There’s something about European style that we Americans never tire of. The fashionistas of cities like Paris, London, Milan, and Stockholm always seem to dress smartly, even when they’re dressed casually and modestly. I often scour the far reaches of the internet for ways to recreate their style for myself. Recently, I tried to do just that, and I’d like to share my findings with you here.
I’m always impressed by how women who live in cold climates can stay warm and stylish at the same time, especially in January, and I’m hoping to emulate them myself. Below, I’ve rounded up some seriously stylishly dressed women from the coldest cities across Europe, including Oslo, Stockholm, and Helsinki. Scroll down to see all the winter trends Europeans are wearing right now and shop the styles at Nordstrom.
Faux fur coat
Scandinavia’s best dressed have been wearing the fluffiest, furriest, fuzzy faux fur coats since long before the “Mafia Wife” aesthetic was born, and they’ll likely continue to douse themselves in the luxe outerwear even after algorithms have advanced into new territory. The choice of coats comes not only from the bitter cold that plagues Nordic winters, but also from a certain Scandinavian aesthetic that’s defined by a certain whimsical, daring look, which often includes faux fur.
Shopping Trends:
Azaria Wang
Crop faux fur jacket
Stella McCartney
Wool blend faux fur jacket
Rajanth
Davy Crop Faux Fur Jacket
Open Edit
Front zip faux fur jacket
Burgundy Pop
European winter style is heavy on neutral tones like beige and grey, so to break up the monotony, we noticed in this set that we incorporated one or two burgundy pieces to really pop the look. The rich colour adds an element of luxury, whether that’s a burgundy bag, shoes or layerable top.
Shopping Trends:
Bottega Veneta
Padded Lambskin Leather Crossbody Bag
Oro Blue
Cheryl sheer tights
Aparis
TILLY reversible patent faux-leather and faux-shearling coat
Open Edit
Ruched mesh camisole
Linea Paolo
Marley Mary Jane Flats
Capes, wraps and shawls
Layering is something this generation knows all about, but this season in particular they’re embracing a style of layering that looks downright lavish. European women are donning capes, wraps, shawls, scarves and more of all kinds, all to the effect of exuding an air of opulence. Whether it’s a combination of scarf and coat, like the trending totem jacket, or just a cashmere wrap, cape-like layering over coats is a theme I can’t help but see.
Shopping Trends:
totem
Monogram wool and cashmere fringe scarf
Nordstrom
Turtleneck cotton and wool poncho
Arc
Finley oversized wool-blend jacket and scarf
Nordstrom
Cotton and cashmere hi-low poncho
Polo Ralph Lauren
Oversized wool and cashmere laurel
Nordstrom
Wool and recycled cashmere scarves
Fluffy hat
Winter accessories are a necessity, and fashionable women who live in cold cities know that if they have to wear hats, gloves, and scarves, they might as well choose the chicest ones. Right now, they’re all favoring cuffed hats, bucket hats, and other headwear with fluffy shearling or faux fur textures.
Shopping Trends:
totem
Genuine shearling cuff hat
Eugenia Kim
Yuki faux fur bucket hat
Aparis
Gilly Coba faux fur bucket hat
Open Edit
Faux fur cuff hat
UGG
Genuine shearling bucket hat
Luxury Belts
Winter outfits can quickly become boring, no matter how well you style them, so women can add interest and sophistication to even the simplest of looks by sporting a gorgeous belt. 2023 is definitely the year of the belt, and the outlook for 2024 is looking pretty solid too.
Shopping Trends:
Saint Laurent
Saint Tulle Leather Belt
Treasures and Bonds
Oval Buckle Leather Belt
B – Lower your belt
Thalia leather belt
Isabel Marant
Leiden Leather Belt
Shades of Gray
While it’s easy to fall back on an all-black look this time of year, Europe’s most stylish have been spotted opting for shades of grey instead. The trend has been all over the 2024 runways, with cool grey tones evoking a “corporatecore” aesthetic now all the rage, especially when worn with tailored styles like trousers and blazers.
Shopping Trends:
theory
double-breasted wool coat
Edited
Oversized V-neck sweater
Topshop
Slouchy straight leg pants
mango
Structured suit jacket
Open Edit
Suit Midi Column Skirt
Barrel Leg Jeans
Barrel leg jeans, with their wide, tapered fit, are quickly becoming popular in Europe (and in the U.S. as well). This group opts for denim styles when they want to look a little more casual, and jeans also pair well with other popular winter pieces they wear, like faux fur outerwear and classic handbags.
Shopping Trends:
Agolde
Balloon high waist wide barrel leg jeans
Citizen of Humanity
Horseshoe cut-off hem super high waist cropped barrel jeans
Pistola
Eli Ankle Barrel Leg Jeans
Free People
Lucky You Mid Rise Barrel Leg Jeans
Topshop
Awkward high waist barrel jeans
