7 Anti-Trend Summer Outfits I'm Stealing From Scandi Girls

Why is it that I've been anticipating summer's arrival for months but, now that it's here, I find myself completely unprepared for it? My toes still have the final flakes of my last pedicure on them, my skin looks almost blueish and my wardrobe is still full of my winter knitwear. So this week, I've decided to make a few changes; I have booked in with my nail tech who will remove my accidental burgundy French tips and replace them with a zingy gel shade. I've just placed an order for the only fake tan I've found that I can apply without making myself streaky. As for my wardrobe? I've purged my winter wares into their flat-pack bags and banished them to the loft and, in their place, I've begun unpacking all of my lightweight clothing for the season ahead. 

Over the years I've leaned towards anti-trend pieces, so what I'm left with is a collection of what I'd consider to be staples—simple dresses and separates in a predominantly neutral palette. The thing is, I've kind of forgotten how to style them; last summer really wasn't up to par and I just didn't get as much wear out of them as much as I had hoped, which is why I've been collating as much outfit inspiration as I can get. Looking over the imagery filling my saved folders, as a self-confessed Francophile, I was surprised that the majority of the looks I'd archived were from Scandi influencers. To be fair, they have perfected the simple dressing that I've been drawn to lately. Universally appealing and inherently chic, I thought you'd like to see them, too. Scroll on to see my favourite Scandi summer outfits, many of which you may even be able to re-create with items you already own. 

1. Stripe Shirt + Wide-Leg Trousers

Style Notes: White wide-leg trousers are a summer style staple presenting a breezy alternative to jeans. Although they can be easily dressed up. I'm into Lydia's low-key styling, which involves a fresh blue striped shirt and knitted vest top. 

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2. Headscarf + White Dress

Style Notes: Nothing says summer quite like a linen dress and Lina showcases the perfect way to style this simple frock option—with chunky earrings and a silky headscarf. 

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3. Simple Vest + Denim Shorts

Style Notes: Denim shorts can look insanely polished, as evidenced by Mona, who keeps her look slick with a basic camisole and slider sandals. 

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4. Racer Vest + Miniskirt

Style Notes: There's been a newfound appreciation for white vests this year with fashion types wearing them with, well, absolutely everything—jeans, shorts, wide-leg trousers, you name it. For summer, hone in on the preppy aesthetic with a pleated miniskirt. 

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5. Slip Skirt + Basket Bag

Style Notes: Fabric plays an integral role in how Scandi women put an outfit together, and what could be more cooling than a silk slip skirt? Pair with a linen halter top and a straw basket bag for a chic textile clash. 

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6. White Blouse + Blue Jeans

Style Notes: If in doubt, you can't go wrong with a white blouse-and-blue jeans outfit. Make like Nnenna and pair yours with simple sandals—flip-flops in this instance—and some black-cord jewellery for current styling flair. 

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7. Slip Dress + Linen Shirt 

Style Notes: If Scandi summer outfits are your jam, Lina's feed is full of inspiration—whittling her looks down was too hard to do. So, let me draw your attention to this on-point ensemble next, which showcases an easy way to carry a floral dress into evening—with the addition of a linen shirt knotted over the top. 

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Next Up: 24 Stunning Pieces I'm Eyeing That Are Peak Luxury