by Once again, Copenhagen Fashion Week has asked us all to dress like Scandinavian women – as if we weren’t already. The Red team has long admired how happy our Scandi sisters are to put together the perfect outfit, styling simple staples with ease 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. High-quality cuts and fabrics feel luxe and modern, with contrasting textures creating a polished, dressed-down look.
One thing’s for sure: Scandi style is loved all over the world, so the SS25 event is taking the fashion world by storm. 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 few of our favorites to share their key style principles, capsule wardrobe staples and go-tos Scandi brandsfrom Ganni to Cos Find out what they had to say below…
Our experts on Scandi style
Josefine Aarstadfashion designer, @jlaarstad
Martha Dahlgrenstylist and fashion consultant, @martedahlgren
Sarah Herland and Camilla Johnsonco-founders of the jewelery brand Josephine, @sarahherland, @camillasvj
Catherine SkovlyPR and marketing consultant, @ cathrine.skovly
Practicality requires layering…
The five girls noted that freezing winter temperatures in Scandinavia require smart hacks to stay warm, making practical dressing essential. ‘We are masters of the layout because we never know how many seasons we will have per day,’ says Marte. ‘go-tos’ include thin layers of wool that no one can see under our regular clothes, and lightweight puffer gilets like those from Uniqlo to hide under a nice wool coat. Needless to say, a chic wool beanie is a must – Shapka Cashmere has the best. Then for tough winter boots with good grip, Norwegian-Italian footwear brand Diemme is a favorite among the Scandi style crowd.’
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 when coffee runs snow in -20 degrees, which explains why [Danish brand] Ganni has collaborated with the likes of Barbour and 66° North!’
…but don’t forget to have fun
‘Us Scandis might understand the weather, but we also want to add some individuality and color to brighten up darker days,’ says Marte. ‘The Danes are great at this – look at Ganni or Stine Goya for inspiration.’ She advocates the importance of considering the details to add personality and interest to your look. ‘I love second-hand shopping to find something patterned or unexpected, like a fun printed blouse. It’s the same with accessories – add a heavy scarf, a great bag (I love ATP Atelier) or some gorgeous jewelery (Pearl Octopussy or Anni Lu) and any outfit will be finished.’
Play with contrasting textures too. ‘Even with a fairly basic wardrobe, Scandi girls are talented at blending textures,’ says Marte. ‘Think a silk skirt with a wool cardigan, or wool suit trousers with a denim jacket. Simple doesn’t have to be boring.’
Josefine also loves how Scandi style is becoming more playful (we’re obsessed with her bright denim jacket). ‘Scandi fashion has gone from being recognized and categorized 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 to stay warm, but we also look for colour, texture and volume to help keep our energy up during the dark winter weather. Because what’s better than feeling good in your clothes?’
Find your Scandi taste
Originally from Norway but currently living in Copenhagen, Cathrine has noticed that Scandinavian fashion varies between different cities. ‘In Copenhagen, people tend to have a cooler and more relaxed style,’ she says. ‘In Stockholm, you’ll find a more polished and better-together vibe. Oslo fashion is just as polished, but as the others have said, we are very practical in the way we dress. Compared to our neighboring cities, I think we spend the most on Gore-Tex and technical clothing, although the Copenhagen girls have recently incorporated it into their street looks.’
His personal style? ‘It’s probably a combination of Oslo and Stockholm influences: simple, classic and understated. My favorite brands are Toteme, Filippa K, Cos, Rohé, The Row and Sessei.’
Keep an estimated capsule wardrobe
In terms of the Scandi outfit formula, Marte considers it all about the inclusion of a capsule wardrobe of great quality, timeless pieces that will last, which is also important in his sustainable approach. ‘Some really good sneakers are essential, 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 an all-time favorite of mine and denim brand Jeanerica is becoming more and more popular – and good T-shirts and shirts are key, and cashmere knitwear. Norwegian brand Julie Josephine is my go-to for perfect basics. Then, don’t forget chic wool suits and blazers – they are essential for a Scandi wardrobe, whether styled with sneakers for a more relaxed look or with heels for the evening. Mark Kenly has the best Domino Tan, Cover 1976 and Dagmar.’
Cathrine echoes Marte’s tips, singing ‘a good pair of blue jeans’ (she loves Toteme’s straight leg style) and a reliable tee (from Cos or Julie Josephine), paired with white or brown Converse trainers. ‘For the fall, I’m eyeing a really chunky sweater from Norwegian brand OAD and trying to buy a new jacket from The Curated, who 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 nice thinner pieces that you can layer under a blazer or sweater for extra protection from the cold wind. I am also very impressed with the Cos cashmere collection; I bought some pieces last season and they still look new.’
Sarah, too, is focused on his comfort and ensuring that getting dressed each morning doesn’t require much planning or effort. ‘I choose neutral colors such as black, white, gray and beige and choose basic garments made from quality materials so that each piece can be easily paired with the others,’ she says. Her outfit consists of a pair of wide leg jeans paired with a white T-shirt or an oversized white shirt; a cozy soft cardigan or sweater; loafers and a belt. ‘I can dress that up with jewelery then – 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 too much.’
Marte loves to buy jewelery to keep as heirlooms. ‘Scandis love tradition, so we prefer any items that can be passed down through the generations,’ she says. ‘Some jewelery from Ole Lyngaard or the wonderful girls at Josephine Studio would make the perfect gift for yourself.’
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