Scandinavian style and shopping in Stockholm

Scandi style is quickly overtaking Parisian chic as the most sought-after aesthetic in fashion. As the capital of Sweden, there's no better place than Stockholm to pick up a brand new wardrobe.

High-quality minimalism

Edgy and chic, Scandinavian labels like COS and Acne Studios are on the radar of every respectable style editor. As co-founder and editorial director of culture and design website Scandinavia Standard, Rebecca Thandi Norman is well-placed to pick out exactly what distinguishes Scandinavian fashion.

“Scandinavian style is, to me, quite minimalist, mostly monochrome and unstructured but with excellent tailoring," she says. "Although of course we have fast-fashion like H&M, Lindex and others, I think that overall Scandinavian style is about high-quality and timelessness... there aren't huge changes from one season to the next, which means people are more focused on style and less on trends."

She adds, "I think the simplicity and quality of Scandinavian style is a huge draw... I've always thought that Scandinavians tend to look at ease in their clothes; that's hugely appealing."

On her website, Rebecca explores Scandinavian fashion, design, art and culture, documenting the trends that vary between each country in the region. “Swedish style, as opposed to Danish or Norwegian, is more formal and fitted," she notes. "Swedes are very stylish, particularly in winter. They really know how to rock a coat and boots."

An alternative look

While classic, timeless pieces are a major component of Stockholm style, lifestyle bloggers like Isabelle Pedersen explores the hipster, vintage-inspired looks also seen on the city's streets. On her site, Isabelle posts her photography and details her day-to-day life.

“You can get a little bit of everything here," she says of Stockholm. "Feel the pulse of the city at nighttime, but also take a boat to the archipelago when you want calmer days by the ocean... In the city, my favorite places during summertime are Trädgården, a nightclub (best place ever to meet people); Djurgården, where you can visit all the museums and the amusement park Gröna Lund; and Södermalm, where you'll find a lot of boutiques and nice bars.”

Isabelle describes Stockholm's style as a blend of different looks. “It depends a little bit on where in Stockholm you hang out," she says. "In the south of the city, it's more relaxed, more vintage. Hipster kind of people. But if you go to other parts, you'll find more high-fashion types... The fashionistas in Stockholm are always quite minimalist and adore black clothes and nice, mixed materials.”

Shopping in Stockholm

The Radisson Blu Arlandia Hotel, Stockholm is just a short train ride from the city center, where you'll find a blend of high-end boutiques and vintage shops. Start your shopping spree with Isabelle's top five picks: “I do love & Other Stories and COS she says. "Those stores are perfect for creating a playful but elegant Scandi look. For the more classic Scandi look, there's Acne and Filippa K; a little more expensive, but they create beautiful classic items that will last. If you're interested in vintage, we have Beyond Retro, where you can create your perfect Scandi hipster look.”

Rebecca's list echoes the approval of COS, Acne and Filippa K, and adds "Stutterheim (best raincoats ever!), Carin Wester, Whyred, BACK and Hunkydory. I also love Swedish skincare brand L:A Bruket