At the mention of Scandinavia, severe weather immediately comes to mind, restrained and strong people and a laconic interior style. Indeed, this region is very different from other regions, and this specificity could not but affect the traditions and habits of local residents. Therefore, the Scandinavian style in clothes is radically different from other ethnic styles of Europe. We will talk about what its specificity consists of, by what signs it is recognized and how to create a “Scandinavian" image for men, women and children.
History of occurrence
The concept of "Scandinavian style" dates back to the 18th century. King Gustav the Third laid the foundations of this trend in the design of his home. The monarch refused the defiant luxury and excessive pathos characteristic of the reigning persons of that time. And he designed his house simply by making sunlight a priority. In a country with a harsh climate and short daylight hours, people have formed their own criteria for beauty both in the interior and in the suit.
Let us describe the Scandinavian style of clothing, the history of which began in ancient times. Already in the 16th century, the costume of the inhabitants of northern Europe was significantly different from the clothes of the population of the warm parts of the mainland. The modern Scandinavian style in clothes was formed on the wave of general interest in ethnics in the 30s of the 20th century. A new round of interest in this trend in fashion arose at the end of the 20th - beginning of the 21st century. Today, the Scandinavian style is one of the most popular images both in casual clothes and in high fashion.
Style features
The main principles of Scandinavian design: simplicity, comfort, natural materials, conciseness. It was they who became the basis for the costume of the northern peoples. These people had to survive in harsh climates, while they needed to maintain mobility to work in adverse weather conditions. This led to the appearance of specific features of this trend in costume design. The main feature that distinguishes the Scandinavian style of clothing for women (photo attached) is practicality. Therefore, functionality is one of the main signs of this style. It must be remembered that the people of the North needed to maintain warmth and mobility, which is why their costume was inherently layered, a large number of natural materials, primarily wool. At the same time, the Scandinavians in general, and in clothes in particular, are characterized by a desire for minimalism, simplicity and cleanliness of lines. In this connection, the cut plays a decisive role in the clothes of this style; it must be impeccable.
Scandinavia is one of the parts of the planet where ecology is the main concern of people. Therefore, the origin of the materials is of great importance to them. The Scandinavian image is also characterized by a limited color palette. This is due to the general tendency towards minimalism and simplicity. Natural cold shades prevail here: white, gray, blue, green. Elements of red-brick and buffy colors revive the gamut.
Scandinavian style of clothing for women: the main features
An outfit in this style is easy to recognize: it almost always includes knitwear with ornaments. These are stars, snowflakes, deers, Christmas trees. Once the Scandinavians wore these things as amulets from the evil forces of nature. Today, patterns have become a fashion trend. They can be seen on hats, mittens, sweaters, jumpers, skirts, golfs. Another feature of this style is the use of fur and leather in the decoration of clothes. Fur trim, leather fasteners, natural materials - all these are true signs of the Scandinavian style.
Since the main thing for northern peoples is convenience and practicality, usually clothes in this style have a characteristic everyday look. Cozy sweaters with high collars and a pattern in the chest area are a typical wardrobe of the northerners. They are perfectly combined with jeans clothes. Knitted, patterned cardigans, high knitted socks also immediately remind of Scandinavia. Long knitted skirts with ornaments look spectacular, besides they are very warm and perfect for cold winter weather, as well as knitted dresses.
But do not think that Scandinavia is entirely knitted things with patterns. No. Women's costume also includes fur and tanned fur coats and vests, voluminous scarves. Vests are perfectly combined with dresses from linen and cotton, which are typical for the summer fashion of this region. Modern Scandinavian style is characterized by long skirts made of natural fabrics with ruffles, laconic monochrome dresses. In the women's wardrobe of a Scandinavian woman there are a lot of men's things: shirts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, trousers.
Scandinavian style in men's clothing
Initially, this style of clothing was formed as masculine. These, first of all, were suits of hunters, fishermen. Therefore, in the Scandinavian costume there are no frills, everything is thought out and everything is intended to provide the person with warmth and convenience. The principles of the male style of the inhabitants of northern Europe are the same: functionality, layering, minimalism. Traditionally, the Scandinavian style of clothing for men is associated with a lot of knitwear. A variety of sweaters, sweaters, cardigans with famous Norwegian stars, deers, snowflakes and geometric ornaments are the main things in this style. Jeans are best suited for them; they can be not only classic blue, but also burgundy, brown or dark red. Vests complement the image. It can be "puffed" models for down or options from a tanned sheepskin. Modern gentlemen most often prefer this style for walking or spending free time. But in a business image, concise cardigans with a pattern in combination with a shirt and trousers may be appropriate.
Scandinavian style for children
Convenience and comfort of this style are ideal for children in the cold season. Therefore, the Scandinavian style in clothes for children is one of the most popular in fashion for kids and teens. In this case, the designers give their imagination freedom and abandon the usual minimalism, using a rather diverse palette. In addition to the usual stars and deer, here you can see bears, funny moose, bunnies. Patterned sweaters, cardigans, knee-highs, mittens and hats are made with a lot of red, blue and white. They go well with quilted jackets and fur vests, as well as plaid and plain pleated skirts, with jeans of different colors and trousers. For the decoration of clothing often used fur trim, fringe of threads, pompons.
Scandinavian style shoes
The first thing that comes to mind when we talk about the Scandinavian style in clothes and shoes is high boots. Indeed, for walking in the snow, these shoes are ideal. The fur heats perfectly, and the flat sole does not allow slipping. Today, fashion designers offer a variety of boots for ladies and children. They are sewn not only from deer fur, as it was in the traditional Scandinavian culture, but also from other furs. Also today, the Scandinavian style organically adopted the fashion of ugg boots, which fit perfectly into the aesthetics of the northern costume. Also, this style is characterized by the use of boots with thick soles with lacing. Boots with knitted tops look unusual on girls and children; it can be made with traditional patterns or from plain yarn. Stylists also recommend using modern versions of boots, which are produced by many sports and shoe brands, for clothes in this style.
Accessories
Often the style is made not by clothes, but by details, the same can be said about the Scandinavian style. Clothing, the photo of which we are attaching, pays great attention in this style, but often small accessories are enough to create an ethnic image. The main details of the peoples of the North are patterned hats with ears, mittens and gloves with ornament, and large-volume voluminous scarves. If we talk about bags, volume, leather, soft models with a long belt are suitable for outfits in this style.
Stylist Tips
Having decided to use the Scandinavian style in clothes, according to designers, you need to pay attention to knitwear. It is he who forms the basis of the wardrobe of the northerners. You also need to learn how to assemble multi-layer kits so that parts are visible from under each other. Knitted sweaters are great for fashionable maxi skirts and lace-up boots. Top-up fur vests or soft suede jackets can complement the look.