Biblioethica Sept/Oct Prompt: Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice

This month's prompt was a bit of a tricky one for me. The phrase "sugar, spice and everything nice" is something I know from my childhood, but upon looking it up I realized I actually know nothing about it.

Here's a brief history lesson on this old saying:

It comes from an old poem. "What Little Boys Are Made Of", likely first published in the 1800s. The exact meaning of it is uncertain, but historically over the years it was used to contrast what boys and girls are like, ie. boys are rambunctious and ambitious, and girls are soft and feminine. It's also used as an idiom to mean anything pleasant. It wasn't a phrase that was used much when I was growing up, at least not by my parents, but I can remember my grandmother using it once to say I should be more ladylike. (And there is a good argument to be made that this phrase and others like it echo similar sentiments to "boys will be boys", but perhaps that's a bit off topic.)

So how do we interpret the phrase when it comes to fashion? To be honest, I have no clue.

You could of course use it as a placeholder phrase for Halloween or fall fashion, since it kind of fits the theme. But I'm choosing instead to take a look at it in a bit of a different way. Instead, let's look at the sugar vs. spice versions of mori fashion.

Sugar: "Traditional Mori"

The "sugar" version of mori, or its traditional form, is still my personal favorite. Think early magazines and street snaps, with the white flowing dresses, asymmetrical layers, knit accessories, and more. The classic mori look is what is most recognizable, and the most common photos you find when you google the style.

Classic mori features more beige, creme, and brown colors. Although pops of natural colors have existed since its early creation. It also features a lot of layers, knit and other natural fabrics, sweaters, scarves, and shawls. Common shoes are practical, leather looking shoes.

 

"Sugar" mori, to me, is the "mainstream" version of mori fashion. It's the kind of outfit you first make when you get into mori. It's the first images you might see online. It's the most plentiful version for sure. And there is nothing wrong with that! It's classic for a reason. But sometimes, it can be a little fun to spice things up!

Spice: Trying something new!

Variations

One easy version of adding "spice" to your mori outfits is to try out mori variations and sister styles! I've talked about all of these in depth on this blog, but there is no shortage of options here, like:

Yama Kei

Hama Kei

Dark Mori

Mori Boy

And more! There are so many options for spicing up your wardrobe that have a lot of images out there already to use for variation. 

Adding Extra Spice

But what about those of us who really want to spice it up even more? What are some new, or less used ideas we can try? 

The possibilities here truly are endless, but here are a few I wish we would see around more!

OTT Mori

(Source: Deer-Lightful Forest)

This term comes from the EGL community, and means "over the top". It's often used to describe outfits that include aspects you wouldn't see in daily life. 

For mori, this might mean using bold makeup styles, wearing loud accessories like dear antlers or faun hoove shoes, or adding an extreme number of layers. Anything bold and over the top will do! Experiment and have fun trying something new that you might see at a convention or on a runway!

Short Skirts

Generally, mori is a conservative style. But it doesn't always have to be! Swap out that long skirt for a short one, or even shorts, and try a new look! Mori gyaru coordinates can be a great inspiration for this kind of look as well.

New colors

I don't have any good pictures for this one, but a fun addition could be adding some bright colors to your outfit. Try a new color to you that you don't usually wear, or add in a color you might never see in mori to create an entirely new look! 

New crossover styles 

Create a new version of mori! Cross over the style with another J-fashion style you enjoy. Make mori decora, or girly mori! You could also combine a western fashion style with mori kei, or traditional fashion from your culture with it, or more! Make something entirely new and unique to you.

Old crossover suggestions

Another fun suggestion is making some of the "almost fashion" mori variations come true! Try out desert mori, or numa girl! Or even make a new version of mori inspired by another aspect of nature.

Mori is a broad umbrella term for a wonderful community with so much variety and potential for creativity. Whether you wear sugar or spice mori, I hope everyone can find a version of mori that they enjoy and create outfits that bring you happiness! 

Until next time, my deers!