The “it” word of the moment is undoubtedly hygge, but what exactly is it and do we need it?
Hygge (pronounced “hue-gah”) is, in short, Danish cosiness – finding comfort and warmth in everyday life. I’ve also heard it described as the Danish art of happiness, Nordic living, the Danish way to live well, the Danish concept of cosy and simple living… You get the idea.
It’s a wonderful concept that is so appealing in winter, especially when February rolls around and you’re still looking upon cold grey skies, wind and rain and dark evenings (as I am today). So until spring rolls around properly and the evenings get lighter, I thought I’d pick a few pieces that’ll get you in a cosy, hygge mood. Mostly clothes and accessories with a few pieces for the home thrown in, this is the only guide you need for all things hygge!
My own version of hygge
In a way I’ve always been aware of hygge – but just didn’t know it had a name. When I was around the age of 9 or 10 my dad worked abroad in Norway for a bit, and although my mum stayed home with me while I was at school we used to go there and stay with him for the summer and Easter holidays.
As well as embracing so many things to do with the Norwegian lifestyle – from saunas to skiing to Saabs – something Dad showed us was what the Norwegians called “cosy evenings”, where we’d light candles, turn off all the lights and snuggle up on the sofa with blankets.
As an adult I’ll remember every so often to have a cosy evening (usually Earth Day reminds me) – the first time I heard about hygge and found out what it was my reaction was, “Well that’s just a cosy evening…!”
How to shop for hygge lifestyle pieces
When shopping online, the best way to find hygge pieces to wear is to search by certain keywords. You want to search for things that will encompass all things cosy, so words such as supersoft, slouchy, cashmere, cosy, chunky and relaxed fit are good keywords to start with. Pick your favourite retailers (mine are generally Notonthehighstreet.com, Asos, John Lewis, Jaeger and Marks & Spencer) and search those keywords there. Best of all, just type in hygge itself – many retailers are showcasing products with this new lifestyle trend in mind.
For homewares search for candles, fairy lights, bedspreads, throws, blankets, etc. – and go for the cosiest or prettiest you can find.
Here are the best clothes, accessories and homewares I could find for you to browse – there are so many things that embrace all things hygge you might find yourself spoiled for choice!
Happy shopping 🙂
Shop cosy clothes for the hygge lifestyle
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Shop cosy accessories for the hygge lifestyle
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Shop cosy home decor for the hygge lifestyle
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Why hygge is a such great lifestyle to embrace
I love the concept of being warm, cosy and relaxed – they say that the Danes are some of the happiest people on earth so there must be something in it. Anything that gets us out of the January / February / end of winter glooms and makes us feel calm and revitalised has to be a good thing.
So why not put on your supersoft joggers, light your ‘Lazy Sunday Morning’ scented candles and snuggle up underneath your chunky knit blanket. A little bit of cosy living never hurt anyone…!
HAVE YOU EMBRACED THE HYGGE LIFESTYLE? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS OR TWEET ME @NOTLAMB!
Fab post! I love the concept of hygge and have been doing it for years without realising it. It's nice to look at achieving it in a more conscious way though! #brillblogposts
I love the concept of hygge. I'm a homebody at heart, so it's right up my street. I really like your suggestions for a hygge lifestyle, the pom pom wool cap is just adorable. #brilliantblogposts
Ive been meaning to read one of these books for months! Thank you for the reminder and the amazing super cost tips! #brilliantblogposts
Ooh its the perfect time of year for chunky knits and cosy joggers! I love cuddling up on the sofa with a blanket, hot choccie and a good book! I haven't heard the term 'hygge' but I love it! 🙂
#brillblogposts
Catherine, my hubby and I were just talking about Hygge! I saw an article about it in a magazine, just a week ago and because my spouse is of Danish decent, I showed the article to him. We both thought it was a great idea and are thinking about how we can incorporate some of these simple and cozy ideas into our lifestyle. The article talks about things like having a fire, a mug of cocoa, enjoying simple get togethers with friends and so on. It is such a great idea and I think lends itself to reducing stress. Love your choices for cozy dressing and home items. Thanks for a great post. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Forgot to say that Aarhus in Denmark is European city of culture. I love the place, not huge, but lovely. If I were to live in a city, this would be top of my list, Denmark's second city, it is on the north east coast of Jutland and has something for everyone. Well worth a visit.
I'm a British ex pat living in Denmark, and I'd say the concept of Hygge is extremely difficult to explain. Cosy, yes, but so much more. It's a feeling of well being, enjoying the company you're in and relaxing. A house's decor can be super stylish and modern (not at all what we associate with cosy), yet still be 'hyggeligt' because of the atmosphere. And hygge can be experienced all year round, although December is probably the main season
February is the right time to roll out the Hygge. Who wants to go out underneath this leaden sky?! I want all the cashmere, candles and tea right now. OH! And that M&S soft grey bathrobe! xx
Oh Catherine I adore this post! Everything about it is so me – Sure I'm a lazy sloth who rarely gets out of her tracky daks – but now I could be considered chic whilst I'm about it 😉
xxx
My brother has lived in Denmark 20 yrs now. I often go over there, and they do have a certain look when it comes to interiors and fashion. Silk,Cashmere and Fur that's my type of Hygge!x
I've been hearing about this! I'm Danish, but it's very hard to adopt to this concept here in the US, giving it my best though and I love all of these beautiful pieces you've found for us!
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
Ahh I didn't realise you were Danish, Heidi! It's a lovely idea to embrace, glad you love the pieces xx