Gothic Lolita: To my knowledge, this is one of the earlier styles of lolita fashion, dating back to the 90s when Mana created the term EGL (Elegant Gothic Lolita). This style has changed drastically if you image gothic lolita being a simple black dress with white lace (there is a style for that further down). In these days, black is usually the main color paired up with white, red, blue, gold, and other darker colors. Gothic lolita has both dresses based on their design only or includes a print with a gothic theme on them such as crosses, vampires, churches, gothic gates, etc.

Classic Lolita: Classic lolita shows more of the Victorian influence the fashion is known for. It focuses on muted colors such as beige, green, brown, burgundy, and others making it a mature style of lolita compared to sweet. Dresses can be designed based or have prints such as roses and other flowers, forest animals (deers, birds, bears), fairy tales, and royalty themes.

Old-School Lolita: It can be argued if it is it's own style, but old-school has a look different to what lolita fashion has become in recent years. Old-school lolita dates back to the 90s to mid-2000s. These dresses were purely design based, usually a simple dress with lace. Rectangle headdresses and rocking-horse shoes with lacy socks were popular back then, but in modern days, it is usually considered "ita". Do not worry, though, if you're interested in this style as it has made a small comeback! 

 Kodona/Ouji: Although kodona (boystyle) and ouji (prince) are debatable names, this style is like the male version of lolita fashion. No dresses are involved, but instead shorts, coats, vests, and hats make this style different from the rest. Common colors include black, red, blue, white, beige, gold, and silver. The whole outfit is worn to be prince-like with a boyish feel to it.

Other Sub-Styles: (In order: Casual, Punk, Country, Sailor, Hime (Princess), Wa lolita). Lolita fashion has many other styles (some I haven't included). They range in difficulty of wearing them, with casual, sailor and country being the easiest and punk, hime, and wa being the hardest and aren't recommended for beginners. 

Don't forget to research up on other styles not shown (such as Circus, Pirate, Shiro and Kuro, Qi, Ero, Military, and others)! Once you have found your preferred style of lolita, make search to read part 2 of my tips where I explain how to be a good lolita and avoid becoming the dreaded "ita"!