[Cakes]

The reason you might be concerned is because you've probably seen a lot of western 'lolita dressers' who are in actuality no more than cosplayers. They don't dress to fit their shape or suit it, and they don't work by the aesthetic of the true lolita.

There's no size limit on any style of fashion, I'll say that now. Take visual_fuckers: Theme, I s'pose ;O for example: she's probably what would be considered plus-size, and yet she looks absolutely beautiful in what she's wearing. It's not lolita, but I say this to illustrate my point: don't lose hope because of the ladies that don't know how to work the style.

I'd say first: get a measuring tape and do your measurements properly. Then find out your shape; Google 'what not to wear' or something of the sort (it's a television program that aired here in the UK, and on its website it has descriptions of types of body shapes and what to wear with them). Whatever your size, any woman can look lovely in anything she pleases.

Once you know for sure what your size is and what suits you best, do some research into the type of lolita dresses commonly worn. Lolita Fashion - For Lolitas of All Styles is a good indicator of the basic shapes.

The most important thing by far is, if you wish to look good in your clothes then don't buy bad quality clothing. Look around the shops near you; it doesn't have to be a lolita shop, because often you can find lovely blouses and skirts in totally normal shops that with the addition of some lace or ruffles in tasteful places can become very lolita.

If you can't afford a good quality dress with the right weight fabric, then definitely do at least, as you said, consider finding some patterns and making your own dress. I'd advise a mock-up in an old bedsheet or something first if you're inexperienced, though. Period-esque dresses are often not projects for the faint of heart due to things like the layers of fabric, the decoration, and sometimes just the complexity of the patterns.

The fabrics to choose would be heavy cottons and such: anything made of non-stretchy natural fibres. Matte dress satins (they're heavier and more closely woven than regular satins) will also do for some styles-- they suit more sophisticated dresses on the whole, though. If you want to go for one, try rubbing it between your fingers first; if it rustles and it has friction as it slides, then it's often a sign of the right kind of dress fabric (correct me if I'm wrong).

Don't pick very lightweight fabrics, or anything that's shiny/slippery. They will tend not to hang right over the layers of underwear, and look generally quite bad quality. Also, with due respect, curvier ladies do not tend to suit in shiny fabrics, since they will exaggerate the shape underneath by creating the illusion of contouring.

Don't worry about your cleavage. Lolita dresses are always quite high-necked and low-skirted, even the erorori styles, so there'll be plenty of fabric to cover your modesty. Consider a V-neck that starts just above your cleavage, preferably one that doesn't open too far, because this will make your breasts appear a little smaller than a round or square neckline.

Also try wearing a sports bra or minimiser bra, or if you really fancy it a corsage over or under your clothes (unless you wear a dress, in which case definitely under) that will give you a more straight-down shape. Stay away from the ones that will give you an hourglass, since as you said it's about childish innocence.

Be realistic about your size-- that's something that applies to absolutely everyone. If it comes only in a size under your own, just put it back. It's for your own comfort as well as the look. Lolita fashion is clothes, not costumes. You need something you'd be happy to wear all day on a regular day.

Colour's also important. Try to stick away from the black of kurorori or gosurori. Dispel the myth that black is slimming. >: Actually, it will silhouette a frame and so emphasise the outlines. Pick softer colours; if you really don't want to wear the pinks and blues, try charcoal grey or pastel purple instead. (Purple's a wonderful colour, since there's one that will suit practically everyone.) Limit your outfit's colours to three different, complimenting colours, since more will not tie the outfit together in the way you want.

Finally, if you're going in a group try to co-ordinate all your outfits. Wear a similar range of colours, or colours that compliment each other. If you go for colours that contrast with each other, make sure it's not too bright and bold. You want the little-girl ice cream pastel look, not the rainbow-that-fell-out-the-closet look. xD;


Tl;dr yes you can, don't be put off by those ladies who give it a bad name. Find out what shape suits you and work with it. Pick fabrics that will hang right, nothing light and overly cheap. Choose the right colours for you.

You'll look lovely, good luck. ^^