Last Updated on April 26, 2024 by Ryan
Scandinavian fashion is known for being minimal, simple, and clean — think oversized shirts, neutral knitwear, and utilitarian basics.
The classic Scandi aesthetic combines simplicity with luxury, practicality with style, and statement with subtlety. But a well-curated Scandi wardrobe is also full of pattern and mood-boosting colors, challenging stereotypes with unisex patterns and gender-neutral designs.
If you’re scrambling to build your dream Scandi wardrobe for the new season, here are ten pieces you shouldn’t miss out on.
Crisp White Shirts
If your closet doesn’t have at least one crisp white button-down, then scurry to get one!
Crisp white shirts are an absolute essential when dressing Scandi chic. Comfortable, timeless, and effortless, they can be paired with washed-out jeans and heels for a casual day look or an oversized sweater vest or trench coat when heading to an important business meeting. No matter how you choose to dress it up or down, you can never go wrong with a classic white button-down!
For more pieces to add to your ultimate Scandi-inspired wardrobe, see the Norse Projects collection here.
Leather Tote Bags
If you want to embrace the Scandi style in all its minimalist glory, it should reflect in every piece of your outfit, from your tops to shoes and even handbags and accessories.
When it comes to bags, the Scandi style favors classic, functional layouts and clean designs. And no bag emulates this more than a simple leather tote in muted colors like tan or black. Pair these with any outfit for the ultimate put-together, minimalist Scandi aesthetic.
Practical Denim
Denim may not be the first thing that pops up when you think of Scandinavian fashion, but it’s a staple of this aesthetic. Versatile, durable, and long-lasting, denim can withstand everyday wear, making it an excellent functional choice for the Scandi style.
Whether it’s a pair of boyfriend jeans, a classic denim jacket, or a cute denim skirt, practical denim pieces are easy to wear and can be integrated into different looks. For instance, you can rock your favorite jeans with a cozy knit sweater for a casual day out or pair them with loafers and a chic blazer for a smart-casual finish that’s 100% Scandi.
Knitwear
Comfort, minimalism, and warmth are the flag bearers of Scandi chic, which makes oversized knitwear essential to this style.
Knitwear has been a Scandi staple forever, owing to the harsh winters in Scandinavian nations. In recent years, oversized knitwear has gained more popularity for the coziness and laid-back appeal it adds to any outfit.
The best part about Scandinavian knits is their versatility — pieces like knitted wide-leg trousers, handbags, midi skirts, dresses, and so on. Knitwear is also where you can embrace the more bold, colorful end of the Scandi aesthetic. From floral knits to bright colors, stripes, patterns, and shapes of all kinds, no Scandi closet is complete without some fun knitwear pieces.
Trench Coats
Every Scandi closet needs a long trench coat. This versatile, practical outwear is embraced by Scandinavian fashion gurus in every season and is a timeless classic that can be worn year after year.
Try it with jeans, sneakers, and T-shirts for a casual look, or a formal shirt, dress trousers, and heels for work. You can opt for a belted style if you want to add more shape and pair it with a thick woolen scarf for extra warmth when it’s chilly out.
Vests
If you’ve got a basic vest in your closet, you’ve already got a great staple piece to build your Scandi-inspired wardrobe. Scandis love layering and a simple vest is a classic layering piece you can wear season after season, and it doesn’t cost much to add to your closet.
Comfy Sneakers
Scandinavians are all about comfort — which is why you’ll often see their chic outfits paired with sneakers or casual footwear. Invest in a pair of classy white, black, or navy sneakers you can rock with any outfit. These can be reworked to suit any personality and add that effortless feel that is so classic to Scandi fashion.
Slip Skirts
A slip skirt is that “it-girl” piece that can make any outfit look ultra-sophisticated. Add a simple black slip skirt to your closet and wear it year-round for the ultimate, off-duty-model, chic Scandi feel. Pair it with a matching black top for a monochromatic outfit, or mix and match it with fun pieces to add color and vibrancy to your day.
Chunky Boots
Scandinavian fashion is not just about looking good, but also about practicality and comfort. This is where chunky boots come into play. These boots are perfect for navigating the often snowy and rainy weather conditions of the Scandinavian region. They are sturdy, and comfortable, and can be paired with anything from jeans to dresses.
The chunky boots are often seen in neutral colors such as black, brown, and beige, fitting perfectly with the minimalist color palette of the Scandi style. Whether you’re going for a casual day out or a semi-formal gathering, these boots can add a touch of rugged elegance to your outfit.
Statement Jewelry
While Scandinavian fashion is known for its minimalism, it doesn’t mean that accessories are left out. Statement jewelry is a key part of the Scandi aesthetic. Think simple, geometric shapes and designs that add a touch of sophistication without being too flashy.
These pieces often come in silver, gold, or rose gold, and are perfect for adding a bit of shine to an otherwise understated outfit. From chunky bracelets to sleek necklaces and minimalist earrings, statement jewelry can elevate your Scandi look to the next level.
Additional Secrets To Dressing With Scandinavian Fashion
There is more to dressing Scandi than simply buying some staple pieces. Scandinavian fashion has a distinct energy and unique outlook that combines subtlety and statement, luxury and simplicity, and elegance and edginess.
Here are some additional Scandinavian fashion philosophy tips you should keep in mind.
- Scandinavian clothing brands pride themselves on their ethical, sustainable fashion choices. If you want to dress authentically Scandi, stay committed to eco-friendly brands and manufacturers that source organic materials, are cruelty-free, and push strong environmental goals.
- When dressing in Scandi, layers are your friend. From layering a T-shirt under a dress to sweaters with trench coats or blouses under cardigans, Scandivanians have mastered the use of layering for both practicality and style.
- Aim to build a closet of staple pieces you can mix and match. From plain T-shirts you can pair with different coats, to everyday jewelry pieces that work with any outfit – the average Scandinavian wardrobe has multi-purpose things that fulfill a particular functional need.
- Scandinavian brands often blur the lines between masculine and feminine fashion styles. The industry challenges gender stereotypes, and most Scandi wardrobes feature unisex pieces with cuts, colors, and designs that work for everyone. This statement about authenticity is essential to the Scandinavian fashion philosophy.
Final Words…
With a quick shuffle through your wardrobe, you may find you already have the staple pieces needed to bring out your inner Scandi style. And if you need some additions, now you know what to shop for!
Just remember to keep it authentic and don’t try too hard — the beauty of Scandinavian clothing is always about style that looks effortless.
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What is Scandinavian fashion like?
Scandi style, sometimes known as Scandinavian fashion, might be totally up your alley. What does the Scandinavian style imply, then? Elevated comfort and effortless elegance are the key concepts. There are numerous minimalist designs, snug fits, and clean, superbly tailored cuts and forms to choose from.
How can I look more Scandinavian?
Simplicity is essential, but adding a piece in a vibrant color, an eye-catching pattern or a quirky accent will give your outfit a unique touch. Scandinavian ladies believe that details matter and that contrast makes an outfit more intriguing.
How do Scandinavians dress in summer?
Minimalist design
An essential of summertime Scandi wardrobes is a crisp white shirt or tank, paired with a lovely cardigan. Like a large portion of the rest of the world, Scandinavians highly respect denim as a basic piece for any wardrobe.
Meet Kourtney, a fashion and beauty enthusiast who tells stories through style. To her, clothing is a language, and every accessory adds punctuation to her narrative. Kourtney explores vintage fashion markets on weekends, blending classic with contemporary to create a signature style that reflects her vibrant personality. Beyond aesthetics, she's a passionate advocate for body positivity and inclusivity in fashion, celebrating diversity to ensure everyone feels seen and embraced.
