How to Make & Add Accessories to a Lolita Dress

Bows add a touch of flirtatious and frilly style to a Lolita dress.

Lolita-style dresses originated in Japan, though women worldwide participate in the trend. The Lolita dress is typically frilly and flirtatious, with short skirts, bloomers and heavy Victorian influences. Although the Lolita dress comes in many styles, the most popular and most recognized style is the Gothic Lolita dress. The Gothic style is typically composed of black and white material with fishnets, lace and ruffles.

Things You'll Need

• Ribbon
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Headband
• Lace
• Hot glue gun
• Sewing machine

Instructions

Headband

1. Cut a wide, black satin ribbon to at least 12 inches in length.

2. Tie the ribbon into a large bow.

3. Place droplets of glue into the bow knot and under each side of the bow loops to glue them to the top of the dangling strands of ribbon in the bow. This will help to secure the shape of the bow in place.

4. Glue the bow to the top of a plain black headband. The bow can be dead center or off to the side, depending on the desired look.

Lace

1. Measure the neckline of the dress. Cut a piece of lace at least 1 inch wide to match the measurements. Use a lace that is a contrasting color from the dress so it stands out.

2. Glue the lace to the seam of the neckline of the dress with fabric glue so it hangs down over the bust of the dress. If you are handy with a sewing machine the lace can be stitched on as well.

3. Measure the circumference of your neck and cut a piece of lace 2 inches wide.

4. Cut a small slit in the middle of one end of the lace strip and sew a button on the middle of the opposite side's end to fit through the slit.

5. Wrap the lace strip around your neck as a choker and secure in place by fastening the button.

Bows

1. Cut three 8-inch long pieces of ribbon and one 6-inch long piece of ribbon. Both pieces of ribbon should be approximately an inch wide.

2. Tie all the ribbons into bows.

3. Preserve the shape of the bows by applying drops of glue into the knot of the bow and below each side of the bow loops to glue them to the top of the dangling strands of ribbon in the bow.

4. Stitch the three larger bows down the front of the bust of the dress. You could also place one bow on the bust of the dress and the other two on the hem of the front and back of the skirt.

5. Glue the smaller bow to the center of the lace choker.

References

• Mint Roses: Wednesday List: 5 Tips for Lolita Beginners
• Japanese Lifestyle: Gothic Lolita
• Mint Roses: About

Resources

• Sweet Lolita Online: Tips for Lolita Fashion Cosplay