If Fashion Month has taught us anything, it's the value of picking up style tips from the world's best dressed. We already know that French style and the Parisian aesthetic is all about polish, and New Yorkers are always at the cutting edge of fashion-forward design, but if anyone can master laidback luxe dressing, it's the Scandis. Playfully cool, effortlessly elegant and experts in mixing comfort, colour, and ease, they're the first to set the tone for the season ahead, and whenever I'm ever stuck in a fashion rut, I make a beeline to the Instagram accounts of my favourite Scandi dressers for fresh, new outfit inspiration.
From Pernille Teisbaek's slick city-wear to Janka Polliani and Marianne Theodorsen's crayon brights, the list of It-girls on my radar goes into the dozens, and their unmistakable style has been shaping tastes and influencing trends over the last few seasons (and I personally have Stephanie Broek and Emili Sindlev to thank for the amount of exciting new accessories I've added to my wardrobe). But, exactly how have Scandi dressers perfected their enviably cool signature style? The answer comes down to design.
Even newbies will recognise the big names in the world of Scandi design–Ganni, Baum und Pferdgarten, Cecilie Bahnsen, and Stine Goya to name a few, but there are three key brands that appear in the wardrobes of just about every fashion person in the Scandinavian circle–Toteme, House of Dagmar and By Malene Birger. If you're looking for the best new designer pieces to invest in, there's no better place to start, as the big three all happen to specialise in the staples that Scandi women are shopping now, and believe me when I say, these aren't flash-in-the-pan trends, these are well-crafted pieces that will last a lifetime. Think the timeless trench, the perfect fluffy knit, or a versatile leather handbag.
So if spring has you wondering what to wear now, take references from Copenhagen cool and Stockholm chic by scrolling my top picks from Toteme, House of Dagmar and By Malene Birger. These are the new-in designer pieces that are about the transform the way you dress.
ELEVATED ESSENTIALS: TOTEME
Style Notes: From that scarf jacket to the new T-Lock bag, Toteme has been having a very good run of standout pieces. If any brand can basics feel premium it's them, and alongside their sleek silhouettes and luxe palette are head-turning accessories that will transform even the most simple t-shirt and jeans.
SHOP TOTEME:
It finally happened–the contrast stitch jacket is going out of stock. But never fear, the all black version is just as chic.
A wear-with-everything basic.
Every wardrobe should have a boxy blazer.
Katie Holmes' new favourite bag is now mine too.
Sorry mini skirts, we're investing in maxis this summer.
Imagine how good this would look as soon as the sun comes out.
Until then, we've got something cosy to snuggle up in.
Hobo bags are about to be big news this year. Pun intended.
Perfect for sunny days and summer evenings.
The easiest way to dress up denim.
PERFECT TAILORING: HOUSE OF DAGMAR
Style Notes: Scandi women are masters of proportions, and whether they're balancing maxi coats and and baggy jeans or mini skirts and slouchy knits, you can always count on an element of sharp tailoring being involved. A case in point, Swedish brand House of Dagmar. Specialists in blazers, coats and impeccable denim, House of Dagmar will have you covered for everything from workwear to your off-duty weekend uniform.
SHOP HOUSE OF DAGMAR:
A black blazer will never go out of style.
A trench-meets-jacket that ticks every box.
This is exactly the kind of coat you can wear year in, year out.
The perfect pair of jeans does exist.
We love the full suit, but you can also wear this tailored trouser with everything from light camisoles to chunky biker jackets.
While everyone sticks to blue jeans, get ahead of the crowd in edgy grey.
I can already think of 100 different ways to wear this classic shirt.
Add a white tee and wear on repeat.
I'm knit-vest obsessed, but especially when they come in cute colours like this.
Sure, the LBD is good, but sweeping around in this is even better.
CASUAL COOL: BY MALENE BIRGER
Style Notes: It's not all black, white and grey, and in fact, Copenhagen street style is some of the brightest and most colourful out there. If there's anywhere you're going to spot colour blocking and neutral bases, it's here, and Malene Birger knows this all too well. By Malene collections are doses of joyous colour, tactile textures and cool-girl separates that are the epitome of dopamine dressing.
SHOP BY MALENE BIRGER:
I've lost count of how many times this has popped up in my feed.
The classic trench, but better.
These make a compelling case for spring leather.
It is pricey, but good leather doesn't age, it just gets better with time.
Who doesn't love a stripey knit?
A knit dress might just be the second best transitional piece to have in your wardrobe (after the trench, of course).
Honestly, this colour is just so good.
And speaking of colour, pink shirts come into their own when paired with blue jeans.
Wear as a top with tailored trousers, or open over a maxi dress.
I'll never get tired of a silk midi skirt.
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