Ever heard of hygge? It’s Danish for that untranslatable feeling of cosiness which creeps up in winter, all woolly blankets, log fires, red wine and blustering winter walks. Go searching for warm Scandinavian style in my favourite new pieces for autumn, from great technical gear to keep you hiking throughout winter to comfy versatile sneakers and the ultimate cuddly knitted jumper.
COSY ON THE COAST
Weird Fish make effortless basics in comfy cotton which are ideal for weekends by the sea. My pick of their new arrivals are the striped Dharma tunic dress, £22, which works well under chunky knitted cardigans and makes me think of Breton marinières, and the Garcia Fair Isle cardigan, £50 bright enough to cheer up the greyest of days. Keep your feet happy in Keen’s new East Side booties, £89.99. Keen have long made unique and innovative hiking boots and their new more casual ankle boots follow the same pattern. Their mishmashed looks seems to be rather like Marmite for my mates but I think they look as cool as the part of the Big Apple they’re named after. What’s more, they are hands down the comfiest casual boot I’ve ever worn.
THE HAPPY HIKER
A cold snap is no excuse not to be outdoors. It can be hard to leave the warm clutches of the great indoors but there’s nothing for cheering you up in autumn like kicking through leaves and exploring in the woods. In wet weather or for more serious mountain forays you’ll need to kit up in full waterproofs, but for crisp sunshiney days try a comfortable midlayer and light, breathable hiking trousers. I love these Montane hiking trousers from GO Outdoors, £55 – they’re flexible, warm and (the holy grail of walking trews) actually flattering to wear. They won’t be waterproof in torrential rain but will repel middling showers. Pair with Salomon’s new Drifter hoodie, £130. It’s reversible, with a shiny side for warm protection from cutting winds and a stretchy side which is more breathable, ideal if you’re out in changeable conditions.
FISHERMAN’S FRIEND
Enormous, oversized knitted jumpers are my autumn jam, and Finisterre’s Hallaze alpaca sweater, £95, might be the nicest I’ve ever wrapped myself in. It’s so cosy people will spontaneously want to cuddle you. Relaxed, go-anywhere sneakers are the answer to what to stick on your feet when it’s not wellington weather. My favourite purveyors of tough sandals, Teva, now make comfy shoes inspired by trekking trainers. The Teva Arrowood, £100, is rugged and waterproof and matches decent grip for wet country hikes with rather lovely tan suede looks – handsome enough to wear in the city.
Happy hygge hunting!
Photography by the ever-wonderful Jacob Little.
We are all about Hygge! Cosy knits, fluffy socks, and hot cups of tea by the fire. We love this time of year.