Mori Boy Checklist & Guide

this is going to be a bit tongue in cheek (as the other checklists are, heres the mori girl, and dark mori ones) and is to be taken with a bit of salt. theres no hard and fast rules in any mori styling, i just wanted to compile a little something for fun, and for people just getting into the aesthetic looking for a few basics.

 Styling:

   +  enjoys looking comfortable yet eccentric, through use of eclectic patterns & textures
   +  while colors range from light to dark, they are likely to be unsaturated, seemingly bleached by the sun or    having a worn-in look
   +  likes to wear interesting fibers, like: fur, leather&suede, wool, linen, bamboo
   +  prefers more detailed fabrics to simple ones, like a textured knit to stockingette, or herringbone or tweed to plain weave.
   +  shoes are rugged and utilitarian, but can also be a bit stylish. Worn in leather boots and wool topsiders are popular, but mocassins, traditional japanese sandals and even battered western sneakers like New Balances also work, as long as the color coordinates.
   +  wants to look like wanderer, may accessorize with tools like binoculars or compass'
   +  will usually carry a bag, backpacks and large leather or canvas satchels are roomy and sturdy
   +  hair can be short to long, but has a unstyled tousled look, bed head is ok, especially if its curly
   +  loves scarves of the thick and chunky variety, can be knit, felted, or even a fur stole
   +  often wears a statement cardigan or jacket, what it is is totally up to personal preference, but is often a major element of the outfit. Common examples are large gauge sweaters, cardigans with pattern or large buttons, or haori with a large printed pattern.
   +  likes vintage style, but stays away from the fussier elements of western clothing

 Lifestyle
   +  enjoys working with hands, hobbies like gardening, crafting, cooking, etc.
   +  loves to read, and maybe write, may daydream about vintage typewriters
   +  likes animals, and may even look to specific ones for outfit inspiration
   +  prefer to appear quiet and wild, mysterious
   +  enjoys outtings that allow for discovery, like wandering in the country or a new part of town
   +  might settle down in a coffee shop for longer than average
   +  likes to take photos of adventures, but may lack for photos of themselves (they are behind the camera!)
   +  whether openly or not, may believe in fairies and other folkloric characters or spirits
   +  has an interest in music, whether playing or listening, especially unusual instruments like harpsichord or ocarina
   +  is a collector of objects, usually small things they think are under appreciated
   +  often found in thrift, vintage shops, flea markets
   +  enjoys museums, especially ones with dioramas
   +  if the choice is present, prefers rustic and wholesome food & drink, not neccessarily veg/vegan
   +  hot drink connoisseur

Wardrobe Basics
   +  try to stick with mostly unsaturated colors like ecru, deep navy or cadet blue, khaki green, burgundy, charcoal, chambray blue, sage, etc. most colors have a place, as long as they can be described as "rustic" or "earthy"
   +  brights can be included too, but can be more difficult to stay distinctly "mori"
   +  patterned or lightly textured button down shirts. chambray, flannel, and printed cotton are easy to find.
   +  tshirts with henley neck detailing or waffle texture
   +  bold & simple patterned sweater that can go with many outfits, ecru and navy dot or stripe is prerfect.
   +  bottoms can be most any type of rugged pant, even trousers if they are worn. even wide culotte pants or  wrap skirts are fine, just try to keep the forest wanderer element here.
   +  good starter bottoms would be straight legged courduroy or denim pants in a khaki or faded blue.
   +  this style is not for minimalists, it usually requires layering, even in summer, for the right look. thats not to say you have to wear long pants, socks, cardigan, buttondown etc when its sweltering, but wearing a lot of items at once is almost essential.
   +  good starter shoes might be leather boots for cool weather and short desert boots or birkenstocks for warm weather.
   + since summer is a difficult topic in all mori styles, a nice mori boy summer outfit might be:
         - khaki shorts with a leather belt
         - interesting crew length socks (to show color or pattern)
         - short sleeve button down, with a flower or other brooch
         - talisman style necklace worn over shirt
         - backpack & watch
         - hat (lots of options: straw boater, vintage felt, twill newsboy, etc, again color is important)
         - so, you can wear a lot of things but not be all covered up!

thats all for now! i have to set my work aside for a bit as im moving houses, but im putting together a tutorial, so visit again soon.

***7.16.2015 EDIT***

hii :)

if you found this page, i'll welcome you to our mori corner of the internet. if you blog on tumblr, lets connect! mine is imyrdungeonmaster.tumblr.com . i curate a large tag of my own magazine uploads from mori relevant publications, and i make little mori guides, photo sets, outfits etc over there instead of here ;) right now, im working a guide to co ordinating sneakers in mori outfits.

seeee you !