Olivia Rodrigo faces backlash for ‘Lolita’ babydoll looks during upcoming album promo
Discussion around Rodrigo’s wardrobe intensified following the release of her single ‘drop dead’, whose music video
Olivia Rodrigo’s recent fashion choices have reignited online debate after the singer embraced the babydoll dress silhouette throughout the rollout of her upcoming third album.
Discussion around Rodrigo’s wardrobe intensified following the release of her single “drop dead”, whose music video features the singer wearing a short Chloé pre-fall 2026 babydoll dress styled with bloomer shorts and knee-high socks while moving through the Palace of Versailles.
Since the video’s release, Rodrigo has continued incorporating the style into public appearances, including her Spotify Billions Club concert in Barcelona. Speaking to British Vogue, the singer explained the inspiration behind the aesthetic.
“My Pinterest is all babydoll dresses and ’70s necklines,” Rodrigo said. “I want it all to feel fun and laid-back.”
The fashion trend has divided opinion online, with some critics arguing the silhouette appears infantilising or overly influenced by “Lolita” aesthetics.
Others defended Rodrigo’s styling choices, pointing to the long history of babydoll dresses within rock and grunge fashion culture.
Rodrigo addressed the inspiration directly in an interview with Vogue, citing musicians from the riot grrrl and alternative rock scenes.
“I just remember being younger and having pictures of Courtney Love and Kat Bjelland from all these riot grrrl punk bands in their babydoll dresses, just owning it,” she said.
The singer added that her performance wardrobe intentionally exaggerates elements of her personal style.
“I think everything that I wear on stage and in videos is a really heightened version of how I feel in my day-to-day life,” Rodrigo explained.
The article also highlighted the historical roots of the babydoll dress, which first gained popularity in the 1940s before becoming closely associated with 1990s grunge fashion through artists including Courtney Love, Kim Gordon and Kat Bjelland.
Despite criticism online, supporters argued Rodrigo’s style reflects both vintage rock influences and modern fashion trends rather than attempting to provoke controversy.
