Scandinavian fashion is known for being simple, clean, and minimal, but this Autumn/Winter is set to be full of pattern and mood-boosting hyper bright colour. In the last month, there’s been a rise of 1000% in Pinterest searches for ‘Scandinavian fashion’, as the days start getting shorter, and people start to find themselves reaching for a jumper. Gerald Wilson from The Founded shares his tips on how to build a Scandi wardrobe for the new season, from the old classics to the new style.
The classics
The classic Scandi aesthetic pairs function with style, simplicity with luxury, and statement with subtlety. The basic wardrobe consists of just a few staples that can go with everything; they can be worn again and again, dressed up or down, and often challenge gender stereotypes with oversized cuts and unisex colours.
Tailoring
Wide tapered trousers, a crisp white shirt, and an oversized blazer often feature in a Scandi look. They can all be mixed and matched with other clothes to dress it up for work, or down for a casual lunch.
Knitwear
Again, slightly oversized is the key to soften any look. Try a black chunky rollneck in the winter, a lighter, loose knit, in a cream or a neutral colour for the autumn. Pair with straight leg jeans for a casual look or throw on a blazer and some ankle boots for the office.
A really good pair of jeans & a plain white t
Jeans are the most-worn garment in the world and good pair will last a lifetime, so it’s a worthwhile investment piece. A basic white t-shirt is perfect for winter layering, or just as a classic look with jeans.
A coat
A black or camel trench coat is often associated with Scandi style, as it’s a timeless classic that can be worn year after year. Try a belted style if you want to add more shape and add a statement oversized scarf when it’s really cold.
Boots & accessories
Leather ankle boots, with or without a heel, can add some sophistication to the simplest jeans and white t-shirt look. Throw on some minimal gold jewellery, and a sleek black leather bag, and your classic Scandi ensemble is complete.
The new style
The AW22 shows at Copenhagen Fashion Week back in February showed a very different style to what you might associate with Scandinavian fashion, while still maintaining the basics of elegance and function.
Dopamine dressing
The idea behind dopamine dressing is simple – wearing clothes you love will boost your mood. Bright colours lit up the catwalks with sky blue coats, neon green shirts and pink trousers. Go bold and monochrome with an entirely pink outfit or add a more subtle splash of colour by pairing a fluro-yellow bag with an all-black look.
Full length maxi coats
An update on the classic belted trench normally seen in Scandi style, these can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Try it with a shirt, wide leg trousers and heels for work, or a jumper, jeans and simple white trainers for a more casual approach.
70s florals
Scandi maximalism is in. Think bold prints in burnt orange, rust, blues and greens. A perfect accent to a monochrome outfit, or mix colours and patterns for a complete ensemble. Try a printed maxi skirt with a plain t-shirt and an oversized blazer to bring some pattern into an otherwise classic Scandi vibe.
