Mushroom | the neutral, minimalist style root: GUIDE
The Mushroom Style Root is the clean, understated source of inspiration in your style. Mushrooms are subtle, quiet and calm, appearing smooth and simple on the outside. This is my guide for if you might be a mushroom and how to dress for your new style root
Personality
Although style roots are primarily aesthetic, and it is okay to simply be drawn visually to one of the style roots, usually the style roots will correspond with personality. The Mushroom is likely to have some of the following characteristics:
calm
relaxed
focused
reliable
quiet
composed
clean
tranquil
serene
orderly
efficient
unpretentious
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Lifestyle
What you like in clothing will often correlate with what you like in other spheres of life, whether it be interior design or simply the activities you do.
Those with the Mushroom style root might enjoy the following activities:
yoga practise
walking along a quiet beach
writing in a journal
playing tennis
having a candlelit bath
reading a book
meditating
How to Style
The mushroom style root can be described as…
coastal
preppy
timeless
classic
clean
simple
neutral
balanced
understated
subtle
You don’t have to include ALL of the following elements in an outfit to create the Mushroom effect, but one to three details will help to create this impression. There are also lots of other elements I could include, but I think this is a good starting point!
Parisian silhouettes
This is, of course, an extremely vague term; however, the typical Parisian-inspired capsule wardrobe often includes items which are perfect for the mushroom style root as they are simple, minimal and elegant. Some item examples include straight jeans, white shirt, cigarette pants, midi skirts, ballet flats/loafers and trench coats
Muted tones
Many might assume that in order to dress more mushroom you have to dress in neutral tones; however, as well as black, white, brown and navy you might also incorporate muted tones such as olive, a soft pink, or pale blue.
Plain fabrics / subtle patterns
Plain fabrics are the easiest way to convey simplicity and retain a timeless feel; however, you could also incorporate some subtle, low contrast, simple patterns which have very few elements.
Matching
Matching your belt to your bag and your shoes, wearing a monochrome look, and avoiding pops of colour ensure cohesion and simplicity in a look.
Minimal layers
Keeping visible layers minimal keeps a look simple and effortless. Rather than layering a shirt under a jumper under a blazer under a coat with a patterned bag and sunglasses and two pairs of socks and loafers which is creative and exciting for some, someone with the mushroom style root would prefer top + jacket + jeans + loafers - simple.
The mushroom style root adds effortlessness, minimalism and ease to any outfit. Do you think you are a Mushroom? Leave me a comment below!
Across the Seasons
It is quite easy to picture what mushroom might look like in autumn and spring, but what about in the other months? Your style root should stay with you across all four seasons, but it can be tempting to lean on a different root when you can’t visualise how your REAL style root might look.
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Mushroom in Men’s Fashion
Celebrities and Characters with the Mushroom Style Root
Elisabeth James | The Parent Trap
Erica Barry | Something’s Gotta Give
Madeleine | No Time to Die
Sally Albright | When Harry Met Sally
Anna Scott | Nottinghill
Baby | Dirty Dancing
Meghan Markle
Kim Kardashian
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Angelina Jolie
Emma Watson
Jennifer Lopez
Jeanne Damas
Rachel Weisz
Princess Diana of Wales
Alexa Chung
Gwyneth Paltrow
Kirsten Dunst
Anna Newton
Mushroom Pinterest Board
Visit the Style Roots ‘Hub’
Everything ‘style’ roots in one place. Learn about each of the 8 style roots, how to style them and how to find YOURS
I tend to focus on women’s fashion because as a woman myself I have a stake in the game - but (if I do say so myself) I think style roots could be the most helpful style system for men. I think for a lot of men, they are actually pretty intuitive with their style. I think style roots can help the messy looking man in your life look more put together and level up his outfits without even trying.