Since living in Oslo, I’ve noticed a few things about Scandinavian style: sneakers beat heels, layers beat the weather and black beats everything. The focal contrast, between street style in the UK and the Nordic countries is rooted in the weather they experience. Scandinavian style is chic but above all, practical- crop tees and bare knees for the most part just ain’t gonna fly.

Practicality, along with a natural ability to ski, and a desire to drink copious amounts of coffee, seems embedded in Norwegians and it’s reflected in their style. Monochrome layers and flat shoes are a must, whereas a quick flick through ‘London street style’ on Pinterest reveals brave, block colours, faux fur, pastel hair and sequin skirts. This is not to say Scandinavian style is dull by any means, it’s achingly cool, modest and pleasingly androgynous.

As we enter Spring and the sun is finally shining, I decided to take to the streets and shops of Oslo to catch some stylish Scandinavians. Sophie teams a pair of rolled up Mom jeans with an oversized dark green scarf and bright red lipstick for a pop of colour. Robin has matched a khaki jacket with ripped jeans and a grey beanie, because it’s still a bit chilly. Swedish sisters Maddy and Alex are effortlessly cool, round sunnies, pastel socks, metallic overcoat, oversized scarf- yep, yep, yep. I can even get down with the reebok bum bag. I fell for Caroline and Ingvild duster coats – which are actually different – in Monki. Both were teamed simply with some sneakers, giving a casual look, perfect for wandering around Oslo’s shops.

Charly Bowen

Cover image: thefashionmedley.com