Scandi chic: The best Scandinavian fashion brands for effortless style
With Copenhagen Fashion Week in full swing, we scoured Scandinavia for its most stylish fashion brands. From elevated basics to cult-favourite statement pieces, here are our favourites to master easy elegance
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Scandinavian fashion is the ultimate in cool girl style. In fact, we’d bet every stylish woman you know has at least one (or six, in my case) Scandi brands in her wardrobe. Over the past few years, Nordic fashion has captured the fancies of the style set for its inherent ability to be cool across varied aesthetics. From the minimalist functional looks the region is traditionally known for, to the eclectic stylings of the street-style crowd, Scandinavian fashion just looks effortlessly chic.
Combining New York’s laid back appeal with French and Italian elegance and British utilitarianism, Scandinavian fashion brands bring together the best from the world’s major fashion capitals and infuse it with a nonchalant ease. No surprise, then, that Copenhagen Fashion Week is often considered the fifth big fashion week (and touted as the best by insiders).
Best known for producing functional and wearable fashion, the region offers a varied selection of styles. Some brands such as Toteme and Samsøe Samsøe are focused on creating elevated classics, while others like Cecilie Bahnsen and Rotate offer feminine creations in a vibrant palette. Think elegant staples, flowing puff sleeved dresses, Eighties sequins, and dopamine-boosting colours and prints.
Many Nordic designers are focused on building sustainable brands that reduce wastage and use ethically-sourced fabrics. This is due in no small part to Copenhagen Fashion Week, which implements strict sustainability standards. The fashion week has nurtured a young cohort of brands, building on storied legacies to bring innovative Nordic fashion to the world.
Whether you’re a certified Ganni girl, have dabbled in Scandi chic with cult-favourite products (Acne Studios’ colossal scarf, anyone?), or are hunting for unique inspiration beyond the usual, look to Copenhagen and beyond to add some minimalist and fashion-forward pieces to your wardrobe. With Copenhagen Fashion Week SS25 underway, read on to shop our favourite Scandinavian fashion brands.
Ganni
Arguably the biggest and most-loved Scandinavian (except, perhaps, a flaky Danish), Ganni is a firm favourite of fashion editors, influencers and celebrities. Founded in 2000 by husband and wife duo, Nicolaj and Ditte Reffstrup, Ganni has since cultivated a distinctly bold and playful aesthetic, offering feminine silhouettes rendered in eclectic prints, bright colours and relaxed fabrics. Layered with fashion references – from contemporary trends to Y2K influences – Ganni staples include Peter Pan collars, leopard prints, puff sleeves, buckled ballerinas and look-at-me cowboy boots. Stock up on one of each to master effortless, chic and simply fun fashion.
From garden parties to weekend strolls, this tiered midi dress with a ruffled neckline and smocked bodice is sure to be a summertime favourite. Wear with trainers, strappy sandals, or these statement cherry-red cowboy boots with embroidery detailing.
Toteme
Another popular Scandinavian export, Toteme was founded in Stockholm in 2014 by fashion blogger Elin Kling and her husband Karl Lindman. The Swedish brand is focussed on creating a modern uniform of timeless classics made with elegant silhouettes and luxurious materials. Underscored by contemporary elegance, basic pieces span everything from tank tops and crisp shirts to breezy dresses and sumptuous knits.
Get started on your capsule wardrobe with the white curved tank top made with a Japanese paper blend knitted with a bouclé texture and straight leg trousers made with recycled crepe. Style the versatile pieces with just about everything in your wardrobe.
Acne Studios
Perhaps the most well-known brand on this list, Acne Studios is considered one of the original pioneers of Scandi minimalism. The Swedish company was launched in 1997 by Jonny Johansson with a range of raw denim jeans. And, while denim continues to be a mainstay, the brand has since expanded its design offerings to include an array of contemporary styles. Infusing Nordic minimalism with unexpectedly maximalist proportions, fabrics and patterns, Acne Studios’ unique design language is instantly recognisable. Case in point, its faded denim, leather biker jackets, fringed scarves, and sculptural tote bags, which have become icons in their own right.
Invest in Acne’s oversized fringe scarves to signal your in-the-know fashion knowledge and stay cosy this winter. We love this fuchsia, lilac and pink checked pattern. Elsewhere, these faded black flared jeans are as versatile as they come.
Cecilie Bahnsen
If you’re drawn to Simone Rocha’s frothy confections and Molly Goddard’s floral fantasies, consider adding their Scandinavian contemporary, Cecilie Bahnsen, to your sartorial roster. The Copenhagen native has positioned her eponymous brand at the intersection of ready-to-wear and couture and creates whimsical and uber-feminine pieces. Imbued with expert craftsmanship and romantic designs, the brand's offerings often feature unique reworkings of classic silhouettes. Think baby doll dresses with balloon hems, tank tops detailed with dramatic ruffles, lace-up backs on midi dresses and pastel knits with bows and ribbons.
The Beth dress, made from soft pink matelassé with a voluminous skirt, is a great example of Bahnsen’s signature style. Flared dresses are great for special occasions, or, for a more subtle design, opt for the ruffled Geo top paired with straight-fit trousers and kitten heels.
Rains
Co-founders Daniel Brix and Philip Lotko named their brand Rains after Denmark’s unpredictably inclement weather. So it stands to reason that the brand excels in waterproof clothing and accessories. Leaning into functional design, the brand crafts sleek rainwear with innovative materials and techniques. Its signature polyurethane fabric is bonded together at the seams with ultrasonic welding for robust rain protection – a godsend for the UK’s rainy summer. The cult-favourite backpack is a reliable option for your daily commute, while the beige belted raincoat features a drawstring hood with a built-in cap to keep your freshly-styled hair dry.
Stine Goya
Thumb through a Stine Goya collection and you’ll find an explosion of technicolour prints and vibrant hues that’ll spark instant joy. The Copenhagen-based label was founded in 2006 and has since become a must-have in the wardrobes of many stylish women, including Hailey Bieber, Lily Collins and Kate Hudson. You’ll find modern silhouettes emblazoned with hand-drawn prints and patterns. While the cheerful offering is vast, standouts include blooming florals, colour-block check knits and sequin co ords.
Tap into the borrowed-from-the-boys airy aesthetic this summer with these striped sunshine yellow shorts. Alternatively, the Vianna blouse printed with multicoloured poppies is sure to brighten your working day. Pair with solid trousers for work or with matching trousers for a relaxed holiday look.
Baum und Pferdgarten
Another quirky style maven from Copenhagen, Baum und Pferdgarten was founded in 1999 by Rikke Baumgarten and Helle Hestehave. Riffing on contrasts, you’ll find the brand’s classic silhouettes steeped in unique colour combinations and clashing prints that shouldn’t work, but somehow do. From oversized prints and panelled stripes to lace florals and unexpected sequins, this is a brand for those who like to stand out. From the SS24 collection, the ruched Amma dress with peach blooms on lilac silk is a winner for sunny days abroad. Alternatively, pair the acid green denim maxi skirt with a tank top and box-fresh trainers.
Rotate
Summer social calendar all filled up? Look, then, to Rotate Birger Christensen’s statement occasionwear. Founded by street style stars and former fashion editors Jeanette Madsen and Thora Valdimars, the brand is an explosion of glamorous, stand-out pieces such as sequined midis, ruched minis and jacquard blazers. Here, the silhouettes are slinky, colours are bright and 80s influences are plenty. Rotate’s romantic design language also lends itself wonderfully to wedding dresses and bridesmaid gowns, making it a bridal favourite, too.
Channel your inner party girl with this aqua sequin-embellished midi dress that’s as stylish as it is dazzling. Elsewhere, the floral jacquard midi dress features signature puff sleeves and is a great simple alternative for minimalist brides.
Samsøe Samsøe
Samsøe Samsøe dates back to 1993 when it was set up as a small jewellery shop in Copenhagen before branching into knitwear and basic T-shirts for men. It wasn’t until 2000, when Peter Sextus and Per-Ulrik Andersen took over the brand, that it transformed into the internationally-known ready-to-wear name it is today. The brand’s offerings are grounded in simple silhouettes made with quality fabrics, a muted palette and great attention-to-detail. The Sacrane dress is made with recycled polyester and makes for a chic one-and-done option for work when paired with slicked back hair and modest heels. Alternatively, the Haven blazer is cut for an oversized fit and adds a polished flair to any outfit.
Tekla
The brainchild of former Acne Studios executive Charlie Hedin, Tekla was founded in 2017 with a focus on quality bedding. Now, it offers a range of covetable homeware – including blankets, towels and duvet covers – and loungewear that feels as good as it looks. Made from luxurious organic fabrics with timeless silhouettes, Tekla also offers fashion-forward pieces, often with collaborations with brands such as Stüssy and Birkenstock. The Copenhagen-based brand also prioritises sustainability and holds a B Corp certification for its thoughtful designs.
Perfectly capturing Scandi style, these striped poplin shorts are great with the matching shirt for a comfortable night’s sleep. The boxy pair will also work well with a white T-shirt and trainers, should you choose to wear it outside. Meanwhile, the pink terry robe is soft, absorbent, and a bright way to start each morning.
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