Give your winter wardrobe a cool Scandi girl makeover with these seven pieces. (Gap, Everlane, Amazon)
I've always had a soft spot for the classic sophistication of Parisian ladies, but lately, my social media feeds have been bursting with images of Scandinavian women absolutely nailing their cold-weather style. Seeing this switch has come at the perfect time as I tackle the chilly New York winter. Their part of the world (think: Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm) deals with frigid temps more than most places, so you can trust that these stylish gals have truly mastered the art of dressing for colder climes. And their cool looks are just the inspiration I need right now!
After hours of scrolling through my FYP, I've noticed their secret to staying stylish on the urban tundra is by blending practicality with flair in a refreshing way. Instead of the typical black puffer coats and snow boots that dominate the scene here in the States, Nordic ladies embrace cheerful pops of color, interesting textures and lots of layers. Not to mention the playful accessories that add a fun twist to any dreary winter look. Their fresh take on cold-weather fashion has got me genuinely excited about putting together winter outfits again — and I think it will get your styling juices flowing, too. Below, I've gathered some of my favorite Scandi influencers to follow along for some stylish inspiration, plus I’ve picked out seven items that I can’t wait to add to my winter wardrobe.
When it comes to dressing for those chilly temperatures, a cozy oversized statement scarf is a must. While you can’t go wrong with a classic wool number in a solid color, why not spice things up with soft, fuzzy textures in playful colors and interesting patterns? They'll bring some joy to any drab winter wardrobe. You can drape one around your neck for an effortless look, or go the extra mile and try styling it like the girls in Copenhagen by turning it into a cute hood to keep your head warm, too.
A classic button-down shirt is already an essential in many women's wardrobes. But instead of sticking with traditional white or black styles, Scandi trendsetters reach for options in bold bright colors instead. It's a fun way to stand out and add a little interest to any outfit. The structured silhouette still gives you that timeless tailored vibe, but the unexpected pop of color is the perfect antidote to a neutral coat and jeans (as seen above).
Whether you're wearing it on its own, layering it over a crisp white tee or even tying one around the shoulders of your jacket, a chunky sweater is a necessity in any winter closet. For our Scandi friends, they're not just about warmth; the fuzzy textures and oversized shapes add depth and dimension to their layered looks. (See more on our styling hacks for these versatile toppers below.)
While we typically sport trench coats during the rainy days of April, Scandi girls wear them all year round. If you want to rock a trench in winter like they do, the secret is to layer it over your warm and cozy favorites, like the aforementioned sweaters. This classic topper has been a stylish staple for ages, and it will balance out all those vibrant pieces the Nordic ladies are sporting.
You know the old saying, "You can't wear white after Labor Day"? Well, Scandinavian women scoff at such seasonal silliness. They fully embrace the look of winter white jeans, and honestly, it's such a stylish choice that we plan to too. If you're still on the fence about the idea, consider testing the waters with an off-white shade like ecru instead. It gives you the same vibe without feeling too summery. Give it a go — you might just love it!
Nothing raises our dopamine level like slipping on a colorful printed dress. And the Nords show us that chilly weather shouldn't put a stop to that. Of course, we're not suggesting you step out in freezing temps in bare shoulders and open-toed shoes. But how about layering one of these cheerful frocks under your favorite chunky sweater (do you see how essential they are yet?!) or over a fitted turtleneck for an unexpected look? It’s the perfect way to stay warm and look sunny at the same time.
Look, we love a comfortable pair of kicks as much as the next girl, but the Scandis really have a knack for making them look incredibly cool. Instead of the classic white sneakers that have us Americans in a chokehold, they opt for vibrant colors and supple suede materials that give even the most basic outfit an upgrade. Whether you're choosing pastel lilac shoes or bright blues or greens, a bold sneak is an easy way to show off your personality (and favorite color).
