I Lived Like Matilda Djerf for a Week—7 Style, Makeup, and Hair Tips I Tried

Welcome to I Tried It Month, where we’ll be publishing a new fashion, beauty, or wellness article every day that features a first-person account of shaking up an old habit, pushing beyond a comfort zone, or simply trying something new. Follow along for 31 days of storytelling, including everything from trying new beauty treatments to copying the most risqué runway looks of the season.

No woman has taken the fashion corner of the internet by storm like Matilda Djerf. She’s created an entire army on social media who call themselves Matilda Minions and love how easy it is to copy her casual outfits that are effortlessly chic and center on a capsule wardrobe. The cult-like following that chases after her fashion aesthetic loves her beauty look just as much. Her minimal makeup errs natural, but more notably, the ’70s-inspired blowout that she’s mastered convinced plenty of people on my FYP to buy into the hair tool she uses.

In 2023, I am after the quiet-luxury look that focuses on a form of simplicity that is extremely chic. As I pondered what I should do for I Tried It Month, I landed on living the Matilda Djerf lifestyle for a week. My week turned into nearly the entire month because I was loving it so much. I’m so excited to share my results, but first, a word from Djerf herself.

What's the secret to getting the "Scandi-girl" look that everyone is currently after?

If I look around me and at my own style, I would say that it is about being comfortable and really finding what works for you. I feel like the "Scandi look” is minimalistic but still out there; it's about the small details in the outfit. 

From your personal life to cultural icons, who are the people that have had the biggest impact on your style?

I have a difficult time pinpointing one person, but like everyone else, of course I get inspired by scrolling through social media, Pinterest, and looking at archived photos. Most of all, my mom has inspired me throughout the years. She has inspired me to always stick to what feels true to me.

What are your favorite brands?

Djerf Avenue, of course. I wear Djerf Avenue every day, every week. Other brands I love are Orseund Iris, Aya Muse, Wardrobe.NYC, and vintage shopping. 

How would you describe your go-to beauty look?

Simple, but big hair! 

Tip #1: Go for Volume

What inspired your infamous layered blowout, and are there any secrets to getting it?

I cut bangs back in 2017, and since then, I've always had them. My hairdresser @amaliaberglund is amazing and has really found a hairstyle that suits me and my face. As for actually styling my hair, I love the Dyson AirWrap, but with a round brush and any sort of blow-dryer, you can get the same look!

My Take: Adding the Dyson to my routine has cut my blow-drying time in half, and it straightens so much better now. In my attempts so far to re-create Djerf's infamous blowout, I haven't quite been successful, but I will continue to work on it.

Shop Djerf's favorite products:

Tip #2: Natural Beauty Never Fails

Can you please share the skincare and makeup products that are the highlight of your daily routine?

I love all products from Rhode, and since June, they have been staples in my routine. Summer Fridays sheer skin tint, Merit bronzer, and Westman Atelier blush is my go-to makeup routine right now. 

My Take: I love the natural look so much but have been going for glam lately. It was refreshing to go back to my roots and go for the model-off-duty vibe for a bit.

Shop:

And now for the "Scandi-girl" outfits:

Tip #3: You Can Never Go Wrong With Basics and a Blazer

A blazer is at the center of Djerf's capsule wardrobe, and I loved styling it with a sweater and button-down shirt the way that she does on a casual day. It's giving prep-school librarian.

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Tip #4: Being Bundled Up Doesn't Have to Be Boring

A shearling jacket is a must right now, and of course, Djerf has already been wearing one for years. At this point in the week, I'm living for the comfortable and casual vibe. After a summer and fall filled with glamour, I'm here for this.

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Tip #5: There's No Such Thing as Too Many Layers

I'm almost wearing a full Djerf Avenue look, Djerf's namesake brand, and I'll definitely be copying it to wear again. I just bought into a very popular blazer on the internet and hated it, but this one has everything I'm looking for. It's oversize without being too oversize, and the pocket placement is perfect. My favorite thing about Djerf Avenue is that it has a part of the site where people can resell pieces they've already bought, promoting sustainable practices.

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Tip #6: Find Inspiration From Menswear

I was so into this look I'm wearing it again today with different pants. For a work-from-home moment, a pinstripe shirt and blazer was the perfect look. This is one of the easiest Djerf looks to copy, so I insist you try it for yourself.

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Tip #7: When the Opportunity Comes to Make a Statement, Take It

Of all the looks that I got to copy, this was my favorite. Djerf doesn't wear a statement item every day, so getting back into my comfort zone of styling a look around a statement piece made me very happy.

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Up Next: 6 Outdated Trends We're Leaving Behind and 6 We're Wearing in 2023