{ What is Lolita? }
"Lolita" has nothing in common with the erotic meaning of lolita/young girl, but it is a fashion subculture very popular in Japan.
Lolita fashion uses Rococo and Victorian era features: bows, lace and elegance are the main ingredients of this style, and it can come in many other styles: Classic, Sweet, Gothic, Country, Punk, Hime (princess), Sailor, Wa (influenced by Japanese kimono), Qi (influenced by Chinese qi pao), Erotic, Kuro (all black), Shiro (all white), Pinku, Mizuiro (all blue), Casual (very simply), Steampunk (very recent), Guro (grotesque), Pirate, Cosplay (a wrong conception of Lolita style), and Military (very recent).
We can say that Kuro, Shiro, Pinku and Mizuiro styles are the monochromatic subcategory of Sweet (or Classic) Lolita. Sometimes the Pirate style is considered (and underestimated) Cosplay Lolita, but I think that it could be a good style if you are very familiar with Lolita fashion.
A Lolita dress always has a knee-length skirt, if it doesn't is NOT Lolita. It can be longer but not shorter, only Erotic loli skirts can be a little, little shorter to reveal bloomers or garters.
Lolita pumps don't have too high heels and usually they have high platforms.
Don't use too much colorful wigs or clothes made of low quality fabric, or too shiny/synthetic fabric.
Think of a victorian era porcelain doll, you have to look like her, the same delicacy, the same elegance, the same innocence and grace.
Remember that Lolita is not only a fashion subculture, but it can be a lifestyle as well.