We have a lot to thank Scandinavia for when it comes to design. Sweden gave us Acne Studios, H&M, COS, and that interiors behemoth you may have heard of: IKEA; Denmark brought us Ganni, Stine Goya, Day Birger et Mikkelsen… The list goes on and on and then some.
But alongside an appreciation for the region's retail highlights, we have to admit that every time Copenhagen or Stockholm hosts a fashion week, we can't wait to see what its attendees will be wearing. Because rather than being characterized by the minimalistic styling that this area of northern Europe is renowned for, its sharpest dressers throw together the most eclectic of outfits. Sure, the women whose style we love to watch like to champion homegrown labels, but they're happy to throw, say, a little Balenciaga into the mix too. They're not afraid of directional accessories and new silhouettes, making their looks some of the most inspiring out there.
Another benefit? Thanks to these girls being prolific Instagrammers, there's no requirement to wait six months for inspiration from their catwalk show circuit—so, with this in mind, we've tracked down some key formulas to inspire your next look. Scroll down for a slice of Scandi outfit excellence.
CUTE, BRIGHT FLORALS—AND LOTS OF THEM
Scandi style rules decree that, well… there are no rules. Trine Kjær mixes clashing florals with natural footwear and a color-pop micro bag for a look that's refreshingly eclectic.
LEOPARD PRINT WITH DENIM
Why is it that when Scandinavians like Annabel Rosendahl embrace logo belt bats and statement sunglasses, they don't look ridiculous? Maybe it's their devotion to a "look," going the whole hog with this season's must-have cycling-short length and leopard accents for good measure. Make this more fall-friendly with the simple addition of jeans.
SUPER-LUXE, TOUCHY-FEELY FABRICS IN NEUTRAL COLORS
Pernille Teisbaek has that typically pared-back Danish minimalist thing down to a T. But that doesn't mean her look is predictable or boring; tactile fabrics like cashmere and silk make it a textural feast for the eyes (and skin).
SNEAKERS WITH EVERYTHING, ESPECIALLY PRETTY DRESSES
"Never save anything for 'special occasions'" is the style mantra we're adopting from Nnenna Echem in this Stine Goya gown and fabulous tonal jacket. Make this your modus operandi by throwing on even the most occasion-worthy dresses with chunky trainers to ensure that they enjoy a new lease of life.
OVERSIZE COATS AND COWBOY BOOTS (EVEN BETTER WHEN TOGETHER)
The Swedes and Danes don't bypass textures, so nor should you. Vinyl is an easy shortcut to add a high-gloss twist to your look (quite literally).
COMPLEX LAYERING
We're not talking about how many sweaters you can get under your parka, but rather the nonchalant school of Scandi dressing where layers are artfully but not bulkily piled on. Katarina Petrovic's COS poncho is a piece that's elegant and wonderfully versatile.
BOILERSUITS
Jeanette Madsen and a couple of other girls have confirmed the most unlikely recent microtrend for pink boilersuits. This is from—of course, who else?—Ganni. Style in a flirty way with chic shoes and a little bag.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.
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