Written By Strike Tallahassee
If you’re looking for a way to combine a simple, coastal aesthetic with the coziness that autumn brings, Stockholm Style is right up your alley. Let’s talk about what exactly “Stockholm Style” is. In short, it’s a combination of minimalist, clean, and modern elements that are meant to achieve both practicality and cohesiveness. Stockholm Style gets its name due to its origination in Stockholm, Sweden, but it’s also popular all over Scandinavia. Due to the mild climates that the Stockholm coast possesses, the style is big on layering—specifically layering basic, cohesive pieces in a modern way. It is comparable to a “preppy” aesthetic but is more about timelessness and incorporating high-quality capsule pieces into your wardrobe.
The color palette of Stockholm Style is relatively simple: blacks, whites, creams, and maritime colors, like shades of blue and gray. Sometimes, you’ll find muted pinks and greens, but neutrals are really going to hit home here. The idea is to have a wardrobe of colors that can easily be mixed, matched, and pieced together to adjust to Stockholm's mild, coastal climate.
Denim and linen are extremely common in Stockholm. This is because the materials are practical, fashionable, and provide a certain standard of quality. They are easily paired with other pieces and can be dressed up or dressed down. Low-rise or straight-leg pants are also common, and necklines tend to take on a classic U shape or V shape. For women, tops are likely to be on the tighter side with minimal decal, except for the occasional one-shoulder or ruffles. Knit sweaters and pullovers are well-loved by Scandinavians when the seasons are colder, as well as long skirts.
Accessorizing with Stockholm Style is also kept to a minimum. The staple pieces that can easily be paired with a variety of Stockholm outfits are simple black bags and gold jewelry, either chunky or dainty. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum, and a few simple pieces alongside one or two bold ones are a good rule of thumb. As for shoes, simple white sneakers or black loafers go well, as well as tan slippers in the autumn months.
Stockholm Style is quickly becoming increasingly popular in the United States, likely following the “coastal granddaughter” aesthetics that popped up this past summer. It is also likely a reflection of the shift from a microtrend, fast-fashion-based mindset to a re-wearable, sustainable, capsule wardrobe mindset. The idea of building an easily cohesive wardrobe of pieces that can be mixed and layered is nothing new to Scandinavians, and as we see their aesthetics trickle into our own styles, we can hopefully anticipate their sustainability practices following as well.
Strike Out,
Writer: Sarah Bourloukas
Editor: Blake N. Fiadino
Tallahassee
