Cozy Up This Winter and Get Your Hygge On!
For those of you who aren’t familiar, hygge, pronounced “hue-gah,” is a Danish concept that cannot be translated to one single word, but encompasses a feeling of cozy contentment and well-being through enjoying the simple things in life. “In other words, what freedom is to Americans, Hygge is to Danes,” notes Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, in The Little Book Of Hygge.
This winter season, Anthropologie has really hit the hygge on the head. They have a superb assortment of snuggly knit sweaters and oodles of the currently trending blanket scarf. Wrapping yourself in an ultra-plush accessory such as the Mimi Fringed Wrap Scarf feels so on point for what is sure to be a blustery Midwest winter. It’s offered in an array of irresistible colors, although my favorite is Moss because it reminds me of the stunning Highland Hills in Ireland. Whether you are headed out for an afternoon of brunch and shopping or settling in for a relaxing evening at home, a nice blanket scarf won’t let you down! Is it a scarf, is it a blanket or both? You make the call.
Sweatpants have had a bad reputation in the past, and wearing them out in public might make people think that you’ve given up on style completely. But that is no longer the case; there are countless brands that are making stylish options in sumptuous fabrics and modern prints for your choosing. There is even a special word in the Danish language for your most coveted pair of sweats—hyggebukser! Splendid is a brand that has long been known for comfort, and they have a love for softness in every form, so it’s no surprise that their sweatpants are some of the finest out there. They even make adorable joggers for children, so you and your little ones can be fashionably matchy-matchy. Grab yourself a pair of their bestselling Sweater Joggers, pair it with a soft chambray button-down shirt and your most stylish sneakers and everyone will know that you are still in the style game. Comfy and stylish are the ultimate dynamic duo.
Now, turn on some Maggie Rogers tunes and pour yourself into a buttery-soft cashmere sweater by Not Monday before heading out on the town. Designed by women for women, the brand’s goal is to create luxurious wardrobe staples you want to wear over and over again. It’s refined, elegant knitwear that gives you that Sunday morning feeling every day of the week. These sweaters are going to be your new best friends. I’m currently coveting the James Cable Pullover because you just can’t go wrong with the classic textured cable knit and chevron pattern that it boasts. It has a relaxed, drapey fit that will pair wonderfully with your softest leggings or your most perfectly worn-in denim jeans.
To top off all of your comfy-cozy looks, I’m really digging the gorgeous clay earrings that Madeline Mercer personally designs and makes by hand. You can find them on etsy.com in her shop M. Rose Co Designs. The earthy colors and natural textures give off a boho vibe that will pair perfectly with all of the chunky knits you will rock this winter. As a bonus, they are so surprisingly lightweight that you may just forget that you’re wearing them.
Here’s to the Hygge Life! ■
Written by: Nicole Zabriskie
Nicole Zabriskie’s resume since her 1999 graduation from Mizzou lists stints with Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana, Carlos Miele, Diesel and Michael Kors. Today, she lives in Seattle, Washington, and works as a freelance fashion stylist to spend more time at home with her daughters, Zoe and Campbell. As a freelancer, she has worked with luxury brands including Prada, Miu Miu, Lanvin and Alexander McQueen.
@EmeraldCityStylist / www.emeraldcitystylist.us
