Scandi girl style, a fashion trend inspired by the effortlessly chic and minimalist aesthetic of Scandinavian women, has taken the fashion world by storm. Characterized by its clean lines, neutral color palette, and emphasis on quality over quantity, Scandi girl style embodies a sense of understated elegance and practicality. This trend has garnered attention for its ability to strike the perfect balance between timeless sophistication and modern simplicity, making it a favorite among fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
What exactly is Scandi girl style?
Is it the result of globalization or the influence of the Matilda Djerf phenomenon? Scandi style has unquestionably taken the world by storm. In recent years, the spotlight has shifted towards Copenhagen’s street fashion, captivating influencers with their effortlessly chic attire and trendsetting haircuts, seemingly overshadowing other fashion capitals like London and New York (don’t worry, French girls, we still adore you!).
Characterized by its whimsical approach to refined essentials and coordinated accessories, Scandi-girl style often leads the fashion curve, making its mark long before it reaches the shores of the United States. Sweater-vests and button-down shirts? They’ve already been part of the Scandi wardrobe. Loafers and socks? So 2018 for them. If something becomes trendy in New York or Los Angeles, you can bet that women from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland were sporting it months in advance.
As spring approaches and Scandi-girl season prepares to bloom once again, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the winter must-haves favored by these trendsetters (all while effortlessly cycling around, naturally). If Copenhagen Fashion Week’s street style is any indication, Scandi women live their lives in vibrant Technicolor.
How to can dress the Scandi girl look?
Copenhagen’s fashion scene demands attention for its practicality and distinct style. Unlike the high-fashion extravagance of Paris and New York, Danish fashion focuses on functionality, where comfort reigns supreme. It caters to the everyday person, offering wearable looks that instantly appeal. During Copenhagen Fashion Week, emerging labels like Paolina Russo and Nicklas Skovgaard showcased spirited knits and poofy lace dresses, setting the tone for the dominating trends of the week.
Flip-Flops Rule the Streets: Surprisingly, flip-flops were the footwear of choice at shows like Saks Potts, A. Roege Hove, and Helmstedt, defying the usual norms of fashion capitals like New York.
Sneakers for Comfort: To avoid the discomfort of exposed toes and city grime, sneakers took center stage. Unlike New York’s single “It” sneaker, Copenhagen celebrated various styles, from Salomons to Martine Rose Shox, Nike Air Rifts, Asics, New Balance 550s, and more. The key? Make sure your choice aligns with your personal style.
Leg Warmers Reimagined: Leg warmers, or their more structured counterparts, were a hit. Some designers even presented crotchless, tailored pants in the form of leg warmers. Brands like Baum und Pferdgarten and Stine Goya paired sheer, tight mid-calf compression socks with kitten heels and ballet flats for a unique twist.
Shimmer and Shine: Shimmering fabrics, rather than just silver, gained attention. Saks Potts showcased gleaming bikini tops, tunics, and jackets, while Ganni offered sequined dresses, bedazzled suits, and metallic-brushed denim.
Long Shorts are In: Copenhagen favored long shorts, particularly in materials like leather and cotton. A trend that’s catching on, especially after its appearance in the movie “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar.”
Rose Accessories Everywhere: Tiny floral accessories, including necklaces, belts, earrings, and hair clips with roses, were ubiquitous during the week. They became the go-to adornment for hair, even among fashion icons like Paloma Elsesser.
Alternative Hair Accessories: People used a variety of items, such as butterflies, shells, and starfish, to secure their tresses, adding a touch of whimsy.
Décolletage Decor: The return of tiny neck kerchiefs was marked by Mark Kenly Domino Tan, who sent models down the runway with dainty scarves adorning their necks, offering a chic and timeless accessory option for fall.
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Is there a specific dress code associated with Scandi style?
The timeless Scandi aesthetic seamlessly blends practicality with style, marrying simplicity and luxury while striking a balance between making a statement and subtlety. The core wardrobe essentials are versatile, designed to complement any outfit, offering the flexibility to dress up or down, and often challenging conventional gender norms through oversized cuts and unisex colors.
Tailoring: A Scandi look often features wide tapered trousers, a crisp white shirt, and an oversized blazer. These pieces can be effortlessly mixed and matched with other clothing items, making it easy to transition from a casual lunch to a professional work setting.
Knitwear: Opt for slightly oversized knitwear to soften your look. In winter, a chunky black roll-neck can keep you warm, while a looser knit in cream or neutral tones is perfect for autumn. Pair them with straight-leg jeans for a relaxed vibe, or elevate the ensemble with a blazer and ankle boots for the office.
Quality Denim & a Basic White Tee: Invest in a high-quality pair of jeans; they’re a global wardrobe staple that can last a lifetime. A plain white t-shirt is ideal for winter layering or as a dependable go-to when paired with jeans.
Boots & Accessories: Leather ankle boots, with or without heels, can add a touch of sophistication to even the most straightforward jeans-and-white-t-shirt combination. Complete your classic Scandi look with minimal gold jewelry and a sleek black leather bag.
Trench Coat: A black or camel trench coat is synonymous with Scandi style, representing a timeless classic that endures year after year. Consider a belted style if you desire a more defined silhouette, and for extra warmth during colder spells, add a statement oversized scarf.
How to take to attain the Scandi style?
Simplify Your Space
Scandinavian design is all about creating bright, open spaces that prioritize function and style. Start by decluttering your surroundings, but instead of going for an ultra-minimalist look, aim for “lagom,” a Swedish term meaning “just right.” Strike a balance that feels personally satisfying, avoiding excessive patterns and colors. Add or remove items until you achieve your ideal level of comfort and style.
Invest in Quality
Scandinavian craftsmanship values quality and simplicity. Invest in high-quality, multi-purpose pieces that are both practical and stylish. Look for well-made, modern, and unpretentious furniture, light fixtures, and functional items. Quality doesn’t mean sacrificing style; in fact, well-crafted ordinary items can double as decorative elements.
Bring the Outdoors In
Scandinavians have a deep appreciation for nature due to historical scarcity of natural resources. Incorporate natural elements into your design, such as light wood, nature-inspired decor, houseplants, and natural textiles like wool, mohair, sheepskin, linen, and jute. Let in natural light and use eco-friendly materials to honor the Scandinavian connection to nature.
Think Neutral with Splashes of Color
Embrace a neutral color palette inspired by earthy tones, stones, and wood, adding pops of brighter colors. Lighter wall colors and light wood create a sense of spaciousness, allowing furniture pieces to stand out as accents. Use larger blocks of color in muted shades and explore graphic and botanical prints. Bright and bold colors work well for smaller accent details.
Embrace Contrast
Contrast is a key design principle in Scandinavian interiors. Experiment with various contrasts, such as light and dark neutrals, old and new elements, abstract and natural textures, and utility and coziness. These contrasts add depth and interest to your design, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Incorporate Hygge
Scandinavian design isn’t solely about minimalism; it’s about creating cozy and inviting spaces. Embrace “hygge,” a Danish concept of cozy togetherness, by adding warm elements like candles, soft blankets, and slippers. Make your fireplace a focal point and create comfortable gathering areas. Let your space feel relaxed and personal, with throw blankets, rumpled covers, and cherished items in plain sight. Prioritize comfort and relaxation, making room for cozy corners and reading nooks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Scandi girl style has proven to be more than just a passing trend; it has become a timeless fashion philosophy that celebrates simplicity, functionality, and individuality. With its focus on sustainable fashion choices and an appreciation for high-quality, versatile pieces, this style has a lasting appeal that transcends seasons and generations.
Whether you’re looking to revamp your wardrobe or simply seeking inspiration for a more effortless and refined look, embracing Scandi girl style is a choice that not only reflects a sense of fashion but also a lifestyle that values both form and function.