Are you considering updating your style and creating a Scandinavian Capsule Wardrobe just in time for fall? Then look no further. The Scandinavian style is easy to copy and you do not need many items to be able to have different outfits for the entire week. This makes it therefore ideal a capsule wardrobe.
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The Scandinavian style is known for its minimalist style, neutral colors and to look effortlessly put together. Compared to other fashion styles, Scandinavian fashion a more practical fashion style. It tends to have clean lines and chic design, but at the same time also be durable. Scandinavians knows how to adapt to dress for many cold months with snow and darkness.
When developing a capsule wardrobe, it is key for you to invest into clothes you will actually wear. You should not buy anything that you instinctively do not feel good in straight away. Don’t try to make something work if you do not feel comfortable in it straight away. You can find a lot of affordable items within the Scandinavian style, but I would recommend that you go after quality when it comes to building up a capsule wardrobe. Look after natural fabric like wool, cotton and linen.
There is a lot of stores that has the Scandinavian style as their inspiration. Some of the most iconic ones are Acne, & Other Stories, COS, H&M, Arket, Ganni and Samsoe and Samsoe. My recommendation is to try out different brands to find how their style fits for your body shape.
Let’s move on to how to build up a Scandinavian capsule wardrobe.
The Color Palette
The Scandinavian style tends to be dedicated to neutral colors. A lot of the fashion items tends to be black, white, grey and beige/brown. But there are exceptions. For example, a classic blue jean is very normal to see included in a Scandinavian outfit.
The Scandinavian Staples
The next steps to develop in developing capsule wardrobe is to find your staples. In a Scandinavian capsule wardrobe, I would make sure to have the following 13 pieces and 6 accessories.
Clothes
- Trenchcoat
- Black pants
- Black long sleeve top
- White t-shirt
- Blue jeans
- White shirt
- Knitted cardigan
- Black Blazer
- Neutral trousers
- Knitted jumper
- White coat
- Knitted skirt
- Knitted dress
Accessories
- Belt
- Wool scarf
- Black Riding boots
- Black High heels
- Wool pantyhose
- Sneakers
Outerwear
Trench Coat
Regardless of fashion trends, the Scandinavian capsule wardrobe will always have a trench coat. It’s a practical item that will especially be used in the fall. It works for almost for any occasion, regardless if you are going on a walk or having a night out. I would recommend to get it in the classic trench coat color beige/brown.
Black Blazer
Another key item in the Scandinavian capsule wardrobe, is a black blazer. Depending on how warm it is, you can wear it by itself or you can combine it with the trench coat. It’s a staple that will never go out of trend. Check out my favorite blazer from Zara here, it is such a good value for money.
White Coat
Another outerwear that has recently become more and more popular, is a white coat. Scandinavians loves a simple monochrome look, and perhaps the most classy way to go monochrome is to go all white. But you do not need to be in all white to use a white coat. If you want a bit more edgy look, try mixing up the white coat with some jeans.
Tops
Knitted Cardigan
Fall in Scandinavia can be colder than perhaps many other places in Europe. Knit wear is therefore a staple for Scandinavians and heavily used in their fall fashion. A knit cardigan is a great way of adding some warmth and can be combined with shirts, tops and polo necks. You can even use it as a layering piece on top of a white shirt and under a black blazer. When picking a knitted cardigan, look for neutral colours. I would recommend to get it in beige, grey or cream.
White Shirt
One of the most important items to have in a capsule wardrobe, is the white button-up shirt. There are so many ways to wear a white shirt. Inside a blazer, under a jumper, inside a cardigan and by itself tucked into some trousers. I would recommend to get a shirt of good quality, it really makes a difference. This white shirt is the one I have had in my collection for many years.
White T-Shirt
Another key classic that you will need to have in a capsule wardrobe, is a classic white t-shirt. A white t-shirt can make you look casual chic and can be combined with any type of bottoms. Again, make sure that you invest in a t-shirt that works for your shape and that is of quality, ideally made of cotton.
Black Long Sleeve Top
Most of the Scandinavian tops at fall has long sleeves. Having a black jumper in fine wool is the perfect item for a capsule wardrobe. Try to go for a black polo neck or mock neck to look extra chic. Combine the style with some black trousers or a black skirt for a put together look.
Knitted jumper
A chunky knitted jumper is one of the key pieces in a Scandinavian closet. It can be combined with anything; trousers, skirts, dresses, under blazers and over shirts. It is a key layering piece and an item Scandinavians live in at fall. When finding your kitted jumper, try to go for neutral colors like taupe, beige or grey. Another tip is to buy a size too big. Scandinavian love the over sized look and a kitted jumper is the easiest item to add this style.
Knitted dress
But it is not only the tops that are knitted in a Scandinavian Wardrobe, a knitted dress is also a key staple in the wardrobe. You can find knitted dresses in mini, midi and maxi style with midi style being the most popular right now. I love the look of a cashmere knitted jumper dress with a belt in the waist line, ideally in a neutral color.
Bottoms
Blue Jeans
Blue jeans is a must have in the Scandinavian wardrobe and are used all year round. Go ideally after a classic blue color with high rise and straight legs. This is the most timeless style and very popular to wear in Scandinavia.
Neutral Pants
To be able to dress in the monochrome look, will you need a neutral pant. Try to go for a color similar to you knitted jumper or go for white pants to match your white shirt. This will make you look really put together.
Black Pants
Another key item in the Scandinavian wardrobe is the black trousers. This is a timeless piece that works with all the combinations you can think of in your capsule wardrobe. Try to mix more casual items, like a knitted jumper for a more edgy look or go all classic with a black polo neck. You can never go wrong with black trousers.
Knitted Skirt
A useful item to add to your Scandinavian Capsule wardrobe, is a knitted skirt. A knitted skirt is more of a casual chic style than a typical skirt and can be in a mini, midi or maxi length. Just make sure that you invest in some good pantyhose. A knitted skirt works well in any neutral color.
Accessories
Belt
A belt is a key staple to elevate your style and can really change your look. When finding the right belt for a capsule wardrobe, go for a back waist belt. This can be used to elevate your look when wearing a knitted dress or put over a black blazer to add shape.
Woollen scarf
Another key element to any Scandinavian look at fall, is a woollen scarf. The scarfs tends to be oversized so you can cover your ears with it if needed. You can find large woollen scarfs in a broad range of colors, but I would recommend for you to go with black or neutral color to make your look cohesive.
Black Riding Boots
Black riding boots are key in the Scandinavian look since it can keep you warm on colder days. A riding boot tends to reach just below the knee and can be styled with jeans, trousers, skirt and dresses. It is definitely an item you should consider investing in.
Black High Heels
The most key item for a Scandinavian if they are dressing up, is a pair of black heels. It is normal for these heels to be closed toe since it can get quite cold in Scandinavia in the fall. A black suede pair looks amazing regardless if you are wearing jeans or a skirt.
Wool pantyhose
Perhaps an item that most others would not consider as a key item to a capsule wardrobe, but for Scandinavians are a good pair of pantyhose key, it makes you put together and at the same time helps you stay warm. A beige pair works really well with a beige mini skirt.
Sneakers
The last key item to add to a Scandinavian capsule wardrobe, is sneakers. A practical item that can make any style look casual. Sneakers are normally combined with jeans, but can also be added with a knitted dress or neutral pants. You can get beige sneakers for a more classy look or you can get branded sneakers for a more casual look.
Here are some examples of different looks using the items from the capsule wardrobe.
Outfit Ideas
Capsule Wardrobe – Everyday Outfits
Capsule Wardrobe – Work Outfits
Capsule Wardrobe – Evening Outfits
Smart Casual
Everyday outfits with Jeans
Pin for Later
Tips you want to save for the future? Then save the picture with pinning it on Pinterest.
Find more Scandinavian inspiration here:
- Affordable Scandinavian Rugs for a perfect cozy vibe
- Fall decor inspiration
- Making a classic white home
