When I go shopping or select an outfit from my wardrobe I always have a particular style and theme that I’m going for. My fashion choices are always inspired by the forest. The colours, textures and accessories all have qualities that resemble something natural. I’ve been dressing with this theme in mind for years and have been happy knowing I have my own personal style.
“Mori” means “Forest” in Japanese
Recently I learned of the Japanese street style called Mori Girl. Mori in Japanese means Forest. So basically Forest Girl style. I was shocked to read that there’s a whole community that exists and they dress the same way I do! So much for being unique. You imagine a girl who looks like she’s been living in the forest. A lot of creativity and imagination is involved to get the look right. But really though I must have seen this style somewhere or is the Mori Girl more than just fashion? Upon further reading I found that being a Mori Girl is actually more of a lifestyle. You wear the clothes but you also have a specific type of attitude and interests. Turns out I also share in these interests too like photography, dreaming, drinking tea, writing, reading, a love of nature and just being creative.
There’s a list of rules to follow if you choose to live the Mori Girl lifestyle. I was surprised how many of these I already do and describe me perfectly. I like to think of myself as a Mori Girl but not fully. The style requires a lot of layering but more with dresses and skirts. I do this sometimes but in our cold Canadian climate I prefer pants sometimes. So I can’t dedicate myself fully to being a Mori but it’s the closest thing I can relate to when it comes to who I am and what my style says about me.
If the Mori Girl style interests you I’ve included the rules, how to articles and some fashion inspiration boards below. Enjoy faeries!
How to be a Mori Girl – 12 Steps
62 Rules for Living in a Forest – Full article here
How many of these can you check off the list? I’ve highlighted the ones that I can relate to.
- You like loose fitting dresses
- You always wear dresses and skirts
- You prefer slightly quirky clothes over simple ones
(but you don’t like loud and flashy clothes) - You look natural, but with your own style
- You are particular about fabrics
- You like ethnic clothes, too
- You wear A-line clothes
- You like wearing dresses that little girls would wear, too
- You like smock-like dresses and blouses
- You don’t like super sweet fashion
- You like deep colors like Burgundy, Fukamidori (dark green, #00552e), Koniro (navy blue, #223a70) and Chairo (dark brown, #965042)
- Warm colors look good on you
- Short nails feel more comfortable
- You like fluffy hats made of knitwear or fur
- You like ear muffs
- You like ponchos and boleros
- You want to have leather bags
- You use pochettes for everything
- You prefer gold accessories over silver
- You feel attracted to old things
- You like pocket watches
- You like necklaces with magnifying glasses or large designs
- You like designs featuring animals
- You like designs featuring sweets
- You like plaid and polka dots
- You like old-fashioned flower patterns
- You like lace
- You like tights and leggings
- Your shoes are basic and flat soled
- You like round toe shoes
- If you wear sneakers you wear them like loosely fitting cute slip-ons
- Instead of regular buttons you like hand-made buttons
- You want to wrap your stole or muffler around yourself
- In winter, a turtleneck design is your basis
- You like layering garments
- Puff sleeves make you feel emotional
- You love fairy tales
- Fair-skinned
- Your hair is loosely permed
- Bob cut x straight bangs
- Straight bangs x long loose perm
- Girly
- You like FELISSIMO
- Of FELISSIMO, you especially like the brands Syrup and &sloe
- You like the feel of Q-pot “sweets”
- You enjoy chilling out at cafés
- You like walking with a camera in your hand
- You unconsciously end up at variety stores
- You can’t help starting collections of things you like, you are a collector
- Finding cute books at the book store makes you happy
- You get excited when you visit a furniture store
- You like making things by hand
- Autumn and winter are your favorite seasons
- You’d like to visit Scandinavia one day
- You like to have round cheeks
- If you use perfume, you prefer faint flower scents best
- (You long to be) a girl that exudes a soft mood
- (You long to be) an uncomplicated girl
- You have been told you come across as laid-back
- You consider Hagumi Hanamoto of Honey and Clover to be a Mori Girl
- Shizuru Satonaka from Tada, Kimi wo Aishiteru is also a Mori Girl
- You have been told by a friend that it looks like you are in a forest
