/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

>>7080138
Otome doesn't have specific rules like that (pic related: shorts can even be used). The main idea is to look like a "young maiden", so modesty is important - but you can balance out the look of a shorter dress with tights or longer socks.
Since you say it only covers a third of your thigh, I would definitely opt for leggings or tights in this case. ETC actually sells really cute leggings, even.

>>6741617
...jarring to see myself posted on /cgl/ when I'm half asleep.

OP, otome is more about the "feel" of the clothing, rather than set rules. Think whimsical, fairy tale, doll-like. The word "otome" literally means "young maiden", and that really is what you're going for. It's less matchy than lolita - prints and colors sometimes don't go perfectly and might even clash a bit - you keep things looking nice by paying attention to proportion and how textures look with each other, rather than simply just color. It's something you gradually learn to recognize and will come second-nature eventually.
Otome and lolita CAN cross over, they are not mutually exclusive. I would classify >>6741610 as both.