How to Create a Wardrobe with Hygge Style

Google "hygge wardrobe," and you'll find a number of sites that want to sell you "must-have pieces to cozy your closet."

I'm not surprised.  After all, our society exists to sell us stuff we probably don't need.  So let's remind ourselves that we don't have to run out and purchase "hygge essentials" to create a comfortable, sustainable, good-looking wardrobe.

Dressing hygge is about more than being cozy.  After all, not every day is a snow day!  Let's look at hyggelig principles that can be applied to our closets.

7 elements of a hyggelig wardrobe

1.  Contentment

Hygge is all about being content with what you have and making the most of it.  As author Louisa Thomsen Brits describes it, "Hygge is about having less, enjoying more." 

The Danish tend to keep their wardrobes simple, based on neutrals like black, navy, charcoal, or tan, with pops of color for personality and fun.  A cohesive closet means that a small number of pieces can mix and match to create a larger number of outfits.

Hygge is minimalist.

2.  Sustainability

Being close to nature is very hyggelig, so natural fibers are preferred over synthetic ones.  Focus on organic or recycled cotton, hemp, linen, or wool, plus a few man-made alternatives such as recycled polyester (often made from plastic bottles) and Tencel, which is not only made from wood pulp, but has been designed to use less water and chemicals in its production than earlier plant-based synthetics like rayon and modal.

Some of these fabrics can be hard to source, or get very expensive, so buying second-hand is another option for increasing sustainability.  Pieces that have been worn and loved before add connection and nostalgia to your wardrobe, which is also very hyggelig.

One more way to diminish high cost and increase the sustainability of your wardrobe is to keep and use your clothes for as long as possible, so remember these guidelines:

• treat stains as soon as possible
• wash clothes less often
• wash in cold water
• hang to dry, or dry on low heat
• learn to mend and do alterations

3.  Practicality

Keeping warm comes with hygge territory, so dressing in layers during winter is an obvious choice.  But choosing light-colored, breezier styles in summer is important too.  Cozy hats, scarves, gloves, and shoes are as practical for winter as a straw hat and sandals are for hot weather.

4.  Kindness

Togetherness, understanding, helping others – all are aspects of hygge that we love.  One way to add that component to your wardrobe is to choose ethically-sourced fashion.  We should all be more concerned about the people who make the clothes we wear.

We can also add caring and connection to our wardrobes by choosing jewelry and accessories that have been passed down from family members or handmade by artisans earning a fair-trade wage that helps lift them out of poverty.

5.  Casual

According to Danish fashion stylist Signe Hansen, "A great pair of jeans, sneakers, and good quality sweaters are truly staples for a lot of Danish people."  She adds that "you won't see that many three-piece suits when you walk through the streets of Copenhagen."

That's not to say that it's anti-hygge to dress up for a special occasion.  But adding a bit of casualness is part of the Danish aesthetic.  This could mean that you keep makeup and hair lighter and less fussy, pair boots or sneakers with more tailored clothes, or add some quirkiness with a colorful scarf or bag.

6.  Luxury

Hygge is simple, practical, and down-to-earth, but small indulgences make us feel valued and cared-for.  So if you're on the fence about investing in organic cotton or merino wool, it's okay to treat yourself.  Choose pieces you'll love and wear for a long time, and enjoy them!

7.  Comfort

There's nothing hygge about a fussy, itchy, bulky, or tight garment that makes you feel awful about yourself when you wear it.  So make sure your clothes fit and suit your coloring and body type.  Consider streamlined silhouettes rather than cinched-in waists.  Ditch high heels in favor of something with more support and flexibility.

You don't need a ton of clothes to feel confident in what you wear – you just need the right clothes.

One classic piece

Sometimes one well-loved piece can add a lot of hygge to a wardrobe.

I own a simple garment that pulls together many of my outfits, adding stability and confidence to what I wear.  Some people might scoff at this piece's trend-proof qualities.  After all, it's so basic.  How has it lasted for so long?  Why is it still selected so often?

Versatility and a season-spanning color are among its most appealing qualities.  Providing style, warmth, or effortless comfort depending on the day, it never fails to deliver.  It ages gracefully and is suited for work or play.

Whether paired with a floaty sun dress, a gathered skirt, tailored pants, or jeans and a tee shirt, this piece not only blends harmoniously, but makes a good outfit better.  Whether cuddling with a turtleneck and a big winter scarf, or augmenting cropped pants and a tank top on a breezy summer evening, it's perfect for the job.  And while meeting all these needs, it never seems overworked.

When you're tired of trying to keep up with ever-changing fashion trends, and worry that everything in your closet is suddenly unwearable, a garment like this reminds you that some things really do stand the test of time.  Trends are fickle and fleeting, whether you follow them or not.  But this enduring piece gives you strength.

Can you guess what my hyggelig piece is?

True hygge style

Dressing hygge style is about more than wool sweaters, plush loungewear, or even following Danish style cues.  It's about discovering your personal favorites and using what you have.  It's about feeling comfortable and confident.  And it's about finding the goodness in every day.

My well-used denim jacket lets me do that, and maybe you already own a piece or two that can do that for you too.  Apply these hyggelig elements to your wardrobe and see if you can't dress happily with less.

The Danish concept of hygge is about much more than being warm and cozy as snow falls outside.  It's a mindset that celebrates the art of slowing down and savoring the everyday pleasures of life.  It's a perfect fit with gratitude and minimalism.

Don't buy into the idea that you have to own all the goodies, travel to exotic places, and climb the highest mountains (real and figurative) to have a valuable life.  A hyggelig mindset can help you see the beauty that's right in front of you today, and my book Minimalist Hygge can be your guide.*

* This blog is reader-supported and without ads!  If you buy through my links, I may earn a small commission.