A Simple Guide to Creating Your Quaint Style | Cozy Mori-Kei Fashion Tips and Inspiration

Quaint Style Shopping Guide:

Charming clothing that is reminiscent of quiet and content, cabin-in-the-woods life–perfect for peaceful, sweet, nostalgic, quirky, independent (and especially introverted) individuals with a love for nature, creative works, and the idealistic thought of more simple, natural and relaxed living.

If that sounds like you, read on to learn how to create a wardrobe that is as Quaint as your soul, and slip into a quiet mindset as these nostalgic and cozy looks inspire a tranquil life full of simple pleasures and independence, surrounded by nature.

With this charming, warm and comfy wardrobe strongly inspired by Mori-Kei (Japanese – Translates: “Forest Style”)

you may experience a sense of peace and comfort in even the most hectic of days.

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How to Create Your Own Quaint Style:

Quaint Style Pinterest Board

The Aesthetic of Forest-Dwelling Royalty.

Mori-Kei elicits a strong sense of fairytale-idealism into its woodsy aesthetic. That’s what makes it so quaint. It’s warm and cozy and practical, but whimsical, quirky and imaginative. It’s hard not to look at it and think of Snow White, or of Briar Rose from Sleeping Beauty–It’s ultimately the look of Princesses, or Princes, finding solace in the woods.

Reach for pieces that give off a warm and cozy vibe, whatever the season, paired with idealistic, quirky, vintage pieces that transport you to your own fantasy land.

The tranquility of Autumn and Winter, that feels ever-present when we think of the forest, is so central to quaint style and layering will be crucial for properly pulling off this look, even in the warmer seasons with more delicate, flowy pieces.

Whether you’d rather be picking berries in a peaceful meadow; Singing with your animal friends in the forest, free of anybody’s potential judgement; lying out in a soft, grassy field, napping to the sound of a freshwater creek and the sing-songy chirping of birds; Spending alone time in a cabin, cooking, reading, or working away on an artistic project; or exactly where you are right now — Pieces that are reminiscent of a fairytale life in the woods will give off a comforting, cheerful, idealistic feel that will inspire peace, contentment, and imagination.

Relaxed and Comforting Silhouette.

The silhouette of your outfit will make or break the factor of practicality and comfort of your Quaint, Mori-Kei look. It’s all about loose-fitting, but feminine, relaxed shapes, often lots of length, and DEFINITELY layers upon layers.

Think: Long blouses and tunics, shift dresses made with flexible materials, pinafores or sundresses over vintage blouses, chunky sweaters, vests or decorative corsets, all kinds of hosiery, loose-fitting trousers, and skirts (even layered under or over dresses).

Short A-line dresses with leggings also make for an excellent base: Especially if you top it off with a big, chunky cardigan.

Practical, Cozy, Old-Fashioned, and Idealistic Fabrics.

The fabrics are where you can find that perfect juxtaposition of practical and cozy, but nostalgic and fairytale-esque. Think fabrics that have lasted the test of time.

Cotton, linen, corduroy, and wool are primarily practical and timeless, while lace, silk, and chiffon are charmingly romantic, whimsical, and nostalgic. Knitwear and crocheted pieces, velvet, and furs (whether faux/vegan-friendly or vintage so no other animals have to be killed) are all cozy and tend to have all of the above qualities. Mixing and matching a variety of these fabrics will add tons of character to your quaint outfit.

Deep, Earthy Colors.

Lots and lots of brown, white, and off white/beige are the perfect neutral colors to base your quaint style around. They maintain a humble, relaxed, dainty, and independant or sustainable look that gently hints at a sweet, down-to-earth but idealistic nature. Natural but ethereal all at once.

The lighter the shade, the more you’ll elicit a gentle and dainty-princess or -prince look. The darker the shade, the more you’ll summon the peaceful solace of the forest.

Black is great in moderation but It runs more dramatic than quaint, which can lead to it looking witchy, rather than fairytale-princess-esque.

Shop My Curated Lists of Products in Light Dainty Neutrals: Budget (Under $50), Splurge ($60-$300), Luxury (Investment pieces from the hundreds to several thousands).

Shop My Curated Lists of Products in Dark Depthy Neutrals: Budget (Under $50), Splurge ($60-$300), Luxury (Investment pieces from the hundreds to several thousands).

Reach for the ultimate Autumn colors to bring warmth to your Mori-Kei wardrobe. Deep, dusty, warm colors like burnt orange, burgundy-red, and mustard yellow are perfectly reminiscent of Fall foliage and will add some cheer to your quaint look.

Shop My Curated Lists of Products in Warm Autumn Colors: Budget (Under $50), Splurge ($60-$300), Luxury (Investment pieces from the hundreds to several thousands).

Natural-toned greens (such as forest, evergreen, and mossy colors) and deep blues are extremely peaceful colors and will bring tranquility to your outfit.

Shop My Curated Lists of Products in Tranquil Blues and Greens: Budget (Under $50), Splurge ($60-$300), Luxury (Investment pieces from the hundreds to several thousands).

Forest Flora and Fauna + Other Playfully Nostalgic Prints:

Quirky prints and/or symbols really add to the charm and set your look apart. It’s the fasted way to add character and imagination to an outfit!

Don’t be afraid to mix and match a handful of different prints and colors. It’s actually easier than it seems, and it gives you lots more styling options, leaving you lots of room to play with adding your own personality.

Old-Fashioned florals and wildflowers, mushrooms, moss, acorns, pinecones, berries, trees, deer, owls, foxes, hedgehogs, bunnies, birds, fairytale-esque illustrations, cottages, polka-dots, fair isle, plaid, and gingham can’t go wrong in Mori-Kei fashion.

Anything that reminds you of the forest or a fairytale, or that makes you nostalgic for a more simple time, those are must-haves for this style.

Budget:

Splurge:

Luxury: