We fashion editors tend to be asked a lot of sartorial questions. “What should I wear to a wedding?”, “How I do dress for the weather?”, “Where can I find the perfect pair of jeans?” Questions like these have cropped up countless times throughout my career, but there is no more popular query than, “What are the biggest fashion trends right now?” Of course, the easy way to answer that is with a rundown of what we’ve spotted on the runways, but when it comes to what people actually want to wear, the true inspiration lies in street style.
Whilst I’ve been busily preoccupied with how to transition my wardrobe into high summer, I’ve been on the look out for some fresh inspiration, and right now nothing beats the unique aesthetic of the Scandinavian style set who are reinventing cool-girl dressing for the next generation.
After spending a good few hours trawling through Getty, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok, the same key pieces reappear time and again, steadily building a picture of the Scandi approach to style. Own a blazer? It’s the perfect place to start, but just make sure it’s boxy and oversized. Heels? Sorry platforms, but Nordic women favour mid-heeled sandals (perhaps for navigating all of those cobbles). And tank tops? Stock up now—they’re in the wardrobe of every well-dressed woman from Sweden to the Netherlands, and they might just be the hardest working piece you can invest in now.
So, what do Scandi women wear for summer? Well, there is a strong lean towards anti-trend pieces, so don’t expect to find any flash-in-the-pan trends on their wish lists. Ultimately, many choose what I’d consider to be staples—simple dresses and separates in neutral palettes, and practical pieces that will stave off the heat in style.
Francophiles might turn to the streets of Paris to find the next big thing, and I’ve been guilty of repeatedly googling “New York street style” when I’m looking for a new way to wear an old piece, but if Copenhagen Fashion Week has taught us anything, it’s that Scandi influencers and fashion editors provide a never-ending wealth of outfit inspiration that champions fuss-free, simple dressing.
Keep scrolling to see the six fashion trends that Scandi women are currently saying no to, and the six they’re into—you might even be able to re-create their looks with items you already own.
Style Notes: Like them or loathe them, if anyone has fully embraced long denim shorts, it’s Scandi women. Any trend that doesn’t rely on micro hemlines is a win in my book, and after Gigi Hadid’s recent turn in capri jeans, I think we might be looking towards a cropped summer.
These look so good with trainers.
Double denim never looked so cool.
The perfect fit, and in four different colours.
I can see Bella Hadid in these.
Style Notes: As soon as temperatures rise, practical dressing is a no-brainer, and as the last thing we want to wear is skin-tight, clingy fabric. Enter the slip dress: The cool, airy way to look polished without overheating.
Just add sandals and a basket bag.
This colour is beautiful, but it also comes in bright green, pink, lilac and black/brown.
A strong contender for the best dress from Anthroplogie right now.
Just so elegant.
Style Notes: Thanks to The Row, flip-flops have undergone a fashionable makeover to become one of the most sought-after summer sandals on the market. And no, we don’t mean the garish, plasticky styles that you throw away after your holiday—these are luxe styles worth investing and wearing for years to come. Plus, they’re just so comfy.
These will go with everything in your wardrobe.
That cork sole is a game changer.
Guaranteed to prioritise comfort.
The O.Gs are a cult classic.
Style Notes: Say whatever you like about Scandi style, but just don’t call it boring. The perfect accompaniment to a pared-back, tonal outfit is a statement accessory, and these women know how to deliver statement in spades. Trade in minimalist jewellery for XXL earrings, corsages, intricate detailing and plenty of colour. It’s the easiest way to elevate a white tee and jeans into something special.
The Simon Miller X Mango collab is still delivering the goods.
The coolest way to make a slip dress feel current.
I’ll take a pair in every colour.
Unbelievably pretty.
Style Notes: I’m not afraid to admit that as soon as wide-leg jeans came back onto the scene, I was sceptical about their commercial appeal. As it turns out, I was wrong, and they’ve been as warmly embraced as the straight-leg on its debut. Just don’t mention the phrase “skinny jeans” in any stores in Copenhagen. For shoppers right now, the baggier the better.
An influencer favourite.
Such a strong silhouette.
Honestly, you can’t beat this quality and price.
The ecru colourway is so chic.
Style Notes: In my search to find the biggest Scandi shoe trends the flip-flop came out on top, followed closely by pretty ballet flats, with strappy mid-heel sandals coming in third. But one thing that separates the Brits from our European friends is our obsession with the fisherman sandal. I’m not ready to omit them from my wardrobe quite yet, but in the meantime, ballerina pumps are the comfy, everyday shoe you can rely on, and you’ll be able to wear them in autumn, too.
Even ballet-pump sceptics will look twice at these.
The perfect pair of ballet flats doesn’t exi…
All of a sudden I want to wear my pumps with socks.
For those with Chanel taste and a high-street budget.
