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…
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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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!
Thanks, Ally!
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
Well, Scandinavian, Nordic, they are often used as synonyms.
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
There are stereotypes, and then there's reality, right?
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.
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?
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
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…
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
Oh yes, Chanel and cashmere, my two favourite things.
I really like this outfit and think you published way too little pictures. I want details woman 😉😄Greetje
Aye aye, more pics in future posts.
Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. Love this look. It would be perfect here in Alaska
Thanks, Nicole. Well, in Alaska even I might be tempted to add a few layers.
Fabulous – love the earmuffs. And I learned a lot about Scandanavia too, thank you! xoPattihttp://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thanks, Patti!
I love hearing the backstory on different looks! I love your earmuffs! You look fabulous!JillDoused In Pink
Thanks, Jill!
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.
Thanks, Jill. The earmuffs have also been quite useful in the past couple of weeks: they're very warm.
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/
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.
Such a cute outfit! Love the mix of plaids and the colors.
Thanks, Amy!
Cute winter look! 😀 xxHearts from http://www.shebebutfierce.com <3
Thanks, and thank you for stopping by!