I think you could argue that each caste of lolita is a herd of cows in its own right.
Sweet: Clearly playing off the little girl vibe. No matter how much they try to deny it, nearly every print includes some form of baby or toddler item, candy or sweets, or generally childish design. They're also the ones you see with loads of junk on their hair/jewelry/nails and tend to wear more of the wild, cavity-sweet colored wigs.
(Sweet lolis also tend to be fatter, in my experience. There's just something about an obese girl smushed into a print covered in pancakes that's viscerally satisfying.)
Notable cows include
- Chanel
- Venus Angelic
- Any lolita who actively admits to ageplay
- That one fat chick who sewed two skirts together
Classic: aka "Lifestyle Lolitas" Usually older girls, often with more narcissistic or holier than thou outlooks. Dress more like your grandmother's porcelain dolls (though have an easier time passing as just girls who wear old lady clothes or period actresses.) Colors tend to be more neutral but often still include childish items like bears or rocking horses. Like to think of themselves as "mature" or above younger girls/those who dress Sweet. Often mold their lifestyle to reflect Victorian or Edwardian aesthetics. Drink loads of tea.
Notable cows include
- Anyone attempting to sell limited edition prints for $800+ (may cross-contaminate with Sweet and EGL lolitas on certain prints)
- Misako (late 20-something, 30-something lolita who has made a career out of dressing this way, not really a cow)
- 35+ age women who are basically Miss Havisham
Elegant Gothic: Argue that they are the "original" or "old school" lolita. Dress almost exclusively in black, dark blue, oxblood, and white. Often look like someone's doily collection shagged a tea cozy. Pull inspiration heavily from Mana, a Japanese cross-dressing musician and designer. Overall a dying breed. "Lolita" dresses sold in Hot Topic or as Halloween costumes are trashier versions of this kind of lolita.
Notable cows include
There are tons of subcultures within lolita that just get more and more ridiculous the further you go (ie Pirate, Wa-Loli, Country, and the mess that is OTT Sweet or Decora.) This is a very deep, very frilly rabbit hole.
