Style with Attitude

accessories

I like my basics

To the extent that my wardrobe mainly consists of t-shirts (or the winter equivalent, cashmere jumpers), jeans, pencil skirts and trench coats. And no, I don’t find that boring. I like clean lines, simple cuts and clothes that allow complete freedom of movement. I can’t stand anything fussy, which in this case means clothes that need to be readjusted all the time. Or anything that gets in the way. Or simply clothes I need to think about after I put them on.

But I don’t want to look boring. Or as if I haven’t made an effort.

No, that’s not true, actually… I don’t want to look like I spent a lot of time putting an outfit together. I want to look like I just rolled out of bed, pulled something out of the closet and yet somehow manage to look effortlessly stylish and comfortably casual at the same time. There’s a term for it, too: Scandi Cool.

Of course it helps that I’m Nordic…

So, what’s the difference between Scandinavian and Nordic? Well, culturally speaking, not much. Linguistically, Finnish is not a Scandinavian language (it’s a Finno-Ugric language, like Estonian or Hungarian). And geographically, only Sweden, Norway and Northern Finland make up the Scandinavian peninsula. But let’s stick with the cultural definition…

Anyway, being Nordic, minimalism and prioritizing comfort over style sort of come naturally…

accessories with attitude

smart casual with attitude

Accessories with attitude

An outfit consisting of basics is a blank canvas: edgy accessories can lift it from boring to interesting by providing an injection of style. Or attitude. Which is more or less the same thing, if you ask me.

But even with accessories, less is more. After all, minimalism is the cornerstone of Scandi Cool. But minimalism (or Scandi Cool) doesn’t have to mean only bland, neutral colours and severe shapes. It means carefully editing your accessories for maximum impact.

A pop of colour is striking in an otherwise muted or neutral outfit. And a cool bag and statement sunnies make a bigger impact if they don’t have to compete for attention with piles of jewellery and fancy footwear.

So, now you know how this outfit came about: I just rolled out of bed, pulled something out of my closet, and grabbed my bag and sunnies on my way out of the door…

accessories with attitude

Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses

Outfit details:

coat: Hobbs (old) / cashmere jumper: Max & Co / skirt: Esprit / scarf: A + More /

shoes: Ten Points / bag: Lancel (old) / gloves: Mutka / sunglasses: Dolce and Gabbana

location: Tikkurila, Vantaa

What’s your version of minimalism?

Tiina

Linking up with:

Not Dead Yet StyleElegantly Dressed and StylishGaray TreasuresHigh Latitude StyleThe Pleated PoppyStyle ElixirA Labour of LifeDoused in PinkCurly Crafty MomFashion Should Be FunRachel the HatSincerely Jenna MarieMore Pieces of MeColor and GraceThe Wardrobe StylistNot Dressed As LambStyle NudgeCoco et La Vie en Rose,  Living on Cloud NineA Well Styled LifeElegance and MommyhoodPosh Classy MomNancy’s Fashion StyleShelbee on the Edge Over 50 Feeling 40 A Pocketful of Polka Dots Style SplashThe Fashionista MommaTina’s Pink FridayFake FabulousLazy daisy JonesVanity and MeSheela WritesJodie’s Touch of StyleGlass of Glam

23 Comments

  1. Nancy's Fashion Style
    30 October 2017 / 8:07 am

    To me your gloves make the statement! Whatever you wear, with these gloves it will always be stylish, interesting, fantastic!

    • Tiina L
      30 October 2017 / 3:42 pm

      Thanks, Nancy. I like the colour, it works with all my winter coats.

  2. señora Allnut
    30 October 2017 / 1:00 pm

    I really enjoy a good accessorizing!, and I always admire that minimalistic and effortless stylish attitude, but I've realized that it's too difficult for me, I'm more in the 'more is more' side of the spectrum.Anyway, you look elegantly comfortable and chic, your coat is lovely and your accessorizing is fabulous (as usual). I really like your style!besos

    • Tiina L
      30 October 2017 / 3:53 pm

      Thank you. I think we veer towards minimalism or maximalism naturally, whichever matches our personality most. But we can be inspired by so many things, and by people who (on the surface, at least) seem somewhat different (as far as style is concerned) from us. I admire, and I'm often inspired by, people who have a very different style of dressing from mine. I like seeing wild pattern mixing and lots of interesting jewellery, and then I try to find a way to incorporate some elements of that into my own style. Sort of take aspects of what I like and wear it in a more minimalist, casual way to suits my personality.

    • señora Allnut
      2 November 2017 / 9:41 am

      I agree totally!, different styles can be really inspiring and add an interesting point of view.

  3. passion fruit, paws and peonies
    30 October 2017 / 7:57 pm

    I love your style – minimal is so stylish, I think! #fakeituntilyoumakeit

    • Tiina L
      1 November 2017 / 6:36 pm

      Thank you! Minimalist works for me, it suits my lifestyle and my personality, so I try to make the most of it.

  4. Julie Kay
    30 October 2017 / 8:24 pm

    What a pretty look, and I love the pop of color in that scarf!

    • Tiina L
      1 November 2017 / 6:37 pm

      Thank you, Julie.

  5. Gail Hanlon
    31 October 2017 / 7:13 am

    The berry coloured scarf is so dramatic with the other colours. You can create such drama with colour.

    • Tiina L
      1 November 2017 / 6:38 pm

      Thanks, Gail. I've never thought of it that way, as creating drama, but I sort of like that idea…

    • Tiina L
      1 November 2017 / 6:38 pm

      Thank you.

  6. Jill James
    31 October 2017 / 9:44 am

    Minimalism or Scandi Cool plus fabulous accesories sounds perfect. Those gloves are such a glorious rich colour, the icing on the cake for me.

    • Tiina L
      1 November 2017 / 6:39 pm

      Thanks, Jill. Well, can't do without gloves, so might as well find pretty gloves, that's my new motto.

  7. Natalia Lialina
    2 November 2017 / 5:19 pm

    Tiina, you certainly do not look like a woman who just rolled out of bed! 🙂 You look very elegant and casually stylish, yes – but "just out of bed" doesn't come to mind when I think of you. When I am at home, I do look like I am just out of bed – because I am. :)))I really love that you wear bold colors and combine them so beautifully! And your clothes is obviously high quality which reads as elegant. You look very put together in this outfit, but in a light effortless way. Your accessories are absolutely chic! I want to start wearing gloves, I think it just adds such an elegant finishing touch.

    • Tiina L
      5 November 2017 / 11:35 am

      Thanks, Natalia. Light and effortless is the aim here, and for me most of the time. I try to avoid anything too put together because I don't feel comfortable in it. And that's the key to looking good, I think: feeling good. Whatever that means.

  8. Nicole Mölders
    3 November 2017 / 3:27 am

    Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. Looks like it's getting cold. You are wearing gloves. Great color!

    • Tiina L
      5 November 2017 / 11:36 am

      Thanks, Nicole. Well, it's getting colder, gloves will come in handy…

  9. Jessica Jannenga
    3 November 2017 / 3:29 pm

    I love these colors on you! and Scandi Cool sounds so good. i love the idea of rolling out of bed and looking put together. You look great in the mix of the purples, blue coat and all of your colorful accessories. thanks for linking!jess xxwww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • Tiina L
      5 November 2017 / 11:40 am

      Thanks, Jessica. Yes,just rolling out of bed and looking put together… That's what I do when I have to get to work early. Just roll out of bed, I mean. But I have to admit that I might not look quite this put together early in the morning, though…

  10. Emma Peach
    4 November 2017 / 8:38 pm

    I love the mix of blues with deep red accents. A good quality coat always looks polished and put together, especially with great accessories such as gloves and sunglasses. Thanks for linking up!Emma xxxwww.style-splash.com

    • Tiina L
      5 November 2017 / 11:41 am

      Thanks, Emma. I think a good quality coat is an investment, and therefore it should work with just about any outfit.

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