With Copenhagen Fashion Week underway, I’ve found myself consulting the feeds of Scandinavian influencers more than usual when putting together my outfits. It might also have something to do with the weather we’re experiencing—there’s nothing like the feel-good fashion of the Nordics to lift our spirits in this poor excuse for summer weather.
Where monochrome minimalism once characterised Scandinavian style, in recent years we’ve noticed a shift towards more playful, more colourful attire, coinciding with the rise of whimsical brands like Stine Goya and Cecilie Bahnsen. Now, the streets of Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo host a varied array of looks that sit somewhere along this spectrum, but our belief that Scandinavian people are some of the best-dressed in the world has never wavered.
As autumn moves ever closer, I’ve started thinking about the gaps in my cold-weather wardrobe and the pieces I need to fill them. During one of my Scandi-centric Instagram sessions, I naturally started wondering which trends and transitional buys these style experts are focusing on. So, I reached out to a few of them with that very question.
It’s not often you’ll spot Norwegian influencer Maren in an entirely monochrome look; most of her outfits are a considered mix of neutral classics and cheerful colour-pop pieces. Denim is a cornerstone of her wardrobe, but for the season ahead, she’s turning her attention to slightly jazzier items—including some very eye-catching accessories.
“I will always be Isabel Marant’s biggest fan and my collection of her designs has grown significantly over the years. This jacket is so unique and will go really well with jeans and a T-shirt for a more relaxed vibe.”
“I just purchased these pants from Zara and they really give me Isabel Marant vibes. They are made from a linen-blend so will be perfect in the transition from summer to autumn. I’m planning to style them with some ballerinas and a cool jacket.”
“These earrings from Pearl Octopuss.y, created by the talented Norwegian designer Cathrine Børter, have been on top of my wishlist for a long time. They are so unique and can make normal outfits pop!”
“I love all of the Yuzefi bags, but especially the Mochi style. This large one in an amazing blue colour will be ideal to carry everything I need this autumn, from a knitted sweater to headphones.”
“I am obsessed with ballerinas at the moment and have been wearing my gold ones from Arket nonstop. This upcoming season I want some in suede leather, and these ones from Lolo ballerina are the perfect autumnal shade.”
Sara’s style encapsulates the cool sartorial spirit we’ve come to associate with Scandinavia. Think relaxed tailoring teamed with “quiet luxury” accessories; elegant dresses layered over casual tees; ’90s minimalism modernised with 2023 shoe trends. It’s all very chic, but in an understated way. Below, Sara highlights the timeless staples she’ll be adding to her autumn arsenal.
“I live in wool and Arket has the perfect alpaca knits. I already have a black alpaca crewneck from this brand that has lasted me for years and is so soft and expensive-looking. For the coming season, I want to update my closet with another one in a brown or beige shade plus one of their colourful ones, like pink or orange.”
“I have yet to own a black trench coat. For ages, I couldn’t seem to find the right one: where the sleeves are long and wide enough, where there are some chic or edgy details so it doesn’t feel too plain, where there’s a long slit in the back and the material is both thick and stiff enough so that it can be worn oversized. But now I’ve found it! I was able to work with the Alanis trench on a shoot recently, and it ticked off all my boxes.”
“Wide, long jeans are becoming true wardrobe staples for me, and my latest brand discovery in the denim department is LOIS Jeans. I’m obsessed with some of their wide-legged models—the Rachel Pin is one I crave for autumn.”
“I am absolutely DYING over these—I want them in both red and black, please! In my eyes, this is the perfect shoe. I’m having trouble getting into the ballerina shoe trend because I find it a little too cute for my personal style, but more edgy ones like these are right up my alley. I must add that it’s far from my first shoe crush from GANNI. They know their shoes.”
“When it comes to Norwegian fashion, Envelope1976 is at the very top. I love their edgy chicness and efforts to be sustainable. Envelope pieces will last you a lifetime, and this season I’m tempted by this cropped wool blazer. Perhaps I’ll get it one size too big so that I can play around a little extra with it and layer jumpers underneath.”
Karoline’s Insta-grid is a guaranteed dopamine hit. Every post is brimming with good-mood hues and bold styling, and it’s impossible to leave without feeling inspired to add a dose of colour to your own wardrobe. It should come as no surprise, then, that her autumn/winter wish list is just as uplifting as her summer one. I think we can all agree that we’ve never seen a trench coat quite as vibrant her Stine Goya pick…
“I mean, how fun is this jacket!? I absolutely love it and I think it’s nice to wear colours all year, including during the dark months of autumn and winter.”
“If you ask me, the more pearls the better. I feel that pearls add that little extra to your look. It doesn’t matter if you wear a fancy dress or a pyjama set—pearls make it so much better!”
“I’m so into stripes at the moment, especially wide stripes. This pyjama set is super cute for everyday with a knit around your shoulders and a pair of Crocs for a chilled vibe.”
“I’m all about upgraded everyday looks and to me, a puffy balloon skirt is such a fun piece when you want to spice up your outfit. You can wear it with a cute crop top but it will also look great with a chunky knit.”
“If you know me, you know I love Crocs—I have several pairs and wear them every day. I have a thing for chunky shoes and I think they add such a nice contrast to a feminine outfit.”
Stylist and brand founder Julie knows how to put together a good outfit. She’s well versed in playing with textures, prints and fabrics and isn’t going to shy away from adding a bit of vintage to her wardrobe. You’ll often spot her wearing fabulous one-off pieces, as well as fun patterned separates and show-stopping accessories, too. She’s also a fan of elevated basics, and has one on her wish list for the new season that I’m also coveting…
“I recently rediscovered my love for the ‘party top’ which is perfect to wear under a sweater or blazer at the office and can be used later in the day if you’re going to a dinner or event. This one from Reformation is both cool and sexy and the fact that it’s made from (sustainable) wool makes it perfect for cold fall evenings.”
“I adore the ballet trend and I’m sure it’s here to stay. That’s why I’m dreaming about a pair which are a little extra and these from Miu Miu which combine gold and sporty details are perfect for a fall outfit with jeans and a chunky sweater.”
“I’m into everything with laces which adds a perfect romantic yet cool twist to your outfit. Especially paired with leather or some other heavy material.”
“An absolute dream buy, but I’d always prefer spending extra when it comes to outerwear and SaksPotts are the masters when it comes to stand out luxury outerwear which can make every look sparkle.”
“I love great basics and since it’s top priority for me not to over consume, I make sure to invest in basics which keeps their shape and Organic Basic is very recommendable when it comes to underwear and basics.”
