What is Hygge? (and How to Achieve it With Cosy Dressing and Homewares)

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!