In the UK, it is officially freezing, and the cold snap has left us in a panic, wondering how to stay dry and warm without appearing to have lost our dignity, sense of proportion, or polish.
British winter dressing has a propensity of fluctuating between underprepared and overengineered — too many thin layers, not enough thought, or the full Michelin Man approach at the first sign of frost.
The folks who do not seem particularly flustered by all of this? Scandinavians. Hardy, pragmatic and quietly stylish, they are well skilled in negotiating months of darkness, ice and sub-zero temperatures – and have polished cold weather wearing into something approaching a philosophy.
“There’s a very Scandinavian saying: ‘There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing.’ That, in my opinion, encapsulates it wonderfully,” says Malin Glemme, 46, creator of the Swedish rug company LAYERED and mother of three children, ages 14, 12, and 7.
Glemme knows all about cold weather attire as she lives in Lidingö, just outside Stockholm, where winter temperatures can fall to minus 15°C, with “highs” that barely crawl above freezing.
When winter arrives, Isabella Rose Davey, 34, COO of Copenhagen Fashion Week, claims her city doesn’t miss a fashion trend. “Even in the snow, people are dressed as well as ever,” she remarks.
Start with layering
Glemme’s winter wardrobe begins with thoughtfully selected layers made of natural materials like cashmere and wool. “Being warm without appearing oversized or garish is what winter clothing is all about for me. Investing in a few excellent pieces is preferable to adding too many.
She begins with base layers made of wool or cashmere. She claims that a thin cashmere knit is far more effective than multiple synthetic layers. “I love soft knits that feel luxurious but still insulate properly.” Her favourite brands for these things are Totüge and Soft Goat, which are renowned for their sophisticated, understated knitwear that looks good indoors and functions well.
Another jumper, frequently by designers like Marni or Lisa Yang, and more reasonably priced basics from COS, Arket or H&M are worn over that layer.
Amanda Rosenhagen, 32, a now London-based PR whose Danish mother imparted a “sense of practicality whilst trying to stay stylish”, agrees with the layering approach, adding she rates Mads Nørgaard for wool accessories.
Invest in a good coat
According to Glemme, “a good coat does most of the work” when it comes to winter attire. Rather than excessively sporty shapes, she prefers jackets with little decoration and solid structure.
Brands such as Filippa K, Arket, COS and Fjällräven achieve the appropriate balance, she believes – “something you can wear every day without feeling casual”. Rosenhagen loves the labels Rains or Samsøe Samsøe — “one for casual and one a bit smarter”.
Davey sees some take a different approach. “Homes are havens of warmth and cosiness because Danes live by the hygge principle,” she says. “Some commute in full ski suits with their regular work clothes underneath.”
For an in-between approach, she says “a proper puffer coat is the best bet”, such as one by the Icelandic company 66 North.
Accessorise – scarf, hat, gloves
Over her fitted coat, Glemme will add a substantial scarf: either a thick wool version to cocoon into, or a triangular mohair scarf to elevate a plain outfit. “A few months ago, I discovered a beautiful one from COS,” she explains.
Hats, however, are a sticking point. “I hate hats,” she says. “I prefer to be cold.” However, Davey asserts that “warm gloves are key,” especially as she and many Danes pedal even in frigid temperatures. Woollen beanies are a frequent accessory on the streets of Copenhagen. “There is nothing worse than cycling 20 minutes home with red raw knuckles.”
The layering rule also holds true for feet. Glemme suggests wearing many pairs of cashmere socks. “It’s one of those small details that makes winter more comfortable, and it keeps you warm without adding bulk,” she explains.
Opt for sensible footwear
According to Davey, the foundation of Danish winter attire is footwear. According to her, “proper boots with grip keep feet warm and still look smart with trousers.”
Boots should be insulated, with thick soles and strong grip – ideally lined with shearling, according to Glemme, who favours the Swedish brand Tretorn, which she describes as “warm, practical and still polished”.
Rosenhagen, on the other hand, like the Danish brand Ilse Jacobsen’s lace-up wellies.
Dressing little ones
Since kids spend their entire lives outside, regardless of the weather, winter clothing is taken very seriously. “Flyverdragts,” which is Danish for “flying suit” and refers to all-in-one snowsuits, come into play because newborns in Denmark are left outside to nap so they are all wrapped up really warm and left to breathe in the fresh air,” adds Rosenhagen. She puts her own kid in snowsuits by TOASTIE, which appear similar in style to ones she grew up wearing, and has also acquired suits by MarMar Copenhagen.
“Wool base layers are non-negotiable” for older kids. Glemme asserts that well-known brands like Reima, Isbjörn of Sweden, and Polarn O. Pyret are reliable basics that prioritise warmth, breathability, and longevity over novelty or fads.
The most common mistake
What errors do Scandinavians see in British winter travel to the north, and what might we be doing incorrectly at home? The most prevalent, Glemme argues, is underestimating the materials your garments are constructed from. “Thin coats made from synthetics, cotton layers, or shoes that simply aren’t designed for cold weather are very common,” she explains.
Another error is pushing too hard. “Winter clothing that is overdone frequently looks forced.”
In comparison, the Scandinavian method is subtly assured. According to Glemme, “Scandinavian style is very discreet but also practical.” “You dress in spite of winter, not for it. You can move on with your day and forget about your garments when they function properly.
