Once again, Copenhagen Fashion Week has made us all want to dress like Scandinavian women – as if we didn’t already. The Red team are long admirers of how breezily our Scandi sisters seem to throw the perfect outfit together, effortlessly styling simple staples to make every look feel cool and expensive. Think flirty skirts paired with sporty tees and pointed flats; slouchy black jumpers over slim trousers with low kitten heels; and tonal monochrome ensembles to keep things slick and sharp. Quality cuts and fabrics feel luxe and modern, with contrasting textures creating dressed-down looks with polish.
One thing’s for sure: Scandi style is admired the world over, hence the deluge of fashion lovers for their SS25 event. But, as ever, the best advice on how to dress Scandi comes from those who know it best: stylish Scandinavian women themselves. So, we asked a handful of our favourites to share their key style principles, capsule wardrobe staples and go-to Scandi brands, from Ganni to Cos. Find out what they had to say below…
Our Scandi style experts
Josefine Aarstad, fashion designer, @j.l.aarstad
Marte Dahlgren, stylist and fashion consultant, @martedahlgren
Sarah Herland and Camilla Johnsen, co-founders of jewellery brand Josephine, @sarahherland, @camillasvj
Cathrine Skovly, PR and marketing consultant, @cathrine.skovly
Practicality calls for layering…
The five girls all noted that Scandinavia’s freezing winter temperatures call for clever hacks to stay warm, making practical dressing a must. ‘We’re the masters of layering because we never know how many seasons we’ll get in a day,’ says Marte. ‘Go-tos include thin wool layers that nobody can see to wear under our regular clothing, and lightweight puffer gilets like those from Uniqlo to hide beneath nice wool coats. Needless to say, a chic wool beanie is a must – Shapka Cashmere has the best ones. Then for hardy winter shoes with good grip, Norwegian-Italian footwear brand Diemme is a favourite among the Scandi style set.’
That said, Josefine points out that Scandi girls don’t let the pragmatic approach get in the way of fashion. ‘We always try to be stylish, even on snowy coffee runs in -20 degrees, which explains why [Danish brand] Ganni has collaborated with the likes of Barbour and 66°North!’
Scandi style is all about layering, and they also have a love of neutrals
…but don’t forget to have fun
‘Us Scandis may be conscious of the weather, but we’re also keen on adding some individuality and colour to brighten up darker days,’ says Marte. ‘The Danes are great at this – look to Ganni or Stine Goya for inspiration.’ She extols the importance of considering the details to bring personality and interest to your looks. ‘I love second-hand shopping to find something patterned or unexpected, like a fun printed blouse. The same goes for accessories – add a bold scarf, a great bag (I love ATP Atelier) or some gorgeous jewellery (Pearl Octopussy or Anni Lu) and any outfit will be lifted.’
Guests attend Lovechild 1979
Play with contrasting textures, too. ‘Even with a rather basic wardrobe, Scandi girls are adept at blending textures,’ says Marte. ‘Think a silk skirt with a wool cardigan, or a wool suit trouser with a denim jacket. Simple doesn’t have to be boring.’
Josefine, too, enjoys how Scandi style has got increasingly playful (we’re obsessed with her sparkly denim jacket). ‘Scandi fashion has gone from being known and categorised as minimalism (think Filipa K and Acne Studios) to being full of flowers and ruffles (Ganni and Cecilie Bahnsen),’ she says. ‘Yes, we love quality fabrics like wool that we can layer up to stay warm, but we also seek out colour, texture and volume to help keep our energy up in dark winter times. Because what’s better than feeling good in your clothes?’
Danish designer Cecilie Bahnsen at Paris Fashion Week AW22
Find your Scandi flavour
Originally from Norway but currently living in Copenhagen, Cathrine has noticed that Scandinavian fashion varies between different cities. ‘In Copenhagen, people generally have a cooler, more laid-back style,’ she says. ‘In Stockholm, you’ll find a more polished and put-together vibe. Oslo fashion is similarly polished, but as the others have said, we are very practical in the way we dress. Compared to our neighbouring cities, I reckon we spend the most on Gore-Tex and technical clothing, though Copenhagen girls have recently incorporated it into their street style looks.’
Her personal style? ‘It’s probably a combination of the Oslo and Stockholm influences: simple, classic and understated. My favourite brands are Toteme, Filippa K, Cos, Rohé, The Row and Sessei.’
Curate a considered capsule wardrobe
In terms of a Scandi outfit formula, Marte reckons it’s all about thoughtfully curating a capsule wardrobe of great quality, timeless pieces that will last, which importantly is also a sustainable approach. ‘Some really good sneakers are a must, as are leather shoes like loafers or boots,’ she says. ‘Jeans and other denim staples can easily be dressed up or down – Acne Studios is a forever favourite of mine and denim brand Jeanerica is becoming more and more popular – and good T-shirts and shirts are key, as is cashmere knitwear. Norwegian brand Julie Josephine is my go-to for perfect basics. Then don’t forget chic wool suits and blazers – they’re essential to a Scandi wardrobe, either styled with sneakers for a more relaxed look or with heels for the evening. Mark Kenly Domino Tan, Envelope 1976 and Dagmar have the best ones.’
Cathrine echoes Marte’s tips, singing the praises of ‘a good pair of blue jeans’ (she loves Toteme’s straight-leg style) and a trusty tee (from Cos or Julie Josephine), paired with white Converse trainers or brown loafers. ‘For fall, I’m eyeing up an amazing thick-knit sweater from Norwegian brand O.A.D. and looking to buy a new jacket from The Curated, which recently opened a new store in Copenhagen,’ she says. ‘They have some great wool jackets and the quality is amazing for the price. They also have some nice thinner pieces that you can layer under a blazer or sweater for extra protection from the cold breeze. I’m also very impressed with Cos’ cashmere collection; I bought some pieces last season and they still look new.’
Guests attend Saks Potts’ show at Copenhagen Fashion Week SS24
Sarah, too, is focused on comfort and ensuring that getting dressed each morning doesn’t require much planning or effort. ‘I opt for neutral colours like black, white, grey and beige and choose basic garments made from quality materials so that each piece can easily be paired with the others,’ she says. Her go-to outfit is a pair of wide-leg jeans teamed with a white T-shirt or an oversized white shirt; a soft, cosy cardigan or sweater; loafers and a belt. ‘I can then dress that up with jewellery – I prefer solid gold or silver pieces that don’t tarnish, so I can wear them every day – or heels in the evening.’
Elevate the basics with beautiful jewellery
‘I like to keep my hair and makeup natural and my wardrobe simple, then let my accessories do the talking,’ says Camilla. ‘For example, I love dressing up in a nice pair of denim jeans and a basic white shirt, then elevating my look with some elegant, understated jewellery; a solid silver statement ring and a few bangles on my wrist can make the outfit stand out, or my current go-to is an 18-karat gold pinkie ring paved with diamonds. The Scandi girl appreciates quality without showing off too much.’
Marte loves buying jewellery to keep as heirlooms. ‘Scandis love tradition, so any items that can be passed down through the generations are our favourites,’ she says. ‘Some jewellery from Ole Lyngaard or the amazing girls at Josephine Studio would make the perfect gift to yourself.’
