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Wondering what to wear in Scandinavia in winter? If you’re headed to Sweden, Norway, or Denmark for the cold weather season, here’s what to bring!
What to Wear in Scandinavia in Winter
Written By: Katie Melloh
The region of Scandinavia, which includes Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, has recently earned much-deserved praise as a travel destination. It combines photogenic beautiful cities, rugged wilderness, the world’s hottest design aesthetic, and the happiest people on earth.
It also has chilly weather in the winter! Don’t let that scare you away, though. Visiting in November and December allows you to avoid the more frigid temperatures of January and February while also scoring great deals during the off-season.
You can still pack your capsule wardrobe in a small suitcase even when you travel in cold weather by using packing cubes to compress your clothing as shown in this video!
Packing for a cold-weather trip to a design world capital doesn’t have to be a chore. This past December, I traveled to Stockholm and Copenhagen and found that the Scandinavian style is comfortable and approachable.
Start by reading these general tips on packing for winter travel:
- Capsule Wardrobe for Winter
- How to Pack for Cold Weather
- How to Stay Warm in Cold Weather (without the bulk)
- The Best Travel Shoes for Winter
Read on to check out my tips on what to wear in Scandinavia in winter! Stay warm and fashionable, too.
Scandinavia Fashion
Everyone knows that Stockholm and Copenhagen export some of the hottest trends. The style follows a minimalist aesthetic, with neutral colors and high-quality pieces.
Scandinavian women take simple, well-made articles and combine them to form an effortless elegance. Think about sticking to a color scheme of black, white, gray, navy, and denim.
What are neutral colors? Find out.
Weather in Stockholm and Copenhagen
I visited both Stockholm and Copenhagen and was pleasantly surprised by the winter weather. Though it was cold, with highs around 30-40ºF and lows in the 20sºF, it didn’t snow. (However, snow and rain are possible, so it’s best to be prepared.)
Because the region is in northern Europe, visiting toward the end of the year also means dealing with shorter days. The sun rises after 8:00 a.m. and sets before 3:00 p.m., so it’s crucial to plan your day accordingly to make the most of your vacation time.
I chose to explore and do walking tours during the daylight hours and saved museums, shops, and bars for the late afternoon and early evening hours after the sun had set. Temperature drops with the sunset, so be prepared with a hat, gloves, and a warm scarf.
Follow these tips to learn about cold weather layering!
Luggage
I brought a travel backpack in lieu of a rolling bag for a few reasons. For one, I was worried about snow and didn’t want to risk having to roll a bag through snow and slush, potentially dirtying clothes.
I also knew that I’d be taking a few trains and buses (and I’m usually running late), so having a backpack makes it easier to maneuver through cobblestoned city streets.
Read this post to find out how to choose between a backpack or rolling bag!
And lastly, I wanted to bring a carry-on for this trip to avoid any chance of the airline losing my bag and all the warm clothes within it! I love this backpack from Tortuga; it’s waterproof, super comfortable to carry, and has a ton of pockets to help organize everything.
The other bag I brought was this black leather tote from J. Crew, which I carry everywhere. The leather is durable and it can hold everything that I need for the day. And it fits in with the Scandinavian fashion—neutral, simple, and well-made!
Tops
Top | Base Layer | Sweater | Blouse | Sweater | Turtleneck | Pullover
To fit in with the uber-fashionable Scandinavian women, stick with neutral colors and quality materials. For a comfortable but polished look for exploring during the day, I’d recommend a nice chambray top—Scandinavians love their denim!
For the perfect base layer, you can’t go wrong with this merino wool-based long-sleeved tee from Tracksmith. Their gear is made for running, so it’s very comfortable (not scratchy!), wicks away sweat and odor, keeps you really warm, and is thin enough to wear under many types of tops and sweaters.
Merino wool is one of the warmest fabrics you can wear in cold weather. Learn more!
I included three basic sweaters—black, gray, and off-white—for everyday wear. These are perfect because you can mix and match them with different pants and accessories.
I’d also recommend packing a cozy oversized sweater that can double as outerwear and a nice blouse for a dressy night out. Choose your favorite basics and dress them up with accessories!
Not sure how to layer? Learn about cold weather layering.
Bottoms
If packing in a carry-on, it’s essential to streamline your wardrobe, especially when it comes to pants. In sleek Scandinavian countries, it’s easy to get by with just a few neutral pieces, such as a pair or two of dark denim jeans. Pack your favorite pair in either a dark blue or black color that works with all your tops and is comfortable enough to wear around the city all day.
Another solid bet is structured black leggings. They can also easily transition from day to night if you pair them with a nice blouse.
Lastly, I’d recommend a pair of fleece-lined tights that can be worn underneath jeans or leggings on the colder days.
These three pieces will help you fit right in with the minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic while remaining comfortable.
These are the best leggings for women that travel!
Shoes
LL Bean Boots | Leather bootie | Athleisure shoes
As you plan what to wear in Scandinavia in winter, you’ll want to minimize the number of shoes you bring. Pack no more than three pairs of shoes.
Find out how to choose the best travel shoes here!
I packed these LL Bean Boots as a waterproof option, and wear them with wool socks to stay warm and dry. In addition, I suggest this pair of black boots from Franco Sarto. They are not only super comfortable, but versatile. They match nearly everything and can easily elevate an outfit.
Find out why ankle booties are some of the best travel shoes for Europe!
I also brought a pair of light athletic shoes for workouts and to give my feet a break from boots now and then. This pair is very stylish and can be worn around the city while still looking put-together.
Check out the best waterproof boots for travel!
Outerwear
Bring a dark, heavy coat for your trip to Scandinavian cities; most women wear black coats, which fit with the neutral and classic style. Also, don’t forget a warm beanie, which is both stylish and practical. Lastly, add a pop of color with this pair of cashmere gloves. They have tech-friendly fingertips so you can snap photos on your phone without needing to take them off—win-win!
Don’t forget to check out these winter accessories for women!
Accessories
Scarves are my favorite accessory, especially in cold weather. Don’t forget yours when planning what to wear in Scandinavia in winter. The above options stick with a neutral color scheme that will fit with your wardrobe and keep you cozy. I would also recommend bringing a pair or two of high-quality wool socks to wear with either boot option.
Toes are generally more sensitive to the cold, so investing in a nice pair of socks is definitely worth it, especially when you spend all day exploring the city.
For more ideas, take a look at these warm winter scarves!
Scandinavian Outfit Inspiration
Sweater | Wrap | Coat | Tote | Jeans | Boots
For a day out in Stockholm or Copenhagen, stick with dark colors and comfortable fabrics. Here I pair a classic (and affordable!) cashmere sweater with a wrap scarf and black leather bootie. To break up the outfit a bit, I’d wear a medium wash jean. Finish the look with a wool coat and black leather tote.
In fashion-forward Scandinavian cities, style and comfort don’t have to be at odds. Choose high-quality pieces in neutral colors to fit in fashionably. And don’t let a little cold weather deter you from visiting. By dressing appropriately and planning ahead, you can travel to Scandinavia in winter and have a wonderful (and stylish) time!
Struggling to make a capsule travel wardrobe? Learn how!
What are your tips on what to wear in Scandinavia in winter? Please comment below!
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For more packing tips, please visit these Europe Packing Lists:
- How to Pack for Europe
- What to Wear in Norway in Winter
- What to Wear in Finland in Winter
- What to Wear in Denmark
Suggested travel resources:
- Lonely Planet Europe on a Shoestring
- Lonely Planet Scandinavia (Country Guide)
- Travel Shoes for Europe
- The Best Carry-on Suitcases for Europe
I hope you liked this post on what to wear in Scandinavia in winter. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Author Bio: Katie Melloh is a travel addict (30+ countries and counting!) currently pursuing a master’s degree in international development. Her other interests include fair trade coffee, exercising her taste buds as a cheese-obsessed vegetarian, and reading historical fiction. She writes for her blog Her World Over and for Unearth the World, a social enterprise for ethical volunteer trips.
Tips from a norwegian:
It’s true that we love minimalistic style and good quality garments.
In the fall and winter we do love a good quality wool coat in black, beige, brown. Now in 2018 we are also into the faux fur and teddy coats (but good quality is the key – never tacky,)
We Scandinavian woman don’t like “too much stuff” natural hair and makeup ( we do like to put on a funky lipstick once in a while, but then keep your eyes natural)
What is typical in Scandinavia we have a season thing:
Spring/Summertime, we like colours
Fall/Winter usually more neutral colours like: brown, beige, black, grey, rusty colours. (Never white jackets in the winter!)
We do love quality jewlery and to add some “funk” to our style, like a pair of cool sneakers, lipstick or accessorize.
Typical scandi brands is:
Acne (bit expensive)
Weekday (affordable)
Monki (affordable)
Bytimo – summer scandi boho style
Ganni
Envii
Samsøe Samsøe
Second Female
Arnie Says
Check out for inspiration:
Camilla Phil
Emilietommerberg
Janka Polliani
We also wear practical clothes depending on the weather and depending on what we are going to do.
Raincoat or “Allværsjakke” as we say in Norwegian it translate to “all weather jacket” it protects you from rain and wind and put some wool under and it also protect you from the cold.
If you are going to Oslo you can use a normal coat and an umbrella, are you going to Bergen were it rains all the time it’s best to have a raincoat.
Are you going on a hiking or skiing trip get suitable gear.
Love from Norway!
Hi Lily, wow this is amazing!! Thank you so much for sharing all you fantastic tips for what to wear for Norway, its always excellent to hear the advice from a local!! 🙂
I go to Stockholm (from Switzerland) over New years and in June.
In winter I would definitely recommend fleece tights and a set of merino underwear (long johns and long sleeve top). I bought a set that is extra thin but still warm, to wear underneath pants and tops as needed. I always combine thin, high quality socks (knee length) with a pair of wool socks. Layers really help me.
I managed to make it through the last trip with some old leather ankle boots despite snow… I stayed dry but was definitely saved by my woolen socks, as the ankle boots had thin soles and I would have frozen my feet off without my socks…
This winter I will be taking my water proof Sorrell boots (herringbone patterned) to be stylish AND warm and so that won’t have to worry about slipping.
I life taking Burberry scarfs in cashmere and wool.
I can recommend the Humana second hand stores for amazing brands for a small price (I bought an entire luggage full of Longchamp, Valentino, Armani, Burberry and Swedish labels like St ckholm and Philippa K!).
Awesome recommendations Maruca, thank you!
I’m headed to Denmark in February for a study aboard trip for my doctoral programs I’m super excited for the trip and I have the opportunity to connect to my Scandinavian roots!
I’ve been devouring this blog/website in preparation – everything from what to pack, good walking shoes for winter, travel pants, etc.
Starting with “what to wear in Scandinavian in winter” was a perfect starting point. Thank you for this invaluable site! I’m definitely using this as a resource for future trips
I am planning to Norway this december and i am going to definitely pack a black stylish coat and fleece tights .. Thank you for this wonderful insight!
Prachi
Wonderful Prachi! Happy to help! Glad you found these tips useful!