Naomi Osaka's US Open Look Is Giving Goth Lolita Chic — Shop the Aesthetic
:upscale()/2024/08/27/872/n/49352476/18e8210466ce2f5d9056b6.08026676_.jpg)
The intersection between fashion and tennis has been a long and storied one. Consider Serena Williams in a periwinkle tulle skirt at the 2018 US Open or Coco Gauff in an iridescent tennis skirt at the 2022 Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic. But in her long-awaited return to the US Open, Naomi Osaka unveiled a custom Nike look that pulls elements from the infamous Lolita goth trend out of the archive and onto the tennis court, for what is perhaps the sport's most unique tennis outfit yet — or at least it's most romantic.
ICYMI: for the 2024 US Open, Osaka teamed up with designer Yoon Ahn on a custom Nike competition look that draws inspiration from Japanese anime — a nod to her heritage — and the goth Lolita aesthetic. The outfit features several unique design flourishes, including a statement white bow across the back of a black bomber jacket, a white bow accent on the waist of a black tennis dress, and a tiered ruffle skirt with a voluminous silhouette.
:upscale()/2024/08/27/872/n/49352476/tmp_rMmwik_6bb1121bae3bf7b1_002_naomi-osaka-2.jpg)
In conversation with The New York Times, Ahn explained Osaka's desire to incorporate Lolita-inspired accents into their collaboration.
"She sent me a few looks of this Lolita goth thing she was really vibing at that moment. They go out and wear pink, frills, bows, lace. It's about really owning the cutesy-ness and the girly-hood," Ahn said, describing the basis of the aesthetic.
What Is Goth Lolita?
According to CNN, Lolita fashion — which grew to mainstream popularity in Japan throughout the '90s and early 2000s — is "informed by the Victorian era and ornate Rococo art movement." The fashion aesthetic is "unabashedly feminine," and comprised of styles like elaborate skirts, petticoats, lace blouses, and ankle socks. Darker colors like black and purple are prominent, and many Lolitas — i.e. those who participate in the fashion subcategory — will often opt for wigs and bonnets to further cosplay their look.
How to Shop the Goth Lolita Trend
Osaka's goth Lolita tennis outfit might be custom made, but the vibe of her look is surprisingly easy to replicate within your own wardrobe or beauty cabinet — especially if you know where to shop. Ahead, we curated a guide to the best products inspired by goth Lolita fashion, including a goth Lolita skirt that's endlessly romantic and a deep purple lipstick that plays into the style's moodier color palette. Shop our picks ahead.
:upscale()/2024/08/27/817/n/49352476/935bdd9c6c9afdfe_netimgkS48bO.jpg)
A Goth Lolita Necklace
Sacina Goth Velvet Victorian Choker ($10)
If you want to embrace the aesthetic in a subtle way, you can still incorporate small flourishes into your next look — including this velvet choker. The delicate jewelry oozes a gothic flair, with a timelessness that feels as if it was transported straight from the Victorian era.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2024/08/27/817/n/49352476/935bdd9c6c9afdfe_netimgkS48bO.jpg)
:upscale()/2024/08/27/817/n/49352476/009170b717f59225_netimgb8d9JL.jpg)
Goth Lolita Socks
Cat Ko Lolita Ruffle Socks ($10)
Pair your bounciest skirt with these ruffled socks and Mary Janes for the most playful ensemble. Unlike other pairs, this style is accented with lacy ruffle details at the top, which give the socks some added texture.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2024/08/27/817/n/49352476/009170b717f59225_netimgb8d9JL.jpg)
:upscale()/2024/08/27/817/n/49352476/e1830c72aac9fef1_netimgKx4eBM.png)
A Goth Lolita Top
Cider Knotted Knit Crop Top ($16)
Lolita goth fashion is all about embracing lace and ruffles — which this crop top has no shortage of. The sheer style has a knotted design, plus a V-neck shape that's perfect for showing off an ornate choker necklace or any other elaborate jewelry.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2024/08/27/817/n/49352476/e1830c72aac9fef1_netimgKx4eBM.png)
:upscale()/2024/08/28/650/n/49352476/e91384f11ec3b901_netimgwfu5zH.png)
A Goth Lolita Ribbon Clip
Moi-même-Moitié Cross Logo Acrylic Charm Ribbon Clip ($17, originally $21)
Moi-même-Moitié is one of Japan's premier stores for shopping out elegant, gothic Lolita attire — just like this romantic bow accessory. The clip-on piece is made from a textured lace fabric and features a dainty cross charm that adds to its appeal.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2024/08/28/650/n/49352476/e91384f11ec3b901_netimgwfu5zH.png)
:upscale()/2024/08/27/817/n/49352476/f8dd63b37625c234_netimg7qaTDL.jpg)
A Goth Lolita Skirt
Gothic Layered Ruffled Underskirt ($23)
It's not quite Osaka's Nike skirt, but this fashion piece does boast a similar tiered design that's voluminous and easy to style. Pair it with a collared Victorian blouse, knee-high socks, and Mary Janes for a look that's the epitome of goth Lolita style.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2024/08/27/817/n/49352476/f8dd63b37625c234_netimg7qaTDL.jpg)
:upscale()/2024/08/27/817/n/49352476/5bc55e4630316e39_netimgw2CJlN.jpg)
A Goth Lolita Dress
Ainclu Classic Layered Lace-Up Dress ($60)
It doesn't get much more darling than this layered dress from Amazon. From the lace-up design and ruffled sleeves to the delicate bow accents featured throughout, this dress ticks all of our boxes and then some.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2024/08/27/817/n/49352476/5bc55e4630316e39_netimgw2CJlN.jpg)
:upscale()/2024/08/27/891/n/49352476/02091eef66ce35ec31bca7.82369782_Screen_Shot_.png)
A Goth Lolita Lipstick
Laura Mercier Caviar Smoothing Matte Lipstick ($45)
Dark purple is one of the signature colors of the Lolita goth aesthetic. The plum-colored shade feels undeniably romantic, with a rich coloring that's sure to stand out — even if you're opting for minimal makeup.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2024/08/27/891/n/49352476/02091eef66ce35ec31bca7.82369782_Screen_Shot_.png)
:upscale()/2024/08/27/817/n/49352476/1597f77979fcc762_netimg72jmlN.webp)
A Goth Lolita Eyeshadow Palette
Huda Beauty Pretty Grunge Eyeshadow Palette ($69)
The right makeup can enhance any look, especially if you're hoping to recreate a gothic Lolita ensemble. This popular eyeshadow palette features a range of darker shades that'll match your outfit beautifully, whether you're wearing a ruffled Lolita skirt or a lacy blouse.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2024/08/27/817/n/49352476/1597f77979fcc762_netimg72jmlN.webp)
:upscale()/2024/08/27/817/n/49352476/a06bd1f2496adb19_netimgZhZjTO.jpg)
A Goth Lolita Perfume
Kat Von D Sinner Eau de Parfum Spray ($170)
While this perfume's scent doesn't necessarily mirror any gothic Lolita-inspired aromas, the bottle does feel quintessentially Victorian with the ornate engravings and dark black coloring. It features scents of vanilla and cinnamon. Plus, the perfume is sure to make a unique addition to your dresser or beauty cabinet.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2024/08/27/817/n/49352476/a06bd1f2496adb19_netimgZhZjTO.jpg)
:upscale()/2024/08/27/818/n/49352476/af2988624be09e9a_Commerce_Mini_Bio_Slides.png)
Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.