Lolita is a popular fashion trend among Japanese teenagers and young women. The style started as a youth subculture sometime around 1997-98 and became a well-established genre available in various boutiques and some major department stores by around 2001. It emphasizes Victorian-style girl's clothing and often aims to imitate the look of Victorian porcelain dolls. The girls often try to appear deliberately cute to the point of looking childish. Skirts are knee length and may have a crinoline or petticoat to add volume. Over-knee socks or stockings are extremely popular. Black fishnet stockings and white or black tights are also common. Shoes or boots with high heels - though not stiletto heels - such as Mary Janes, complete the look. Frilly, ruffled or lace-trimmed Victorian blouses are also popular especially with "Gothic Lolita" types, who may also favour long skirts and jackets rather than overtly "childish" designs. Apart from the occasional shortness of skirts, designs are usually modest, sometimes with long lace-capped sleeves. Lace headdress or bonnets are usually worn.

Information taken and slightly modified from wikipedia.org