Sina (3:03)

Yeah. I think especially in Copenhagen, because I did get a comment on, like, my. I did, like, a nine Scandinavian style Secrets kind of video recently, and I did get a comment again or a few comments actually, from people also living in Denmark being, like, what their. People do wear color here, and. Yes, they do. But it's funny because I kind of took that with me, and when I'm perusing around in my area, people are not wearing color. Like, everyone are wearing neutrals. So I think it also depends on where you are. It's, you know, especially, I think. Yeah. In the smaller outskirts. And obviously Copenhagen and the bigger cities are going to be a little bit more playful, probably, and a bit more. I would dress differently if I lived in Copenhagen. I would probably be a little bit more daring and playful with my style, too.

Christina (3:50)

Yeah. Yeah. I think it. I think that matters too, because it makes me think of, like, you know, like, on the east coast, we probably wear a lot of, like, black and neutrals, but then on the west coast, it's a lot more colorful, more chill, more bohemian in many cases. But that's not everybody. So it's makes like that. That makes total sense to me, depending on where you are, like, how much more playful or colorful you're gonna be. Because I feel like a lot of that, it's reflective of the city, the weather, the whole vibe of where that place is. That's gonna. That's gonna impact a lot.

Sina (4:23)

Yeah, yeah.

Christina (4:25)

But I agree otherwise.

Sina (4:27)

Yeah. Neutrals and then a color pop is also something I. Maybe it's just because I also like that I'm immediately drawn to it, and then I notice it in this. In the streets. But it's. Yeah, I feel like that's a great, great observation.

Alyssa (4:40)

Thought it was cool seeing all of, like, the functionality, but in a very playful way. Like, you know, Christina, you mentioned, like, the chunky sneakers, and everyone was wearing an outfit that could be, like, biked around in and, like, really unfussy, which was so cool, and yet there was so much personality packed into the outfit. So it was, like, a really interesting bag choice, or even the way they tied their scarves. Like, I noticed there were a whole bunch of girls, like, I loved it. Like, they had their coats open and they were wearing, like, an open neck, and it was cold, and so they had a little scarf sort of tied around their neck. It wasn't like a big scarf. It was these sort of smaller scarves that would just cover the neck, probably enough to keep them, like, a little bit warm and. But it. It still made a statement. So I thought it was really neat how the people that I saw, at least in Copenhagen, were able to take functionality and turn it into something that felt stylish, stylish and playful. I loved that.

Sina (5:38)

I feel like that's very true to Scandinavian style in general, because we do spend a lot of time outside, and a lot of people like, the way they commute to work will be via bike or, like, walking. So it has to have a level of functionality. And we've. I think we talked about it in one of our Ask Us Anythings for the memberships recently. We had a question from someone about how to dress, you know, functional and practical, but still keep. Keep a certain level of style to the. To the outfit. And I think that's something I always mention, is to incorporate it more into your wardrobe and incorporate it more into your style and be more intentional about the practical and the functional pieces so that it becomes an extension of your style and not just a side note. Um, because that's where it really becomes. I don't. I don't want to say boring, but it's. It's. You know, that's where it's not fun to. It's not as fun to invest in the practical pieces, but if you make sure that they do have a level of style to them, then it can be.

Christina (6:47)

Yeah. And I think that's how it creates a wardrobe that feels very functional and, like, that you can actually move in your clothes and live your life. It's not just about the outfit. Obviously, we care about that part when, like, you're getting. When we're getting dressed and that type of thing. But, like, if you can't practically, you know, get to work or do your work or commute or go get groceries in your clothes, then I feel like it creates a disconnect. So, yeah, I love that kind of. The focus is just living in. Living in your clothes.

Sina (7:24)

Yeah, yeah, yeah. So there. If I were to like mention a few. Again, these staples can look different for everyone. But a few, like, wardrobe staples would be something like, you know, a blazer, a T shirt, straight leg, jeans, maybe a trench coat. High quality knitwear, too. Like good quality knitwear. I think I even mentioned in my Scandinavian style video that we have like, tradition, different traditional knit patterns within the Scandinavian countries as well. Which is. Yeah. Which I think we're also quite commonly known for. But I think especially the, the other wardrobe staples that I just mentioned, like blazer, T shirt, like, they can be staples for anyone. Like, probably staples for a lot of people where you guys live too, and, you know, Paris and other places of the world. So I think it also very much comes down to the styling. And again, that's where the, the contrasting pieces of those, like, functional pieces mixed with the slightly more nicer or dressier items. Like, for example, I think you don't necessarily see a lot of like three piece suits in Copenhagen, but if you do, like, if people are wearing something like that, it will have. Even the silhouette might be a little bit more relaxed, but people will pair that with sneakers, for example, or something to keep that element of functionality. So I think that the contrasting piece to ensure functionality is super important also because it gives this sort of like understated elegance so that you, you can wear something which feels a little bit dressy, but you elevate it with something a little bit more casual or functional. I feel like that's very, that's very Scandinavian too. Even if you go out, like, I haven't been out out in a while, but if you go out, like, people will wear sneakers to, to the club. Like, it's very common that you, you bring in that element of coziness and like being very understated and very casual, which I quite like.

Alyssa (9:26)

Yeah, it's almost like they want to evoke that. Like, no one's trying too hard, almost.

Sina (9:30)

Yeah, yeah, yeah, true. Yeah.

Christina (9:33)

But it still looks really polished and put together. One thing I did notice specifically when we were in Copenhagen is just everybody was dressed so it was still very chill and casual. But there were no, like, there were no sweatpants. No, no one's out in like, that's very common here to just go out in like leggings or sweats. And it's almost like we. I feel like the attitude sometimes it's like, oh, it's not. This isn't worth getting dressed for. Whereas I just felt like everybody was dressed for everything. Well, yeah. In Copenhagen, in Europe in general. And I just, I Wonder if that's. Yeah, it's just a. It's a difference that I see.

Alyssa (10:18)

Yeah, it's definitely a cultural thing.

Christina (10:21)

I think so.

Sina (10:24)

I think so.

Christina (10:25)

I don't know. When you were growing up here, Sina, like, what was the kind of mindset about getting dressed? You know, when you're like, if you're getting up to. If you're going out to the grocery store with your family or something, do you change or, like, are you in sweats at home? And then if you're gonna go out, do you get changed? Like, what's the. What's the process? I guess what's the mindset or the routine?

Sina (10:45)

I think there's definitely less pressure. Like, people don't expect you to change into, like, a. Something dressier, like, whether that being. If you're meeting with a group of friends or. I actually. I can't remember. I. I can't remember what she's called. There's an American living in Denmark. She's on TikTok. I think she's called Alison something. She does, like, you know, little videos about living in Denmark and bringing up her kids in Denmark and being married to a Danish guy and stuff like that. And it's really interesting to hear her point of view sometimes. But she also mentioned that, you know, even being on maternity leave, there's no pressure for you to, like, show up wearing a full face of makeup or show up wearing a super dressy, like, outfit. Like, people just kind of accept you as you are or like, kind of like a come as you are scenario. And I feel like that's very. Yeah, I don't know that. That's definitely the way that I've been brought up as well. Like, I'm not. I. I enjoy putting on makeup and making an effort, even if I'm growing, going to the grocery store stuff, especially if I have just been slopping around at home in my sweats all day. Yeah, that's kind of like where I. Okay, I'm gonna make an effort now. But it's also. There's no pressure at all. Like, I'm not afraid to meet someone without my makeup or, you know, it's. I feel like there's less pressure to kind of. I don't know. That's probably the best way to describe it.

Christina (12:15)

Yeah.

Sina (12:16)

I also spoke a little bit about makeup in that video that I made, and I. I feel like. And again, you know, it's. It's. It's a personal thing. Like, some people definitely do appreciate a full face, but I think the one thing that comes to mind is that everything you do has to be kind of all weather appropriate, even the makeup, because you don't know if you're going to be rained on or, you know, it has to be kind of easy to do touch ups throughout the day. And the whole no makeup, makeup look is something I find quite, quite Scandinavian as well. And I think it's not just the look, it's also the fact that it's more practical for like, all weather. All types of weather, yeah. Really.

Alyssa (12:58)

Do you feel like there's any, like, a signature? I guess, like we talked about color in Copenhagen and relaxed fit and that functionality is there, like when we were in London, for example, or like, is there something where you. That helps you, like, almost identify? Like, oh, that's like. That's very Scandinavian of them. Like sort of a signature thing that that, like Scandinavian Scandi style is or looks like.

Sina (13:28)

I mean, Christina already kind of mentioned it, but I feel like the first thing that always comes to mind is like, when I see girls wearing like, straight leg jeans, trench coat, chunky trainers, or even those like Salomon, like high shoes. They're really, really. I think they're very, very trendy as well. That's something you'll see on the streets of Copenhagen for sure. I feel like that immediately my mind goes to like, okay, she must be Scandinavian, because I feel like that entire look is so Scandinavian.

Alyssa (13:56)

Okay.

Sina (13:57)

And again, it's not necessarily just these items like the running shoes and the jeans and the trench coat. It's more, again, playing on the contrasts. And then also this. I don't know, there's a sense of authenticity in it. I can't really put my finger on it, but there's a sense of, like, not trying too hard and like being a little bit more authentic in a way, which I don't know. That's. That's just what I think about, you know, when I think about Scandinavian style.

Christina (14:24)

As an outsider looking in. When I think of it too, there's like two different aesthetics or maybe three that I think about. Like, one is that more minimalist, monochromatic kind of look. And then the second is that vibe that we were just talking about. Like the blazer, the chunky sneakers, almost like tomboyish but feminine at the same time. And then I think of, like, ganny girls, like the very frilly, very romantic dresses and skirts. But then as you. I think you're right. Like, contrast, contrast and functionality seems to be a through line in all of that, because I feel like they Kind of created that aesthetic of, you know, the more bohemian, romantic dress with the hiking sneakers or like the chunky sneaker type of thing or like the big headphones or stuff like that. I don't know because I like, I feel like Copenhagen is a city, it's a trend setting city, like, and we are so attracted to that and we kind of like the allure of like the Parisian style. As an outsider, we're always kind of looking to those cities and those places for inspiration and like, what are they doing that is so, so alluring. But do you find that that kind of like those three esthetics are kind of the more consistent ones across the board? Did Ganny sort of create that or like, did you see that before? Ganny was like a big thing.

Sina (15:51)

No, I think, I think you might be onto something there. I think I do agree. Yeah, because it is also quite a hyped brand and it's like, yeah, they have their whole, their whole aesthetic. So, yeah, I completely see where you're getting with that. It's funny also with the colors because, you know, there's also something about the muted colors being very rooted within Scandinavian design and like many elements of Scandinavian design and design aesthetics, not only when it comes to fashion, but also just with interior. That's something that's very rooted with, within Scandinavian style. And I also think there's something about the whole, you know, muted colors being a bit more calming for the eyes to look at. So especially if we talk hygge, for example, which is the Danish term for coziness, it's all about like this very relaxed, calming atmosphere. I think even when we stay at the hotel, we stay in Copenhagen, it was very like dark and very like the materials that very contrasting materials even within interior. So there was like a raw, like a brick wall and then there were like dark wood materials and like very, very contrasting elements even within the design elements of the room. So I do think muted colors will probably always be a huge part of the way many Scandinavians dress. But I also agree that especially through recent years, Maybe the past five or 10 years, it has become more colorful. And I don't think we, you know, that stereotypical Scandinavian way of like, if you Google Scandinavian style or if you go on Pinterest and you type in Scandinavian style, it's going to look very similar. It's going to be those very monochrome, stereotypical wardrobe basics. And I think especially the younger generations are definitely not afraid to wear color. There's a lot more colorful outfits out there.

Christina (17:50)

Do you feel like there's a bit of a sporty element to a lot of the style, too. Sometimes. Like, I felt like I saw a lot of, like, again, the sneakers are such a thing.

Sina (17:59)

Even caps.

Christina (18:00)

I feel like caps and, like, sun. Like, more cool. Like, edgy, sporty sunglasses or, like, puffer. Puffer coats or puffer.

Sina (18:12)

Yeah. Nylon bags. I definitely. Yeah, there's definitely an element of that. I think it's a functionality piece. Again, like, how can I incorporate that into my outfits in a way that still feels intentionally styled and still feels like an extension of my. Of my style?

Christina (18:28)

Functionally chic. That's like.

Alyssa (18:30)

Yeah, yeah, exactly.

Christina (18:31)

Yeah. And I feel like you were like that, too. Like, meeting you in person, Sina. Like, I don't know, you're always, like, so put together, but just so chill at the same time.

Sina (18:40)

Oh, thank you.

Christina (18:41)

I don't know, because I felt like. Like, for example, when I was. When I packed for Copenhagen and all of that stuff, I packed with a lot of practicality in mind. So, like, I brought, like, a Lululemon crossbody bum bag, so, you know, I could be hands free and I could. That feels, like, very, very sporty and, like, I would bring that with me hiking, you know? But you brought, like, a really functional bag that still looked really chic and cool, and I'm like, oh, I wish I did that. But then you had, like, your sneakers, but then you had a really elevated coat over top, or you would wear it, like your. Your dress pants and your blazer, but then you'd throw on sneakers with it. And like, there's always just. Yeah, the. The chic functionality, I feel like is such a nice. I don't know, like, when I packed, I felt like I sacrificed a lot of style for functionality. And when I feel like you really kept style and functionality in mind together, like, you were just able to sort of connect the two in a way that I felt like I almost. I just. I felt like I couldn't do that or I had to sacrifice it in my packing.

Sina (19:46)

But it's interesting because I think we do have, like, kind of similar climates right where you are. And then compared to Denmark, I feel like the weather is almost always the same when we're meeting to record. Although you guys, you. You get way more snow than we here, I think our climates are pretty similar. Do you see any, like, similarities with Canadian style?

Alyssa (20:11)

I don't. Sorry. Sorry.

Sina (20:16)

I'm just thinking there must be, like, some practicality. But is it more either you go all out or you don't kind of thing, like, with practicality.

Christina (20:26)

Like, I almost feel like Copenhagen style, specifically in depending on where you are, that could. That's dressed up compared to a lot of like, again, I think. I think in Canada, a lot of us, you know, it's like the Lululemon head to toe outfit with the Uggs. And, you know, it's very athleisure, I guess, is the vibe. But it's almost like we. We dial the sportiness and the athleisure and the like, the comfy comfies to the. To the top, to the. To the like, to the. So it's that vibe head to toe rather than mixing things in, I find.

Sina (21:04)

Yeah.

Christina (21:05)

Do you find that, Alyssa?

Alyssa (21:07)

100%. That also had me thinking about when you were talking about. Yeah. Like kind of the Toronto uniform with the leggings. And it also made me feel as though when we were walking in Copenhagen, even though a lot of those elements were similar in people, I did feel as though there was a little bit more individuality injected into each of the looks. Whereas when I'm in Toronto, I'm like, everybody's wearing the same thing. Like, I can't.

Sina (21:35)

I.

Alyssa (21:35)

It's hard. Or when you see someone who, like, has, like. We talked about the sauce. Like, when you see someone who has the sauce, you can easily point them out.

Christina (21:43)

Yes, they do stand out.

Alyssa (21:45)

They stand out. Whereas I found in Copenhagen, at least, it was like everyone had the sauce. I was like, oh, oh. You know what I mean? So somehow they're able to inject a little bit. Even though there are those similar elements, they're able to inject a little bit more of a sense of individuality, perhaps.

Sina (22:05)

Yeah, that's quite interesting. I remember we saw some girls on the subway on our way to the hotel. I don't know why I just came to think of one of them. She was wearing, I think it was like a check blazer. It had a.

Christina (22:18)

Yes, I remember her.

Sina (22:19)

And a little bit of that mini knitted, little baby scarf. Yeah, I love those scarves. And then also I was like, maybe she wore like a pair of running shoes, but they had, like, maybe a little bit of color. So I think even the quote unquote staples, the running shoes and the blazers, you can find them in different variations, which is also what probably brings that element of, like, personality to each of the looks.

Christina (22:44)

Yeah, it was just goals, maybe Also coming from Canada, knowing that Copenhagen in particular is such, like a fashion city too, I think I just was feeling very romantic about it all, too. There was a Sense of romanticization that I was. If that was. If that's a word.

Alyssa (23:01)

Say it is.

Christina (23:02)

Anyway, it just. It felt. Yeah. I was just enamored by it. I think it's because, like, too. I feel they're almost on, like, a pedestal. Like, that Scandinavian style is just.

Sina (23:13)

It's that kind of, like, Parisian style as well. Yeah.

Christina (23:16)

Yes. Yeah, yeah, yeah. But it's just that. Yeah, it's all like a je ne sais quoi. There's just something. Something about it that. I don't know. You're right. Like, it's the sauce and.

Alyssa (23:32)

Yeah, yeah. Sorry, go ahead.

Christina (23:35)

It's hard to, like, it's like everybody has it, but then you're right. Like, here. Sometimes it just feels like you kind of have to spot it in a crowd sometimes.

Sina (23:46)

Yeah.

Alyssa (23:47)

I wonder if it has to do with culturally, like, I kind of like cena how you. It makes me think about, like, how you were. Like, you just show up as you are, you know, so maybe that's it.

Christina (23:57)

In Canada, there's Practicality has to come first. Like, a lot of times you're just dressing for the weather because we have winter eight months out of the year, you know, so it's like, protecting yourself from the elements first. And depending on where you live, like, it's hard to. Like, it's hard to not to dress in any other way. And, like, there's. You know, and a lot of it's very rural and spread out, so you're driving everywhere. So I just. I do think that, like, comfort is sort of the main. The mainstay. And I think that's what people dress for first here. And, like, that's. That's what we value rather than. Obviously, I think people want to feel stylish and they want to feel good in what they're wearing, but, like, it's comfort is the main goal.

Alyssa (24:42)

No, I agree with you, Christina.

Christina (24:44)

It's because I don't want to say that, like, Canadians dress bad. Like, that's. No, not at all. You know what I mean? Yeah.

Sina (24:52)

Yeah.

Alyssa (24:52)

You're absolutely right in that. Like. Yeah, when it's cold or. And like you said, like, we don't have the same. I mean, I think Toronto and Montreal have really good public transport, but a lot of other cities in Canada, like, you said, like, your option is driving or walking a lot, and when it's minus 20 and, like, a blizzard.

Christina (25:12)

Yeah.

Alyssa (25:13)

You're really not concerned about how you look. Like, really not. You know, And I think. I do think you're right, Christina. Like, I think we don't have enough respect to Canada's weather. Like, even our lives culturally, like, if we're looking at this from a cultural sense, even our lives revolve around the weather. Like, we love talking about the weather. We love talking, you know, like, it's just something we do, so. Yeah, no, that. That makes total sense.

Christina (25:40)

Yeah. Or it's like almost like you dress for the. You dress for that recreational activity that you're at, whether it be, you know, like. Because I feel like in Ottawa it's such a. Everyone's outdoors doing something, you know, and so that's what you're dressing for. You're dressing for your hikes and for your run. Yeah.

Alyssa (25:58)

And then you go for your coffee and you're still wearing your leg.

Christina (26:00)

That's right, exactly.

Alyssa (26:01)

You know, that's just what you do. It's part of the culture.

Christina (26:04)

Yeah, yeah. And like the culture too, I feel like, is a little bit faster. You know, you get your coffee to go, you don't sit in the cafe and have it, stuff like that. So.

Sina (26:12)

Oh, yeah, I remember that you guys wanted to almost like take pictures of people sitting outside at the cafes and like, enjoying their coffee.

Christina (26:19)

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Sina (26:22)

I definitely agree. I think it's a cultural thing as well. Like the whole way that you move through your day and. Yeah, it's.

Christina (26:30)

Yeah, yeah. And I, I think, like, what I'm really seeing is this is totally like. And guys, this is such a generalization. You know, obviously, like, it's not all like that and not everybody is like that. People dress differently, different styles, all of that. But it's just more of a general thing is like what I feel like we narrowed down, at least in our experience in Canadian style. Like again, comfort and functionality is like the main goal, whereas I feel like the Scandinavian style, I feel like really mixes style and functionality together. And I think, you know, weather does. Does permit that. A lot of the walkability, the. The bike friendly environments, like all of that stuff kind of lends itself to be able to do that. Whereas just like the sprawl and like the urbanization here and how huge Canada is, is, and like how rural a lot of it is too, is just like the. That's not. That's not really the fo. You know, it's not our focus, I guess.

Alyssa (27:32)

No, no. And like you said, like six months out of the year, our streets are. Have like a foot of snow or slush or mud. Like. Yeah, those are our options for what we're walking on and.

Christina (27:43)

Or Salt. Or even.

Alyssa (27:44)

Or salt. Yeah. Like things that are not super pleasant that you don't want your pants dragging on the ground. You don't want to ruin nice shoes.

Christina (27:51)

Yeah. So it makes sense to like, wear your leggings or your sweatpants and like. Yeah, yeah.

Alyssa (27:56)

Yep, yep.

Christina (27:56)

Yeah. But like, I guess what I'm trying to say here is like, that would be our outfit. And then putting on the sneakers, the blazer, the jeans is like dressing up.

Alyssa (28:07)

Yeah.

Christina (28:07)

Like, I have to tell myself, I'm going to the grocery store. I'm like, okay, I'm gonna get dressed up. And by that I'm putting on jeans.

Alyssa (28:13)

Totally, totally. Yeah. It's not dressed up for, like, at least for me either. It's. It's.

Christina (28:18)

Yeah.

Alyssa (28:18)

It's not like a crazy thing. It's like, oh, yeah, I'm gonna put on like a nicer boot, a nicer pair of jeans.

Christina (28:23)

Yeah.

Alyssa (28:24)

I'm going to add a belt. Do all the things.

Christina (28:26)

Yeah. Where it's like, I'm picturing the Scandi girls. They're lounging around at home in jeans and. And we're not doing that here or a lot of us aren't, you know.

Sina (28:34)

A lot of us aren't.

Alyssa (28:35)

Yeah.

Christina (28:35)

Yeah.

Sina (28:36)

Cool.

Alyssa (28:37)

Yeah. I think culture is like a huge piece. Culture in the. The environment, for sure.

Christina (28:42)

Absolutely.

Sina (28:43)

If there are any Scandinavians listening, I would love to hear, like, what your observations are because again, this is a. Of course, you know, Alyssa and Christina's observations is also my, like, what. I feel influenced by living in Scandinavia. But I also want to highlight again that of course a few of these might be generalizations. So there could be other observations out there. We would love to hear from you. And yeah, if you're not Scandinavian, like, we would love to hear from you as well. Like, what do you love about Scandinavian style? So I think we're gonna wrap it up here. Yay.

Christina (29:16)

See you next time.

Sina (29:17)

Ciao. Bye. Thank you so much for joining in our conversation this week. If you're enjoying the show, we'd love it. If you subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple and leave us a rating and review, it's one of the best ways to support the sustain this podcast at zero cost to you.

Christina (29:36)

We're also a community led podcast, so if you have any questions for us, topic requests, or even guests you want to hear from, please send us a DM on Instagram. Instagram @Sustain ThisPodcast. We read all of our comments and look forward to hearing from you.

Alyssa (29:49)

We hope you join us again next Tuesday where we'll talk about so much more than clothes.

Christina (29:53)

Ciao.