What to wear to Denmark/Sweden in late December

shana

A puffer jacket & good boots that are weatherproof and good for lots of walking!! We've been in Northern Germany many times over Christmas and I imagine it must be much, much colder in Scandanavia.

15 years ago

LeahJanes

Active Member

Denmark is windy and sleety at that time iirc so bring something quite waterproof. The streets are cobbled so you will need grippy boots. Good socks and gloves too of course, if my extremities are warm I find I cope a lot better with the cold weather. Also, Danes and Swedes are terribly chic so don't be afraid to dress up.

15 years ago

Maya

Veteran

I was in Sweden in late January. It was actually not any colder than it was here (which is New York). In fact, most days it was actually warmer. Still below freezing, but when I left NY temperatures were in the teens. In stockholm they were steadily in the lower 30's/upper 20s. I imagine Denmark is about as warm as the southern end of Sweden.

But it depends on where you are going. In Kiruna, it's arctic.

A puffer or heavy wool coat, boots, and a hat should be fine if you're south. If you're going further north, you'll probably need something closer to gear. Una/AlaskaGirl would probably know more about it than I do.

(Side note: If your sweetie can get me a job in Sweden, I'd be positively over the moon. I've ached to live there ever since going there myself).

15 years ago

Lynne

Veteran

Hi, Cedar, It is really cold here at the moment; minus 12C tonight (I hope Alaskagirl isnt reading this or she'll scoff at me!) The Danes tend to wear neutral colours, lots of black and grey, and they unashamedly LOVE leather and fur (the real kind). You will definately need: snow boots (the ice can be slippery) a puffer jacket (preferably long) and a lot of people carry a little pair of ballet slippers in their bag to put on indoors if they are visitting (the salt on the snow boots can damage flooring). Dont bring thermal underwear unless you are spending whole days outdoors; it gets too hot once you're indoors, but cotton leggings and camis to layer under jeans (skinnys are best as bootcuts get all wet in the snow) are great. Please do get in touch when you're here, we can can have a Danish YLF get together (in puffer coats and snow boots) Here is a pic from our front patio this week, Lxx

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15 years ago

Barbara

Veteran

Great advice from everyone here. Warm, waterproof footwear you can walk in on those cobblestones is your number one priority. Pack warm lightweight layers, scarves and gloves. I always wear leggings and tights under jeans when I'm not wearing my serious snow pants!

When you do visit someone's home, you always remove your shoes/boots. This custom is throughout Europe, year round. I keep a cute pair of ballet flats in my bag.

I adore Denmark - we have friends in Aalborg. Sweden and Norway are also breathtakingly beautiful, but especially in the winter.

15 years ago

Bookarella

Veteran

Can I stow away in your luggage? Sounds like a wonderful trip! Love your pretty picture, Lynne!

15 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I have nothing further to add after these fab suggestions. Remember to take lots of scarves. Did anyone mention that? Layer hose if you need to.

Have a super trip.

15 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I think you've gotten great advice, and from a local too! Layers, hats and mittens will keep you toasty. Also consider a vest under your puffer for added core warmth without bulky arms.

If your hands and feet get cold and you'll be doing a lot of walking, I'd take some of those little handwarmer thingies - I bring them everywhere, especially skiing, because my fingers get SOOOO cold. Warm feet can really help when you're sightseeing!

http://www.warmers.com/

15 years ago

Cedar

Active Member

Thanks, all! I used to live in Minnesota, so I am somewhat prepared for this kind of weather. Love the scarf suggestions!

Problem with the shoes: my only boots that are really good in the snow are profoundly un-chic. Am I going to look aggressively American, or does everyone wear less-than-attractive but very functional shoes there?

15 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

if you have it in your budget...consider getting a pair there if you can use them back home.

15 years ago

Barbara

Veteran

Good idea, bj1111, about buying footwear there. And NOBODY in Denmark wears ugly footwear!

In fact, the Scandinavians are some of the most fashion-forward people on the planet! They consistently combine fashion and comfort, in footwear, furniture, jewelry, clothing, everything! Be prepared to mail your many purchases back home!

15 years ago

Lynne

Veteran

Cedar, you'll see all sorts of snowboots here, from fur-lined lace up Nordic boots to 'moonboots'. Hunter boots with the warm insert are also popular and very practical as you can wear them without the fuzzy insert as rainboots in the Autumn and Spring.

I wear two pairs of tights plus socks under leather riding boots on outdoor days when I need the grip, and my normal fashion boots on indoorish days (carefully, and I weather-proof spray them). They're a bit salt stained but c'est la vie, I just can't bring myself to spend fashion dollars on bulky boots How impractical is that? You can always go boot shopping here; if you're going to be moving you'll get good use from them! The centre of Copenhagen boasts the longest pedestrian shopping strip in Europe with several lovely department stores and lots of shoe shops and Outdoor shops......and you have the option of a fellow YLF shopping companion if you need an enabler
A few of the mums at my kids school are also from Seattle and they find the weather here comparable but prices to be higher. Lots to think about!

15 years ago

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