/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

I think many struggle to coord Wa correctly because of color balancing and deviation of a true kimono structure - since for kimono the main focus is on the obi and the patterns are either on the border of the kimono + sleeves and up in the left shoulder, so it just kinda looks wrong in lolita when people try to imitate that, the balance is throw off and it can become too busy. Not only that, but a traditional obi will look too blocky/frumpy on a lolita dress, so the color blocking that is usually done for kimono is lost and the wa lolita dress is just too much of the same thing.
I think that for the Wa to look properly balanced and elegant in a lolita coord, the best bet is to have it in subdued prints and colors and/or use the hakama style as an inspiration. I personally love Taisho inspired wa lolita and I think it's the best version of it.