6 Scandinavian Summer Style Staples to Try This Year

ICYMI, we’re amidst a “Scandi-girl” summer. The Scandinavian aesthetic has been trending for the past few seasons, in large part due to “It” girl Matilda Djerf and her namesake brand Djerf Avenue, and this summer, the trend is bigger than ever. Providing a daytime balance to the “Brat summer” surge, the Copenhagen-inspired trend embraces playfulness and ease. Bright colors are encouraged, and flowy silhouettes are a must. Outside of Djerf, we’re looking to other Nordic influencers like Nnenna Echem, Emili Sindlev, and Sofia Boman, as well as model Elsa Hosk (who just launched a collection as part of her namesake brand, Helsa Studio, called Scandi Summer)—all of whom have perfected the effortlessly cool outfit formula. Ahead, we break down six staple pieces you need to get the “Scandi-girl” look this summer.

About the Trend

Scandinavian style boils down to simplicity and comfort. While this school of thought isn’t exclusive to the region, it’s about wearing flowy, youthful silhouettes fit for frolicking through a field, but translating it to city streets. Think: linen pants with poplin button-downs, or voluminous sundresses paired with casual flip-flops or Mary Jane flats. As for the color palette, it shifts between creams, pastels, and statement-making shades like tangerine, bubblegum pink, and royal blue, so there are really no limitations.

Brands like Ganni, Stine Goya, Cecilie Bahnsen, and Rotate have helped carve out a section for the Scandinavian aesthetic in high fashion, but others like Djerf Avenue have embraced a softer, more lived-in approach to Scandi style. Naturally, mainstream labels from & Other Stories to Mango have followed suit, only further growing the trend.

One of our favorite parts of this look is that it revolves around wardrobe staples, so there’s a good chance you already have some of the components of the ideal Scandi-inspired outfit in your closet. Ahead, we break down six key pieces that make up the Scandinavian summer outfit formula.

The Best Scandinavian Summer Style to Shop

Copenhagen Blouse

The Copenhagen blouse is perhaps one of the most popular pieces for Scandi-girl summer. The top has billowy sleeves, a ribbon tie front, and a boxy silhouette. You might find the style in bold patterns or delicate eyelet fabrics. Euro brands like Ganni, Sissel Edelbo, and Damson Madden were some of the first to initiate the trend, but Reformation, Free People, and H&M have adopted the style, making it a widespread closet staple for summer.

Gauzy Trousers

Uncomfortable pants don’t exist in Scandi style. Instead, the aesthetic opts for loose-fitting, gauzy pants and pajama-like boxer shorts. Whether heading to the beach or running errands, lightweight, flowy pants are a key part of this summer outfit formula.

Raffia Tote Bag

Since Scandinavian style is all about ease and practicality, it’s not surprising that oversized raffia tote bags—part of the overarching woven handbags trend—have become a core part of the aesthetic. The style is a big shift from the micro bag trend we’ve seen for the past few seasons, and it couldn’t feel more fresh. This is an ideal, summer-ready way to tote around all of your essentials this summer.

Breezy Button-Downs

One piece in every single Scandi girl’s closet is an oversized, striped button-down. This capsule closet staple is easy to throw over any outfit to instantly elevate it. To keep cool while staying on trend, look for button-downs in breezy fabrics like linen or cotton. Long sleeves also make for another layer of breathable sun protection in the summer, which is never a bad idea.

Denim Bermuda Shorts

The Scandinavian aesthetic might focus on lightweight fabrics, but some of our favorite influencers are embracing the denim Bermuda shorts or “jorts” trend. The style plays into Scandi style’s signature relaxed silhouettes, and the bottoms feel sweet and easygoing when paired with softer shoe styles like ballet flats and Mary Janes.

Thin Strap Thong Sandals

While there’s still a time and a place for all our favorite chunky platform styles, slim thong flip-flops are the Scandi sandals of choice for summer. The silhouette couldn’t be simpler, yet it adds an effortlessly cool “just-thrown-on” flair to any look. Bonus points for a square-toe flip-flop. There’s a good chance you already own a pair yourself, but if not, these are the styles we’re eyeing right now.