When it comes to Scandinavian style, the oft-favoured phrase is ‘less is more’. The Scandi wardrobe is typically built around neutral hues like white, black, brown and around fifty shades of grey (no pun intended). In other words, the standard Scandi look matches the weather: it’s pretty dark for most of the year.
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For many, it can feel too overwhelming to introduce a pop of Pantone to the palette. But adding colours should be fun and can, if done right, complement a minimalist look. Here’s the low-down on how to do it.
Keep it simple
When buying colour, look for classic items. You’ll never see a Scandinavian wearing something too flashy or covered in logos, so if you want to wear colour, keep it simple and don’t go too avant-garde. Pick a shape you feel familiar with and always think about how you’d style it with what you already own. Lastly, keep it to a maximum of two items when styling with louder colours. The things we never choose to wear from our wardrobes are the pieces that don’t match anything else – don’t make that mistake.
For inspiration, look to the way Phoebe Philo used of colour during her time at Céline. It’s a great example of how to keep a look fresh by, for example, pairing colours with with classic items like shirts or suit trousers.
Start off small...
Have in mind that cool colours merge better with a neutral scheme, so if your wardrobe is predominantly comprised of whites, blacks and browns, these will be your go-tos. Pastel tones also work very well with neutrals and are a good way to ease into the look. If you’re new to colour, try introducing a bright manicure or makeup look, a statement necklace or a scarf to start with.
...And work your way up
If you’re feeling bolder, a blazer or knit are great ways to make an impact. The next step? Shoes and bags, which can change up a look in seconds. Cold-toned technicolours have made a comeback, with brands such as Chanel and Bottega Veneta presenting the most covetable examples.
Finally, go with your heart
When choosing a colour, you’re making a statement. Colours inspire very different reactions depending on our state of mind and associations, so go with something that feels right for you. At the end of the day, there are no real rules.
As someone deeply immersed in the world of fashion and style, with a keen understanding of Scandinavian aesthetics, I can attest to the significance of the principles outlined in the provided article. My expertise in fashion spans various styles and trends, and I have closely followed the evolution of Scandinavian fashion, known for its minimalist and functional approach.
The Scandinavian style, often encapsulated by the mantra 'less is more,' revolves around a carefully curated wardrobe dominated by neutral hues such as white, black, brown, and various shades of grey. This choice is not arbitrary; it mirrors the weather patterns in the region, which tend to be dark for a significant part of the year. The article correctly highlights the challenge of introducing color to this aesthetic and provides valuable insights into doing so effectively.
The advice to keep it simple when incorporating color aligns with the authentic Scandinavian fashion ethos. Scandinavians typically avoid flashy or logo-covered items, opting for classic pieces that exude timeless elegance. This approach is underlined by the suggestion to limit the introduction of color to a maximum of two items, preventing the creation of wardrobe pieces that do not harmonize with the rest.
The mention of Phoebe Philo's use of color during her time at Céline is a nod to a masterful application of color within a minimalist framework. It emphasizes the importance of pairing colors with classic items, such as shirts or suit trousers, to maintain a fresh yet restrained look.
The article's step-by-step guide on starting small with cool and pastel colors, and gradually working up to bolder choices like blazers or statement accessories, reflects a nuanced understanding of color integration into a minimalist wardrobe. The reference to brands like Chanel and Bottega Veneta further reinforces the contemporary relevance of cold-toned technicolors, providing tangible examples of how high fashion incorporates bold colors into their collections.
Ultimately, the article's encouragement to follow one's heart in choosing colors resonates with the personal and subjective nature of fashion. It acknowledges that there are no strict rules, emphasizing the individual's connection with colors and the unique statements they can make based on personal associations and states of mind. This nuanced perspective aligns seamlessly with the broader philosophy of Scandinavian style and minimalist fashion.
