How To Create A Summer Chinese Style Look
Are you a person who enjoys whimsy and creative flair when it comes to your outfits? Do you often reminisce about simpler times, perhaps spent cultivating tea parties or playing dress up? If so, Lolita fashion might be a good fit for you. With its cute and hyper-feminine aesthetic, fans of frills and hoop skirts have been enjoying the Lolita style since the 1970s when it was coined. While this style originated in Japan, it has since found roots in China as well, incorporating traditional Chinese elements into the look. In this article, we will teach you how to create a summer Chinese style look inspired by the iconic Lolita aesthetic!
Introducing The Chinese Lolita Style
While the original Lolita style is heavily influenced by the concept of "cuteness," with its Rococo- and Victorian-Era-inspired, doll-like clothing, Chinese Lolita incorporates aspects of traditional Chinese dress as well for a truly unique look. In addition to petticoats, collared blouses, and knee socks, Chinese Lolita may include traditional components of Chinese dress like flower and bird prints, moire patterns and water ripples, and Qipao elements.
What Is Qipao?
"Qipao" is a Mandarin word that describes a particular Chinese fashion style brought to light in the 17th century after the Manchu people conquered China. This look is characterized by a loose-fitting, typically silk garment with a straight skirt and high neck. This garment typically covered everything except the hands, head, and toes, and was often ornately embroidered. In fact, "qipao" means “flag robe” or “banner robe” in Mandarin.
Other Elements Of A Summer Chinese Style Lolita
When building a summer Chinese Lolita wardrobe, you’ll want to consider ways to stay fresh and cool all day long. This includes selecting dresses with thinner, breathable fabrics such as mesh, lace, and tuille, and opting for cooler tones like blue, green, and some purples. This will help you not only stay cool but look it as well!
Building A Chinese Style Look
When it comes to building your own signature Chinese Lolita aesthetic, keep in mind that this look is typically broken into three categories: punk, goth, and sweet. Once you decide which look you're going for, you can select foundational pieces with which to build an outfit. Having a few versatile elements in your closet means you can mix and match styles, tops, bottoms, and accessories for a fresh look each day of the week. Here are some foundational pieces you’ll want to consider as you're building a Chinese style look:
● Sweet and romantic Hanfu dress: If you're looking for something soft, feminine, and oozing with Victorian and Rococo elements, you'll want to check out this delicate Hanfu dress. Featuring pearls, lace, and floral embellishments, you'll feel like the main character in a romance novel everywhere you go!
● Playful Chinese maid set: If you're looking for a dress with a flattering silhouette and a playful story, look no further than this beautiful Chinese maid-inspired dress! Featuring a structured silhouette, flattering design, and elegant neckline, you will surely turn heads with this look.
● Forest fairy fringe dress: If you crave a sense of magic in your daily life, you'll want to consider trying on this elegant, fringed dress in an earthy green with a delicate, apricot-colored and Chinese-inspired cape. Harness your inner fairy whisperer and set yourself up for a day of imaginative play and whimsy!
● Elegant Chinese style Qipao dress: If you're looking for a dress that nods to Chinese tradition while incorporating non-traditional elements, you'll be intrigued by this refined cheongsam. With a beautiful standup collar, lace frills, a cloud shoulder, and material flowing all the way to the ankles, you will feel elegant and feminine, all while tapping into the power of the Manchu people in this dress.
Cultivating Chinese Accessories
Now that we've covered some of the basic, foundational pieces you should buy to build your Chinese Lolita-inspired summer wardrobe, we need to talk about accessories—which can really bring your look to life. Here are three versatile Chinese-style accessories to incorporate into your summer aesthetic:
● Pearl necklace: This ultra-feminine pearl necklace incorporates beads and ceramic flowers in addition to faux pearls for a polished final look. Be sure to incorporate this necklace into an outfit that already has pops of pink, blue, or apricot within the fabric for best results.
● Butterfly tassel hairpins: Looking to add a touch of forest-inspired whimsy to your look? These tasseled butterfly hairpins will surely add a sense of sweetness to your aesthetic and invite you to feel connected with the divine nature of the outside world.
● Woven ceramic bracelet: This tasseled bracelet made from rope and an amber pendant adds a Bohemian element to your look. Best of all, it is completely adjustable!
Choosing The Right Chinese Hairstyle
Finally, to round out your look, you'll want to consider which Chinese-inspired hairstyle you will choose! Best of all, you don't necessarily have to spend hours on your hair or makeup in order to achieve a truly Chinese-inspired look. By leveraging a wig, you can still look the part without modifying your hair permanently or spending hours in a makeup chair.
This black double ball braid wig features undeniably Chinese elements like the beaded flower embellishments on either side of the ears and the Qi bangs. This wig will surely help you take your look to the next level!
On the other hand, we have this dynamic blonde double ponytail wig, featuring two Chinese-style buns on either side of the head. With tasseled, bow embellishments and metal hardware, you will feel equal parts soft and strong with this look!
Whether you decide to go for punk, goth, or sweet Chinese Lolita (or some combination of the three), it's important to strike the right balance of playfulness and practicality. Don’t forget to select lighter, breathable fabrics that will allow you to have fun in the sun without overheating—and remember, when you look good, you feel good, too!
To shop Lolitain's complete inventory of Lolita-inspired looks, click here!