Written by Annamaria
13 May 2024
Comfort and sustainability are the keywords used to describe summer fashion in Sweden. It’s not uncommon for students to get their clothes from second-hand stores. With this post, I want to give you an idea about what students in Sweden wear during the summer and what weather conditions you should be prepared for. You’ll also find suggestions on where to shop for clothes in Sweden when you’re on a budget.
Swedish summer weather
If it’s your first summer in Sweden, you should get familiar with the weather conditions. Summer in Sweden is not too warm. I would say it’s usually ‘lagom‘. The temperature depends greatly on where you are. It doesn’t go beyond 20 degrees Celsius much in the far north, but it can reach 30 degrees Celsius in the south (not too often, though). The temperature ranges from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius on the west coast, but it also rains a lot more than on the inland or the east coast. This means that in Sweden, you need to be always prepared for different types of weather conditions.
Outfit analysis
Many students wear clothes they brought from home, like Xiaoyan (China). She brought her favourite overall, which she wears when the temperature reaches 15 degrees Celsius or more. But since Sweden tends to be pretty windy, it’s always good to carry more layers. I love how she tied her shirt around the waist—practical but stylish!
It wouldn’t be a fashion post without this Greek fashion icon. Chris opted for a basic everyday outfit for the ever-changing weather in Sweden. The T-shirt and jacket are from Zara, and the jeans are from Gina Tricot. Shopping for clothes in these popular stores is possible almost anywhere in Sweden. Zara is one of my favourites, but those clothes come with a higher price tag than second-hand ones. Nevertheless, I love some of their clothing pieces, especially when it comes to essential basics like those in Chris’ outfit.
It is also not uncommon to wear long skirts in Sweden. Sara chose to wear a vintage skirt and a simple T-shirt from H&M. H&M is a world-famous Swedish clothing chain that typically offers essential pieces for affordable prices. “I like to pair old pieces with new. I mostly shop in thrift stores for unique pieces,” says Sara. This is something super common in Sweden – ‘thrifting’ for fashion pieces in second-hands! You never know what you can find!
As you can see, all outfits seem to focus on comfort, which is how I would define the Swedish style. Comfort mixed with style. One of the ways to create an outfit in the Swedish way is to pair a simple shirt with flowy pants. Marie nailed it on the photo with the neutral colours and minimalistic approach. This style and its alternatives are super common in Sweden. You’ll most likely see the pants in black, either wide fit or with flared legs. 😎
“I wear this outfit when it’s about 20 degrees Celsius outside. I bought my shirt in a sustainable shop in France and the pants I got in a second-hand store in Sweden. They were originally 3XL, but I sewed them to fit my waist.”
“I mostly bought this whole outfit from Zalando, but the jeans were thrifthed for about 100 SEK.”
Zalando is an online shopping platform where you can often find clothes from different brands for a discounted price. It also allows you to order online, avoiding the hassle of shopping. The easiest way to pick up your package is with a Bank ID, which is another reason why you should obtain it if you can.
TJ’s outfit is a great example of how you can incorporate colour into your outfits. In Sweden, during summer, you can see colours everywhere, from purple through blue to bright green. You can never go wrong with colours of the rainbow. 🌈
“I got the white polo shirt from a shared room in my apartment where departing students can leave belongings for others to take, promoting sustainability. The shorts were purchased from Lager 24/7, one of the more affordable clothing stores I know.” Another good point is that departing students sometimes leave their things behind. This is not limited to clothes, but it’s often furniture or other useful things. Students sell these things on Facebook Marketplace or in Facebook groups. Some universities or dorms also have storage rooms where they keep the things students left so you can take them for free. How nice!
Last but not least, Maria is wearing a classic black denim jacket from H&M paired with black denim pants and a purple cropped top that she brought from home (Spain). “I’d wear it in about 15-22 degrees Celsius, taking the jacket on and off depending on the temperature,” she says. That’s a very practical approach!
To conclude…
Swedish student fashion is typically based on neutral colours with some pops of brighter colours here and there since it’s summer. You can never go wrong with simple black pants. Remember that it is still good to carry some outer layer since temperatures in Sweden change a lot. It can also get very windy.
Opt for comfort, and remember to check out what’s available in second-hand stores before choosing fast-fashion. The Swedish way is a little more sustainable. Let’s not forget, though, to embrace our individuality. Bring your favourite pieces from home and don’t be afraid to stand out in the crowd!
