8. When sending in a picture of a lolita outfit. Make sure you outfit follows the proper anatomy of lolita.

Anatomy of a Lolita Outfit

Head - Bonnet, mini top hat, fascinator, bow(s) or a headdress (a flat strip of fabric decorated with lace, flowers and the like, with ribbons that tie under the chin).

Torso - Blouse or cutsew (a blouse made out of jersey or t-shirt fabric for a more relaxed style), perhaps a cardigan.

Body - Full dress with sleeves or a jumperskirt (also known as a JSK, a dress with thick straps instead of sleeves) with a blouse underneath.

Underthings - A petticoat known as a pannier is generally worn to give the skirt more ‘poof’. Panniers are preferable to traditional line-dancing petticoats as the latter are generally cut with an A-Line shape. Panniers are cut in a tulip shape to give the skirt a ‘cupcake’ silhouette. Bloomers, either short, mid thigh, or knee-lengeth, are a must for a Lolita.

Legs - Stockings, tights or knee-length/over-the-knee socks are worn. Sometimes girls opt for ankle socks with lacy trims on a hot day.

Shoes - Are generally of a mary-jane style shape. Sometimes they are flat, but often have a small heel. Platforms, rocking-horse shoes, calf or knee-length boots are also worn.

It is possible to pull off a Lolita look without one or perhaps two of these elements. For instance, on a hot day one might opt to leave out the blouse and socks, but this confuses the look. Choose then to leave out another element, like the headdress, and your look is no longer Lolita at all!