings/shoes
Some sort of cute shoe -- NO STRAPPY SHOES. Preferably close-toed shoes, perhaps Mary Janes or Rocking Horses *if you can get a pair* Something appropriate to match your outfit.
-nails (color/care)
You kinda don't want to show your toes...

My guideline on what should NEVER be showing on a lolita would be from the bottom of your arm socket to a little bit above your knees, but of course, don't wear strapless dresses.

And furthermore, you'll see where people opinions don't exactly mesh together, so these are just guidelines on what each individual thinks is appropriate lolita --- come up with your own opinions.

HAIR~
*care
Oily hair isn't attractive, it also can spread oil to your skin, affecting that pretty lolita face with blemishes.. so wash your hair before it gets oily or dirty.
*colors
Most colors are fine, I think. It just depends on what style of loli you wear or how you style your hair.
If you have dark colored hair, I wouldn't try dying it light colors, here's why; usually when dying darker hair to a lighter color, you have to keep re-dying to get it looking natural, which does damage the hair.. a lot. Some cases may vary.
*length
It doesn't really matter, but shoulder length and longer is perfect.
-styles-
Normal straight cut hair with straight cut bangs is always loli style.
Curls are usually a must.
Pigtails.
*accessories
Headdress.
Bows.
Decorative hair clips [depending on the design on the clip].

NECK UP~
*earrings
Doesn't matter, I wouldn't suggest wearing long/hoop-type earrings though [depends on the hair stye]
*makeup
For loli, I wouldn't make it very heavy; more of a simple look.
Foundation [to cover up those blemishes, or even out your skin tone]
'Lil bit of eyeliner [to define the eyes]
Mascara [you can use a lot for a more doll-type look]
Blush [for loli, use it on the apples of your cheeks instead]
Lip gloss [use more natural colors]
*peircings
No face or body piercings.
*skin
Any skin color looks good, especially pale/fair. Make sure to take care of your skin by washing your face twice a day for a nice complexion [some cases may vary].
Avoid touching your face, so oil won't spread and pores won't get clogged/irritated.
*necklaces
Laced chokers.
Silver/gold necklaces.

HANDS~
*accessories
Rings.
*nails
Clean nails. Short are easier to take care of, but if you can manage long nails those are good too.
You don't have to wear nail polish, but it makes your nails so pretty =3
Wear any color depending on your style/outfit.
*socks
Tights or knee-high socks.

FEET~
*nails
Short, clean nails are good. Paint as desired.

and eating them =]

HAIR:
-treatment/care: use a lot or conditioner if you have to straighter or curl your hair and get it trimmed every few weeks.
-colors: whatever looks good on you. I prefer shades of browns.
-accessories: headdresses but for school rule sakes, I use hair combs.

NECK UP:
ears…
-earrings/jewelry: yes, little pearls can be adorible.
-hidden or not: Nope, unless your hair overrules you.
face…
-make up/colors: Neutral colors. Golds for me.
-piercings: Yes.... but as long as you make sure the piering goes along with what you are dressing. Maybe a small rinestone stud in your lip for sweet and a black heart for gothic.
-skin (color/care/whatever): I like tan skin for this. And make sure you wash it well and keep it acne free.
neck…
-hidden or not: If you want...
-accessories: Chockers can add a little something sometimes.
TORSO:
-how much allowed to be exposed/what areas allowed to be exposed: Unless you have D or DD, you shouldnt expose too much skin.
-desired breast size: I say A or B
-piercings: belly can be okay.
-appropriate undergarments: Anything. Bloomers hid them anyway.
-desired waist size: What you feel comfortable as.
ARMS:
-hidden or not: if your arms are huge like mine, sometimes you want them hidden.
-jewelry/gloves/bracelets: small bracelets.
-shaved arm pits or not: Yes! You don't want your beautiful clothes to smell.
HANDS:
-nails (color/care): medium length in one or two colors. Small details.
-jewelry/rings/gloves: I love rings!
WAIST DOWN:
-genital area shaved or not : only if someone is going to see it.
-appropriate undergarments: once again, you can wear anything since bloomers hide them.
-is virginity desired or not: Depends on your morals and your style.
-legs shaved or not: Unless you can't shave them due to eczma or a simular problem, then yes.
-jewelry/socks: knee socks with little details. If you are a little heavier, tights look better.
-hidden or not, how much exposure and where is allowed: thighs should not show.
FEET:
-hidden or not: To a point.
-jewelry/toe rings/shoes: Well, since with most shoes you dont see your toes, toe rings would be pointless.
-nails (color/care): Take care of them! And you might as well keep them cute too.