/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

>>7596328
definitely no blouse, it's a beautiful and atypical design and just wouldn't lend itself to traditional lolita styling. It would also ruin the lines of the dress. On this occasion, sod the lolita rules and think more Parisian chic. I don't actually think black is boring at all, the key point is in the oriental fabric and too much fuss would distract from the whole dress's sort of restrained stylishness. If you really want a pop of color, do it with the bag and/or shoes and pick out a shade in the print. You could also add a subtle color accent to a say, a black hat too, maybe in the form of a brooch or small rosette. Gold could work as an accent color for the shoes and bag but the typically lolita type ones are going to look awkward I think.

I think the 'interest' in this outfit should ideally come from the quality of the shoes, bag etc and the hair and make-up styling, not from the addition of lots of pomp.

Just to add, if you're really uncomfortable with the bare arms, go with a sheer chiffony shawl. If you insist on a cardigan, make sure it's black and plain or with only a simple trim, one that falls at waist length and doesn't obscure too much of the upper bodice print design. A light jacket could still prove better than a cardigan.