Country Lolita: The Perfect Summer Substyle

Country is a subtly we’ve known about for a long time but don’t see too often. When mentioned, usually gingham and straw hats come to mind, but it can be so much more! If strawberry prints and flower headdresses are exactly what you want, I’m not here to stop you! Here I have compiled some ideas, inspirations, and guidelines for the perfect summer substyle.

Fabric

The material

There aren’t too many restrictions on the fabric material, although silk and wool may be too hot for the summer. They can work if you don’t mind piling on the deodorant and hauling a parasol around with you. I’ve included a personal example of a country coordinate using wool, but balancing it out with ankle socks and a short-sleeved blouse. I spent most of the outing inside this beautiful Victorian house tour, but it works just the same.

I could go on more in detail about which fabrics and cuts are best for the summer months, but Lace a la Mode already did such a great job. I couldn't have said it better myself! Click here to visit my friend’s blog post of surviving summer in Lolita for more tips specifically about how to dress for the heat.

Went out for Lithuanean food and Victorian house tour with my mom today, it was such perfect weather! #lolitafashion #fashion #btssb #vintage #ootd #classiclolita

A photo posted by Ashlyn Smith (@itsvanillabear) on Apr 11, 2015 at 10:46pm PDT

The patterns

Gingham and florals are the most common patterns for country Lolita, but get creative with different delicate designs and seasonal colors. Below are some sample coordinates using patterns other than traditional gingham/florals. Different patterns to consider include thin stripes, tiny polka dots, pale plaids, darling embroidery, and calico.

The cuts

The country substyle is great in its ability to use many different cuts of collar and dress. Because you can blend it with sweet, classic, and gothic, there is no end to the possibilities of necklines and collars. For sweet, peter pan and high-neck collars are most popular, but even square necklines with crossed straps work. For classic, the same applies. For gothic, you would be better off sticking to high-neck collars to keep that midwestern-Victorian aesthetic.

There are trims you should avoid, because not all blouses are created equal! Trims with satin ribbons, glitter, star lace, pompoms, tassels, etc. are no-no's. But in the end it's really up to your discretion what will work with your wardrobe and the outfit you are trying to create.

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Motifs and Themes

Think fawns and your grandmother’s table cloth. Every year brands release scores of prints and non-prints that can easily be worked into a country-styled coordinate. Among the many strawberries, birds, flowers, and rabbits, there are so many other motifs and themes you can incorporate. For some inspiration, visit a local garden, historical house, or meadow. Go antique shopping or watch some of the many country-themed TV shows and movies. A few of my favorites to watch (and get inspiration from for country Lolita) include Gone With the Wind, Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, Little House on the Prairie, and Doctor Quinn Medicine Woman. What are your favorites?

Take a look below at some outfits from different styles in themes you may not have thought of before:

Accessories

As with any coordinate, accessories can make or break  a look. Just as you wouldn’t really pair combat boots with Mary Magdalene, there are certain things that don’t really mesh with the country aesthetic. This applies to what separates any specific substyle from its big sister.

Try to avoid:

• Bright or pastel colored wigs
• Crowns or anything related to royalty
• Odd shaped bags (ex: ponies, seashells, shooting stars, coffins, etc.)
• Too many accessories; with country, less is more
• Glitter or jewels
• Motifs that are too unrelated/elegant (ex: swan lake, carnivals, cathedrals, paris, etc.)

Country Lolita is distinct with straw elements- hats and bags - but also with flowers, aprons, and braids. Just like with motifs and themes, just looking at Victorian Western and prairie sources will show you a whole range of ideas. With the right ones, you can wear bonnets, wide brimmed vintage hats, cameo brooches, boots, shawls, your natural hair, and so much more!

Conclusion

All in all, you don’t have to look like a walking picnic to pull off country Lolita. Pull inspiration from the old American west and European fairytales. If you are yearning for more simple, down-to-earth styles this summer - then country is the substyle for you!

Spend some time in nature and reconnect with what summer really feels like. I know you probably spend too much time indoors just like I do! Show me some of your favorite country looks down below in the comments. I would really love to see them, and may even find new ideas that I never thought of before.