Get the Nordic Look!

Scandi Cool

What is ‘The Nordic Look’ anyway? 

Apparently, it’s trendy to be Nordic. Or at least look like one. You know the look: the now-so-popular laid-back, fresh-faced Scandinista look: loose layers and patterned, colourful sweaters with cool parkas, and comfy loafers… Absolute bullshit, if you ask me. Nobody looks like that. Certainly not Nordic women. Fine, I‘ve never met a Nordic woman who looks like that. As far as I can see, Nordic women wear black. Way too much black. Maybe grey if they’re being adventurous. A bit colour-phobic? Maybe. Yes, I can say that: I’m a Nordic woman.

BTW, even though Nordic and Scandinavian are often used as synonyms, there is a difference. Technically, Scandinavia, or Scandinavian Peninsula is a geographical area comprising Norway, Sweden and parts of northern Finland whereas Nordic countries is a term used for Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Finland. However, ‘Scandinavian’ is often used when speaking about people from the Nordic countries. Or when speaking about Scandinavian languages (= Swedish, Danish, Norwegian and Icelandic; Finnish is a Fenno-Ugric language) And no, we’re not all descendants of the Vikings. Well, Finns are not. But do not confuse us with Russians, either: major mistake. Anyway, there’s a brilliant web comic illustrating the differences between Nordic countries, go check it out. OK, lesson over…

So, what I’m doing here is my interpretation – or parody, whatever – of the Scandinista look: casual-cool with a cosy cardi and scarf combo, the girl-next-door soft colours and fur (yes, the earmuffs are fox fur, I got them at the local Christmas market). All with a bit of a Finnish twist of course. Finns are a bit rougher around the edges than other Nordics, hence the biker boots…

winter wear over 40

Outfit details:

cashmere cardigan; Brora (old) / skirt: Jigsaw (old) / cashmere scarf: Lochmere /  bag: Chanel / 

sunglasses: Cutler and Gross / Boots: Bronx / earmuffs: local Christmas market

And if you want to see a slightly more ‘authentic’ Nordic Woman look, how about this

So, what do you think, did I pass the Scandinista test?

Tiina

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28 Comments

  1. Shybiker
    21 January 2016 / 2:08 pm

    Thanks for the valuable lesson about your region of the world! I like learning stuff like this. Plus your outfit is cute, parody or not!

    • Tiina L
      22 January 2016 / 12:11 pm

      Thanks, Ally!

  2. Suzanne Carillo
    21 January 2016 / 2:27 pm

    I'm a bad person for confusing those terms as well. I had quite a few Norwegian friends and they were always getting mad when I confused the countries. bisousSuzanne

    • Tiina L
      22 January 2016 / 12:12 pm

      Well, Scandinavian, Nordic, they are often used as synonyms.

  3. Storybook Apothecary
    21 January 2016 / 4:20 pm

    love your outfit, but I had no idea people would confuse Scandinavian with Nordic. I didn't even know Nordic was a thing people copied in such an inaccurate way lol. Good to know so I don't make that mistake! Thanks for sharing this :)stop by and chat with me ♥ http://storybookapothecary.com

    • Tiina L
      22 January 2016 / 12:13 pm

      There are stereotypes, and then there's reality, right?

  4. Marea Dotz
    21 January 2016 / 4:47 pm

    Yes, it is interesting how certain fashion looks get a "Label" and become a costume. Besides the Nordic look, there's Bohemian, Fiesta, Gothic, etc. etc. It's up to us not to fall into that trap, but to be ourselves and mix and match in our own unique style.

    • Tiina L
      22 January 2016 / 12:16 pm

      Exactly! Individual style is always better. However, I can always spot other Finns at an airport: it's the way they dress, their gestures etc. Funny, huh?

  5. Alice Warren
    22 January 2016 / 5:35 am

    It's funny how you we have stereotypes of how a certain parts of the world would dress. I love your outfit and the ear muffs are functional and fun! Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you next week. Have a great weekend!Alicewww.happinessatmidlife.com

    • Tiina L
      22 January 2016 / 12:17 pm

      Oh yes, don't get me started on stereotypes… I'm really fed up hearing how it's 'always cold and dark' in Finland. It's particularly annoying in summer…

  6. Rachel The Hat
    22 January 2016 / 11:40 am

    chanel and covered in cashmere. it really doesn't get much better!!and those ear muffs are fabulous! Thanks so much for joining Passion4Fashion!! xx

    • Tiina L
      22 January 2016 / 12:18 pm

      Oh yes, Chanel and cashmere, my two favourite things.

  7. No Fear of Fashion
    22 January 2016 / 6:37 pm

    I really like this outfit and think you published way too little pictures. I want details woman 😉😄Greetje

    • Tiina L
      23 January 2016 / 10:15 am

      Aye aye, more pics in future posts.

  8. Nicole Mölders
    23 January 2016 / 4:53 am

    Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. Love this look. It would be perfect here in Alaska

    • Tiina L
      23 January 2016 / 10:12 am

      Thanks, Nicole. Well, in Alaska even I might be tempted to add a few layers.

  9. Patti
    23 January 2016 / 1:43 pm

    Fabulous – love the earmuffs. And I learned a lot about Scandanavia too, thank you! xoPattihttp://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • Tiina L
      23 January 2016 / 6:48 pm

      Thanks, Patti!

  10. Doused In Pink
    24 January 2016 / 3:36 pm

    I love hearing the backstory on different looks! I love your earmuffs! You look fabulous!JillDoused In Pink

    • Tiina L
      24 January 2016 / 8:26 pm

      Thanks, Jill!

  11. Jill James
    26 January 2016 / 5:49 am

    Thank you for the lesson on your part of the world. Your look is truly Tiina, classic with a little twist . Love the closeup shot of you wearing those earmuffs, so pretty.

    • Tiina L
      26 January 2016 / 8:28 pm

      Thanks, Jill. The earmuffs have also been quite useful in the past couple of weeks: they're very warm.

  12. Petite Silver Vixen
    26 January 2016 / 6:45 pm

    Ah the stereotypes – like us Brits are either dressed in tweed or street style! And every French woman dresses in black cigarette pants and a breton with a chanel jacket!!! I feel quite pleased I knew quite a bit about the differences and that Finnish is one of the – pardon the phrase – odd languages that don't relate to other European languages – the others being Hungarian and Estonian!I love your Scandinista parody. The earmuffs are adorable!Funny, I can always spot Dutch people at airports. I guess being married to a Dutchie is rubbing off!http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/

    • Tiina L
      26 January 2016 / 8:35 pm

      Well, Hungarian and Estonian are also Fenno-Ugric languages, just like Finnish, so there's some common history there, linguistically speaking. Not that I could understand either of them…Ah, stereotypes, maybe there's a bit of truth in them, who knows.

  13. Amy Johnson
    27 January 2016 / 2:31 pm

    Such a cute outfit! Love the mix of plaids and the colors.

    • Tiina L
      28 January 2016 / 4:35 am

      Thanks, Amy!

    • Tiina L
      31 January 2016 / 9:35 pm

      Thanks, and thank you for stopping by!

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