Copenhagen Fashion Week has us all wanting to dress like Scandinavian women once again – like we haven’t done it before. The Red team has long admired how effortlessly our Scandinavian sisters pull together the perfect outfit, effortlessly styling simple basics to make every look feel cool and expensive. Think flirty skirts paired with sporty T-shirts and pointed flats; slouchy black sweaters over skinny trousers and low kitten heels; and tonal monochrome ensembles to keep things sleek and sharp. Quality cuts and fabrics feel luxurious and modern, while contrasting textures create polished, understated looks.
One thing’s for sure: Scandinavian style is loved all over the world, which is why SS25 events were flooded with fashionistas. But as always, the best advice on dressing Scandinavian style comes from those who know it best: stylish Scandinavian women themselves. So we asked a few of our favourites to share their basic style principles, capsule wardrobe essentials and must-haves. Scandinavian brandsFrom Ganni to Cos. Find out what they said below…
Our Scandinavian style experts
Josephine Aarstadfashion designer, @jlaarstad
Marte Dahlgrenstylist and fashion consultant, @martedahlgren
Sarah Herland and Camilla Johnsenco-founders of jewellery brand Josephine, @sarahherland, @camillasvj
Cathrine SkovlyPR and marketing consultant, @cathrine.skovly
Practicality requires layering…
All five girls noted that Scandinavia’s freezing winter temperatures call for clever tips for staying warm, and dressing practically is a must. “We’re masters of layering because we never know how many seasons we’ll experience in a day,” says Marte. “We prefer light wool layers that we can wear under our regular clothes, and lightweight puffer vests that can be tucked under nice wool coats like these from Uniqlo. Needless to say, a stylish wool beanie is a must—there are some great ones from Shapka Cashmere. Then for durable winter shoes with good grip, Norwegian-Italian shoe brand Diemme is a favorite of the Scandinavian style set.”
Josefine says that Scandinavian girls don’t let a pragmatic approach get in the way of fashion. ‘We always try to be stylish, even during coffee breaks in the snow at -20 degrees, so [Danish brand] ‘He’s collaborated with names like Ganni, Barbour and 66°North!’
…but don’t forget to have fun
“We Scandinavians can be weather-conscious, but we’re also keen to add a bit of individuality and colour to brighten up the darker days,” says Marte. “The Danes are great at this – look to Ganni or Stine Goya for inspiration.” She praises the importance of paying attention to the details to add personality and interest to your looks. “I love shopping secondhand to find something patterned or unexpected, like a blouse with a fun print. The same goes for accessories – add a bold scarf, a great bag (I love ATP Atelier) or fabulous jewellery (Pearl Octopussy or Anni Lu) and any outfit will be elevated.”
Play with contrasting textures, too. “Even if they have a pretty basic wardrobe, Scandinavian girls are masters of mixing textures,” says Marte. “Think a wool cardigan with a silk skirt, or a denim jacket with wool trousers. Simple doesn’t have to mean boring.”
Josefine also enjoys the increasingly playful nature of Scandinavian style (we love her bright denim jacket). ‘Scandinavian fashion has gone from being categorised as minimalism (think Filipa K and Acne Studios) to being full of florals and frills (Ganni and Cecilie Bahnsen),’ she says. ‘Yes, we love quality fabrics like wool that we can layer to stay warm, but we also look for colour, texture and volume to help keep our energy up during the dark winter months. Because what’s better than feeling good in your clothes?’
Find your Scandinavian flavour
Originally from Norway but now living in Copenhagen, Cathrine has noticed that Scandinavian fashion has changed across cities. ‘People tend to have a cooler, more relaxed style in Copenhagen,’ she says. ‘In Stockholm you’ll find a more polished and put-together vibe. Oslo fashion is similarly polished, but as others have said, we’re very practical in the way we dress. Compared to our neighbouring cities, I think we spend the most on Gore-Tex and technical clothing, but Copenhagen girls have been incorporating these into their street style looks lately.’
Personal style? ‘Probably a combination of Oslo and Stockholm influences: simple, classic and understated. My favourite brands are Toteme, Filippa K, Cos, Rohé, The Row and Sessei.’
Create a thoughtful capsule wardrobe
In terms of the Scandinavian clothing formula, Marte thinks it’s about creating a capsule wardrobe of quality, timeless pieces that will last – and importantly, it’s a sustainable approach. ‘Really good trainers are a must, as are leather shoes like loafers or boots,’ she says. ‘Jeans and other denim basics can easily be dressed up or down – Acne Studios is an all-time favourite of mine, and denim brand Jeanerica is becoming increasingly popular – and good T-shirts and shirts are key, as are cashmere knits. Norwegian brand Julie Josephine is my go-to for great basics. Then don’t forget smart wool suits and jackets – these are a Scandinavian wardrobe essential, paired with trainers for a more casual look, or heels for evening. Mark Kenly Domino Tan, Envelope 1976 and Dagmar have the best.’
Cathrine echoes Marte’s tips, singing the praises of a “good pair of jeans” (she likes the straight-leg style from Toteme) and a trusty T-shirt (from Cos or Julie Josephine), along with white Converse trainers or brown loafers. “I’ve got my eye on a great chunky-knit jumper from Norwegian brand OAD for autumn, and I’m thinking of buying a new jacket from The Curated, which has recently opened a new store in Copenhagen,” she says. “They have some great wool jackets and the quality is great for the price. They also have some lovely, thin pieces that you can wear under a blazer or sweater for extra protection from the cold breeze. I’m also really impressed by Cos’ cashmere collection; I bought a few last season and they still look like new.”
Sarah also focuses on comfort, making sure getting dressed each morning doesn’t take a lot of planning or effort. “I stick to neutrals like black, white, grey and beige, and choose basics made from quality materials so each piece can be easily matched with the others,” she says. Her favourite outfit is a pair of wide-leg jeans with a white T-shirt or oversized white shirt; a soft, comfortable cardigan or sweater; loafers and a belt. “I can then accessorise this with jewellery – I prefer solid gold or silver pieces that won’t fade, as I can wear them every day – or heels for the evening.”
Elevate the basics with beautiful jewelry
‘I like to keep my hair and make-up natural and my wardrobe simple, then let my accessories do the talking,’ says Camilla. ‘For example, I like to wear a nice pair of jeans and a simple white shirt, then I enhance my look with subtle, simple jewellery; a solid silver ring and a few bangles on my wrist can set off an outfit, or my current favourite is an 18-karat gold pinky ring encrusted with diamonds. The Scandinavian girl appreciates quality without being too flashy.’
Marte loves buying jewellery to keep as a legacy. ‘Scandinavians love tradition, so anything that can be passed down is our favourite,’ she says. ‘Jewelry from Ole Lyngaard or the wonderful girls at Josephine Studio makes a great gift for yourself.’
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