If it feels like the weather has snapped from mild to Baltic overnight, you’re not alone. My once-reliable wool coat and light cardigans suddenly aren’t standing a chance, and I’ve found myself in urgent need of cold-weather outfits that deliver both warmth and polish. And when it comes to dressing well in sub-zero temperatures, one style set consistently gets it right: the Scandi women.
Scandinavians don’t just dress for winter, they master it. Their formula is unmistakable: a calm, tonal palette of creams, taupes and deep chocolates; clever layering with wool base pieces and oversized scarves, and silhouettes that lean relaxed while still feeling sophisticated. Their staples—floor-skimming coats, sculptural turtlenecks, cashmere hoods and crisp indigo denim—come together to form that signature Scandi blend of practicality and understated luxury. The effect is always the same: warm, refined, and effortlessly composed.
The high-street brands channelling this aesthetic better than anyone right now? Zara and COS. With elevated outerwear, beautifully cut knitwear and quietly luxe accessories, these are the pieces I’m convinced a chic Scandi woman would gravitate towards if she walked into Zara or COS today.
Shop The Best Zara and COS Scandi Pieces
A rare combination of warm and chic, this collarless, belted and faux fur cream coat looks 10x more expensive than its price-tag would suggest.
From the turtleneck to the cinched waist, this knit jumper screams Scandi chic. Pair with straight-leg jeans or tailored trousers to complete the look.
A zero-degree weather essential, the shawl-collar adds elegance to this insulating down jacket.
Add texture to your winter whites with a boucle jacket. The zip and Peter Pan style collar only add to the effortless Scandi vibe.
There's something so elevated about a cable-knit wool jumper.
A 100% wool knit is a winter wardrobe must, and Zara's belted version is just so elegant.
Who says you can't wear dresses in winter? Invest in a wool, funnel-neck knit dress and you have a one-and-done chic winter outfit you can style up with heeled boots and a faux fur jacket, or style down with loafers and a wool coat.
A leather heeled ankle boot will be the anchor to so many of your winter looks.
From the scarf detail to the quilt, this is a jacket you'd see glittered on the streets of Copenhagen during fashion week.
The perennially best-selling funnel-neck jumper in black; a versatile staple that will be the foundation of every winter look.
The faux fur collar detail makes this coat look so much more expensive. Team with some indigo jeans and leather heeled boots, and you're ready to (elegantly) brave the cold.
A wool trouser is essential to staying warm once the temperatures drop.
Already sold out in black, this 100% wool jumper is just under £50.
Cashmere scarves are a winter saviour, and COS' version is available in a range of chic shades, including the classic black.
A quilted shopper is the cool, Scandi alt to a tote bag, perfect for carrying day to day essentials.
Leather gloves are the underrated cold-weather essential you'll never see a Scandi woman without.
A scarf built into a cardigan; it doesn't get more practical than that.
The best-selling COS Arch jeans are the best way anchor all your cold-weather looks.
A capacious tote that will fit an umbrella, scarf and all other winter essentials.
Zara's take on the long puffer coat makes it look infinitely chic.
Layer COS' merino wool top under all your winter outfits for added warmth and insulation on those biting cold days.
Yes to this entire look.
If you don't love a scarf, invest in a great cashmere snood to get through the colder months.
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