Its been a few months since I moved to New York from Stockholm and I would be lying if I said I didn’t have my moments where I’m not thirsting for some must-needed Scandinavian style to amplify my summer wardrobe!

Marimekko is one of my go-to labels that translates the cool, effortless simplicity of Scandinavia and this season their cheery, stylish prints do not disappoint!  But how do you wear these bold concoctions without looking like you just plundered your granny’s curtains and got scissor happy??  No worries!  Here are my ultimate, must-have discoveries and  prescriptions on how to wear these beautiful babies:

A wide brimmed hat like this fun and fruity Varjossa brimmed hat will help protect your skin from looking like deep fried chicken wings this summer.  I like how it’s made of sturdy cotton canvas in the Appelsiini pattern.  Complete it with the Sitrus wrap top and Sitruuna wrap skirt for a bold and flirty summer statement and you’ll have to swot the men off as they’ll be buzzing around you like excited little bees.

 

Be a delish dish!  Sweeten up your style with this deliciously fun and flattering cotton Mansikkamekko dress.   It has a long cooling slit at the back neckline, with narrow bands that tie together at the neck.  I’d recommend wearing this juicy number with some strappy leather sandals and polish it off with a thin pastel pink bangle and a baubly statement ring with some dainty small gold hoop earrings.

Wear it With:

When wearing a long dress with a bold pattern, go for something small for your accessory, that way the focus doesn’t get too busy.  Since this clutch is dainty, you can mix prints easily and they play off each other perfectly.

 

Like a long cool cocktail, this sleeveless Aurinko dress in the Appelsiini pattern will keep you attractively air conditioned all summer. It has a V-neck in the back and the front which is visually elongating and has adjustable spaghetti straps that can be tied to the proper length. The slightly A-line hem has a long side slit at the left side seam which makes walking easy breezy.

Wear this dress with open toed pumps for more formal affairs such as a wedding or a lunch or go for wedge sandals for a more effortless approach.  Style it with straw or wood statement earrings with your hair back and finish it with a knotty headband to complete the look and make sure people know you’re worth it.

 

Who rule the runway?  You do–in this glamorous Papaija wrap shirt in the youthful multi colored Tori pattern print.  Made of breathable silk twill, the V-neck is super flattering and feminine, and the romantic puffy sleeves are finished with slits and buttoned cuffs, making this floral wonder all the more fantabulous to strut your stuff in style.

Wear it with Kiivi silk wrap trousers to give the outfit cohesion. The wide trouser legs are are bang-on trend and I can imagine one effortlessly sashaying along the boardwalk (or Riviera!) in these or perhaps going out with the girls for an afternoon cool drink with some hot shades on.

Wear it with:

The candy wrapper inspired Pikku Karla (Little Karla) shoulder bag is made of soft nappa leather in purple. This lovely little treasure has a zipper closure, a thin shoulder strap and a zipper pocket on the inside.  The purple plays perfectly with the right amount of pink in the silk ensemble.

And:

These basic white round toe wonders are must have staples in Scandinavia!  People are born with them on and the sidewalks are crammed with them!   These babies go with so much and not only are they comfortable, but their simplicity makes them a good investment.  They have a thick rubber sole (1.5 in) and are made of 100% recycled white cotton canvas.

Arm Candy

I have to include these versatile cotton carry-alls as they are too lovely to pass up!  Throw these on your arms with a long flowy dress, wide cropped trousers and a crop top or skinny jeans, a plunging top and your hair in a messy top knot and you’re set to conquer the world.

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This bag carries the Veljekset (brothers) pattern in black and white as well as all your essential thingy-things. It was designed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Finland’s independence.

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This retro-style print features the stylized flower, Pieni Siirtolapuutarha (Small City Garden).  I love how the green and blue punches up against the black and white.

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Another simplistic beauty, this Helsinki-printed tote bag is boldly decorated in the white, light grey and red Eläköön Elämä pattern.

Catch These Stylish Deals While They Last:

Shirt dresses are such a good investment.  They are flattering and this bold colorful print gives just the right amount of punch.  Simply swap the boots for some open toe wedges or sandals and a cross over fanny pack and your look is done.

This skirt looks works well with the floral top and would look fab with other prints such as polka dots or other florals.  Change the boots out for some wedge sandals with envelope clutch and a knotty headband and you are summer ready!

Marimekko has so much more than just clothes.  Their home goods are just as gorgeous and I recommend mixing and matching styles as you would with clothes!

As a special to our readers Get 20% off using CODE: MARIGIRL20

Happy Shopping!

This post was written in partnership with Marimekko.