If there’s one aesthetic I’m looking to emulate this autumn, it’s Scandi style. As the street style pictures from Copenhagen Fashion Week confirmed, these influential dressers are well versed in how to balance polished elegance with effortless cool, and throw in a few playful curveballs to keep their looks feeling fresh, too. So, as the temperatures drop and the leaves begin to turn, what better source of inspiration could we turn to for autumnal fashion?
Personally, I’ll be leaning into their perfectly crafted minimalist looks, pairing crisp button down shirts with straight leg jeans and maxi skirts with oversized jumpers. It’s also the Scandi fashion set we have to thank for the popularity of loafers and ballet pumps as the shoes of the season, and the local trendsetters have plenty of inspiration for how to style the classic footwear.
Like us Brits, the Scandinavians are familiar with having to deal with temperamental weather, and they’ve truly mastered the art of layering. From blazers over cardigans to trench coats over turtlenecks, these outfits demonstrate the importance of styling in turning a mix of pieces into a chic, cohesive look.
However daunting transitional dressing might seem, these Scandi influencers prove that with just a few staples, you can create a timeless yet contemporary wardrobe that will see you through the season. Scroll on to see our pick of the best outfit formulas to get you started.
1. Button Down Shirt + Jeans + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: The combination of blue button down and jeans nails the elevated casual aesthetic, while the pop of silver adds a touch of Scandi playfulness.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Mango
Pocket Oversize Shirt in Sky Blue
A pinstripe shirt always looks polished.
H&M
Vintage Straight High Jeans in Light Blue
The most versatile style of jeans you can own.
Boden
Kitty Flexi Sole Ballet Pumps in Silver Metallic
Ballet pumps will be everywhere this season, but this silver pair will definitely stand out.
2. Maxi Skirt + Jumper + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Jeanette’s outfit is the perfect example of how to style maxi skirts for autumn.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Arket
Alpaca Blend Jumper in Black
This has the perfect silhouette for pairing with a maxi skirt.
I’d definitely use this in the summer months, too.
Arket
Mid Size Curved Shoulder Bag
A great alternative to Stella McCartney’s Hobo bag.
Mango
Rhinestone Ballerina
Who can resist a touch of sparkle?
3. Leather Jacket + Jumper + Black Jeans
Style Notes: The Scandi style set know autumn dressing is all about mixing textures, and this combo of a soft cable knit jumper with a leather jacket is a brilliant example.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Mango
Leather Biker Oversize Jacket
I love the worn-in texture of this leather biker, and the boxy shape gives it an elevated feel.
H&M
Cable-Knit Jumper in Grey
A cable-knit is a must-have classic.
AGOLDE
90s High-Rise Straight-Leg Organic Jeans in Black
After years of searching, this AGOLDE style has become my favourite pair of jeans.
M&S
Leather Jean Belt in Black
Adding a belt always pulls an outfit together.
Jigsaw
Chelsea Boot in Black
These boots would also look great with a maxi skirt.
4. JEANS + JUMPER + WOOL COAT + CONVERSE
Style Notes: A mix of black and grey tones keeps thing casual yet stylish, and as Cassandra Klatzkow is proving, a classic pair of Converse trainers never go out of style.
SHOP THE LOOK:
H&M
Wide Ultra High Jeans in Black
A great entry into the wide leg jean game.
Reformation
Dana Cashmere Crew Sweater
This is such a timeless coat style.
Converse
Chuck Taylor All Star 70 Canvas Sneakers in Black
The trainer that’s always in fashion.
5. Blazer + Jumper + Jeans + Loafers
Style Notes: A masterclass in layering from Anouk Yve—bonus points for the extra jumper thrown over the shoulders, providing a spare layer to deal with the unpredictable autumn weather.
SHOP THE LOOK:
COS
The Clean Cut T-Shirt in White
Your base layer: a crisp white t-shirt.
H&M
Fine-Knit Cashmere Jumper in Greige
Next up, a slightly oversized “greige” jumper.
Zara
Oversize Blazer in Grey
The blazer gives the look the right amount of structure.
ARKET
Wool Jumper in Black
The easiest jumper to have draped over your shoulders.
ARKET
ROSE Cropped Straight Stretch Jeans in Blue
The cropped cut will let your footwear shine.
A minimalist’s dream shoe.
& Other Stories
Angular Cat Eye Sunglasses in Black
If you have to, just pretend the sky isn’t completely grey.
6. Boucle Jacket + White Tee + Wide Leg Jeans
Style Notes: Ticking off two trends in one—wide leg jeans and a classic boucle jacket.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Self-Portrait
Embellished Bouclé-Tweed Jacket
Elle Woods would approve.
One of the best white t-shirts on the high street.
Reformation
Cary Mid Rise Cut Off Waistband Wide Leg Jeans
This is inspiring some real Y2K nostalgia.
Missoma
Pearl Beaded Necklace
A far cry from your grandmother’s pearls.
7. Pinstripe Suit + Strappy Sandals
Style Notes: Polished enough for work, stylish enough for a date.
SHOP THE LOOK:
& Other Stories
Oversized Pinstripe Blazer
This pinstripe blazer would add a refined touch to so many looks.
& Other Stories
Slim Flared Tailored Trousers in Navy Pinstripe
Paired with the blazer, this all looks so much more expensive than it is.
The silk straps really sets this tank apart.
Office
Motion Tubular Strappy Knot Detail Heels
You can’t go wrong with a strappy pair of black heels.
8. Slip Skirt + Jumper + Loafers
Style Notes: This look is so chic it’s convincing me to brave an all-white ensemble.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Nobody’s Child
Ivory Satin Slip Mila Midi Skirt
Slinky, sleek perfection.
The weave texture adds a touch of contrast when styled with the silk skirt.
Jones Bootmaker
Leather Slip on Bar Flat Loafers in Cream
These have a fun retro feel.
STAUD
Valerie Leather Shoulder Bag in Cream
Buttery cream leather? I’m sold.
9. Double Denim + Court Heels
Style Notes: Scandi women always make double denim look effortlessly cool.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Anthropologie
Stevie Long-Sleeve Denim Shirt
This is the kind of easy shirt I can see myself reaching for time and time again.
Bite Studios
Signature Organic-Denim Straight-Leg Jeans
Meticulously crafted blue jeans from a Scandi brand.
These look so much pricier than their price tag.
Sculptural and understated.
10. Cardigan + Leather Blazer + Corduroy Trousers
Style Notes: I love the mix of textures and the seasonally appropriate brown tones.
SHOP THE LOOK:
M&S
Cotton Rich Cord Wide Leg Trousers
Sophisticated Seventies cool.
SKIMS
Ribbed Cotton-Blend Jersey Tank in Bone
The softest tank on the market.
Nobody’s Child
Grey Rib Knit V-Neck Button-Up Cardigan
The rich, dark grey tone makes it look extra cosy.
Mango
Leather-Effect Jacket in Brown
An autumnal alternative to the typical black blazer.
Aeyde
Oscar Leather Loafers in Chocolate
Brown loafers would go with so many different colours in your wardrobe.
Next Up: 5 Chic 10-Minute Outfits That Make Getting Dressed So Easy