Beginner's Guide - Building a Coord

 

Building a Coordinate

In Lolita Fashion, an outfit is referred to as a "coordinate", or "coord" for short. My understanding for why they are referred to in this way, even outside of the Japanese-speaking community, is as follows.

An outfit is something someone wears, which may look good, and may have some semblance of matching and coordinating themes and motifs. A coord definitely has matching and coordination of themes, colours, and motifs. Lolita coords are often thoughtfully crafted works of art in which pieces are painstakingly sought after to perfectly tie in to that one print and colours and shapes are carefully balanced. Its not as though a Lolita coord isn't also an outfit, because it is clothing. Most Lolitas do not consider their fashion to be a costume, instead perceiving it to be an extension and expression of the true-self. Coord simply better captures the essence of creation that is wearing Lolita fashion. 

 

If you're just starting out in the fashion, it probably isn't reasonable to be planning to build an entire wardrobe. If you haven't even made a single coord yet, you may not know if you even like wearing this outlandish fashion, and you likely have not have attended a meet-up or event yet and may not even know if the culture of the community is something you want to participate in yet. Building a wardrobe is something that takes months (if you're wealthy and overeager) to several years. 

 

A Lolita coord should have the following elements:

1. Main Piece - This is a jumperskirt, one piece, or skirt generally. If you chose a jumperskirt or skirt for your main piece you then require a top worn with it, such as a blouse or cutsew. 
2. Headwear - This can be a headbow, a hat, a bonnet, or a headdress generally. 
3. Leg wear - This can be socks or tights.
4. Footwear - This can be shoes or boots
5. Accessories - This category contains things such as the bag/purse, jewellery, and any other bits or baubles that contribute to the coord. 

Unlisted but equally important are foundation pieces. The vast majority of Lolita main pieces require a petticoat, and I advise that anyone wearing this fashion become accustomed to wearing bloomers or similar shorts under their skirt.