What Tova Would Wear: Remarkably Bright Creatures Outfits from Amazon

If you have not read Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt yet, I need you to stop what you are doing and add it to your list right now. It is one of those books that quietly sneaks up on you and then absolutely wrecks you in the best possible way. The story follows Tova Sullivan, a widowed woman working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium on the coast of Washington, and Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus who lives there and has a lot of opinions about the humans around him. It is part mystery, part grief story, part unexpected friendship, and one hundred percent unforgettable.

The Netflix adaptation hits on May 8, 2026, with Sally Field playing Tova, and I could not be more excited. If you want to read the book before the movie drops (and I highly recommend it), you can grab a copy on Amazon here or find a secondhand copy on PangoBooks using my referral code HRHONEY at pangobooks.com/HRHONEY.

Now here is the fun part. Tova Sullivan has a style that I find so quietly beautiful. She is practical and unpretentious, but there is something so intentional about the way she moves through the world. Pacific Northwest coastal, cozy layers, nothing flashy. The kind of woman who would reach for a good linen dress or a warm fleece without overthinking it. I went down a rabbit hole pulling Amazon finds that feel like her, mixed with modern-day fashion trends, and I want to share all of them with you today.

I split everything into two vibes because Tova contains multitudes. There is her cozy, layered, Pacific Northwest side and her soft spring coastal side, and honestly, both feel very on brand for a woman who spends her evenings with an octopus and her mornings very quietly getting on with things. Shop the full list here!

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The Cozy Pacific Northwest Tova

This is Tova arriving at the aquarium before dawn with a thermos of coffee, wearing something warm and sensible that she has had for years and genuinely loves. Think chunky knits, good outerwear, wide leg jeans, and boots built for actual weather.

First things first, you need this sweater. The Womens Oversized Crewneck Sweater in beige and white is exactly what I picture Tova wearing on a cool morning. It has that batwing sleeve, relaxed fit, and soft pullover energy that feels effortless without trying. This hits every note of the Poetcore trend that is all over Pinterest right now, and it is incredibly affordable.

The Carhartt Women's Rockford Anorak is such a good find for this aesthetic. The two-tone dusty blue colorway feels so Pacific Northwest coastal, and the practical, slightly utilitarian silhouette is very Tova. She is not someone who dresses for attention but she would absolutely wear something that is both functional and quietly beautiful. This one checks both boxes.

If the anorak is a little too lightweight for your climate, the Carhartt Women's Ripstop Utility Jacket is your answer. It is rugged and workwear-inspired but still really wearable as an everyday layer. The kind of jacket you throw on over everything and it just works.

The Yanekop Womens Fuzzy Fleece Pullover Sherpa is giving cozy aquarium night shift energy in the best possible way. It is warm, it has pockets, it is under $40, and it is the kind of thing you would reach for when you just want to feel comfortable and taken care of. Very Tova. Very Pacific Northwest.

A good pair of relaxed wide leg jeans is such a Tova staple. The Sidefeel Women's Wide Leg Jeans are high waisted, stretchy, and have that effortless flowy fit that works with everything. Tuck the fleece in, add your boots, done.

Speaking of boots. The Sorel Women's Revel Rd Chelsea Waterproof in that warm tan suede is everything for this aesthetic. Waterproof, chunky lug sole, slip on ease. The kind of boot someone who works near the water would absolutely own and wear constantly.

Tova strikes me as a leather tote bag woman. Something sturdy and practical that she has carried for years. The KKXIU Large Tote Bag is a really beautiful find. Rich brown leather, zipper closure, big enough for everything.

The Soft Spring Coastal Tova

This is Tova on a Saturday morning, maybe stopping at the farmers market before heading to meet the Knit-Wits. The sun is actually out for once, and she is in something a little lighter and breezier. This is also very much a May vibe, which feels appropriate given the Netflix drop date.

The PRETTYGARDEN Women's Button Down Shirt is such a great everyday layer for this look. Lightweight, relaxed, and the kind of top you can wear open over a tank or buttoned up on its own. It has that soft, unfussy energy that feels completely true to Tova.

The Chouyatou Women's Striped Back Smocked Maxi Dress is my favorite piece in this whole roundup. The subtle stripe, the smocked back, the spaghetti strap silhouette. It is so effortlessly coastal and pretty without trying too hard. I can completely picture Tova in this on a warm afternoon.

For something a little more casual, the Levi's Women's Utility Shorts are such a classic. Good quality, relaxed fit, the kind of shorts you pair with the button down and Birkenstocks and feel completely put together without overthinking it.

If you want something even more lightweight and active-ready for those Pacific Northwest trails, the CRZ YOGA Women's Lightweight Mid Rise Hiking Shorts are really great for someone who spends time outdoors near the water.

The Birkenstock Gizeh Unisex Leather Sandals are the most Tova shoe on this entire list and I will not be taking questions. Classic, sensible, incredibly comfortable, worn in and loved. She has had these for years.

If you want something with a little more height and a modern twist, the REEF Women's Vista Hi Buckle Platform Sandal is such a pretty option. The tan leather and chunky platform feel really elevated for summer without being uncomfortable.

Okay this bag is almost too perfect for this post. The Miss Adola Aesthetic Ocean Tote Bag features a marine life print that is giving direct nod to Marcellus and the Sowell Bay Aquarium. It is under $15 and the most fun little detail to carry if you are a fan of the book. I love it so much.

The Fun Extras (Because Marcellus Would Want You to Have Them)

I mean. The Glitch Beach Vintage Octopus Marine Biologist T-Shirt had to be included. It is casual, it is bookish, it is a great conversation starter if you run into another reader. Wear it with the wide leg jeans and Sorel boots and call it a day.

The Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth Water Bottle in that warm smoky mocha tone is such a good everyday carry and feels very Pacific Northwest practical. Tova would have one of these. Probably has had the same one for fifteen years.

If you are not already counting down to May 8, I hope this post convinced you to start. Remarkably Bright Creatures is such a special book and I cannot wait to see how Sally Field brings Tova to life. In the meantime, grab the book on Amazon or find a secondhand copy on PangoBooks using my code HRHONEY at pangobooks.com/HRHONEY.

Shop the full Tova style Amazon list here!

Have you read Remarkably Bright Creatures? Tell me your favorite Marcellus moment in the comments because I have a lot of feelings and I need someone to talk to about them.