How to Look Effortless Without Trying (Danish Edition)

Genes & Jeans

I recently spent a week in Copenhagen surrounded by humans so genetically blessed, I started questioning my family tree. My jaw was dropped the majority of the trip, every angle, every street corner, every crevice of my eyesight there was a human (if you could even call them that) with outrageously good genes. Copenhagen didn’t just steal my heart - it stole my self-esteem.

First of all, the genes of the Danes. My god. I actually came back semi-mad at my

parents for not blessing me with some Scandinavian blood. The entire week, I didn't see a single unattractive person (other than the odd tourist - me excluded). And the one thing they all had in common, apart from the majestic blonde locks and piercing blue eyes, was the style!

Their genes and their jeans. Impeccable. Frankly offensive, really. 

all images occupied via pinterest - rights reserved to original creators

Although, not to brag, but - I was mistaken for a Danish girl while sitting along Nyhavn canal. So perhaps my family tree isn’t a total write off. 

The Men

Of course, I paid minute attention to the men, for research purposes only. Obviously. 

Their style? Baggy jeans, embroidery, chunky knitwear layered over t-shirts, stripes, jewellery that’s intentional but never attention-seeking. The word is effortless. I was stunned to my very core at just how cool everyone looked, and a little bit in love. No notes to give - which is rare for a certified critic of men.

I was travelling with a fellow fashion fanatic, and together we were humbled by how quickly we morphed into Danish style, by the direct influence of the ridiculously, effortlessly chic women.

Let's talk trends

Because everyone says the same things when discussing Scandi style, and rightfully so. It does have a very apparent look: the stripes, linens, and pastels. They’re the main three people go for. I’m going to give you a bit more substance. Largely, yes, this is Scandi style.

But what actually makes them look so cool and chic? We’ll explore that through the trends I observed myself.

The Gals & Their Stripes 

There’s no secret that the Scandi Baddies love a lightweight material, almost always paired with a stripe pattern, however the amount of variations were crazy. The main fabrics were, of course, lightweight: cotton, linen, even lace.

The stripes. Jaw dropped. There was an influx of stripes, I'm surprised I didn't get hypnotised. Horizontal, vertical, thick, thin, medium, wavy, straight, pink, blue, blue, green, yellow, brown - trousers, shorts, tops, jumpers, coats - the list is endless. 

If it comes in a stripe, the Danes are buying it and if you see something that isn’t striped, you probably aren’t in Denmark.

all credits reserved to original owners of imagery

The “just rolled out of bed” look is so insanely opposite to what Brits consider a chill outfit. They wear such lightweight, chill clothing which gives off a relaxed vibe but they never look slumpy or lazy. They look put together because of how they accessorise, so minimalistically yet purposefully. 

Which moves me perfectly to my next point… 

Accessorising Is Not Optional in Copenhagen 

Tote bags are a huge trend. Part of the appeal is that they don’t feel the need to wear tiny bags to look cute. They have stuff to carry, places to be, things to do. Even Mary Poppins doesn’t have a bag as big. Chunky gold jewellery - gold specifically, seems to be the go-to for Scandi babes. As a gold girlie and a ritual overpacker with my tiny shoulder bags myself, I am an avid supporter of this movement. 

A lot of the style in Scandinavian countries is more modest than the UK, for sure. The hate towards crop tops is apparent in all the Scandi countries I’ve visited. And in my opinion, it helps their cool factor. Now, I’m not a fan of crop tops, so maybe I’m biased. Take Mimi’s word for it: crop tops are too 2016 to be involved in the big 2025. Much more elegant - which is what these Scandinavian girls are serving us: modesty with a twist of modernisation.

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Clogs? 

A final note goes to their footwear. My travel partner was seriously considering buying the Birkenstock clog after our trip. We saw about 700 pairs during our visit. It was insane - must be their version of crocs. I can fully understand the vision for the Danes, however i tried to reiterate to her that i don’t think the look would translate over in the UK. The weather’s too unpredictable for suede, and the shape kind of channels a wooden clog vibe. In other shoe related business, the rise of platform flip flops. I am 100% buying a pair immediately. 

Channeling My Inner Dane

I’ve been influenced and I’m owning it.  If you see me in stripes, don’t say a word. The effortless look the entire population manages to carry is ridiculously impressive. I’ve come to realise the reason they look so effortless is because it is effortless for them. They aren’t trying too hard. No overthinking, no over-styling,  just pure style instinct. My goal is to channel that energy: effortless, without trying to be.

I want to be this diva - rights reserved to original source

To conclude… Scandi Baddie Starter Pack:

• Stripes, stripes & stripes 

• Tote bag big enough to smuggle a whale

• Gold jewellery (chunky as hell)

• Modesty with a modern twist

• Effortless confidence (optional for Brits, mandatory for Danes)

with love, mimi 

xox