Get your hygge on

The main light. My absolute bug bare. Even my boyfriend knows that its ‘lamp it or lump it’. I think my aversion is one which I picked up from my Nan who in her soft Irish accent is often heard saying “Ahh, sure turn the lamps on to cheer the place up”. I know my main light syndrome is one shared by many and I think its part of our deep-seated desire to experience optimum cosiness.

With the arrival of Autumn comes the cult of “Hygge”. Pronounced 'hue-ugh', this is the Danish word that can be translated simply as 'cosiness' in English. Think hands wrapped around mugs, cashmere blankets and cable knit socks. Hygge is a lifestyle and experience and it’s being embraced in both fashion and homeware.

Picture credit: Pinterest

As long summer days fuelled by G&Ts are replaced with conkers and pumpkin spiced lattes, What Sarah did…is embracing fireside chic. Here’s our pick of pieces that feel as good as they look…

When the cold air bites avocados just don’t quite cut it, but we have the perfect substitute to ensure your lunch remains Instagram worthy. Serve comforting soup (we totes won’t judge if its from a tin) in the DAY Birger Et Mikkelsen Manda bowl (£33) for a soothing and aesthetically pleasing hug. To set the scene, pop a tea light in the Day home bug pierced lantern (£21) for an optimum brassy glow.

I’m flying to New York in December (eeek) and while I’m majorly excited to soak up every last drop of the juicy Big Apple, I have a confession to make…I’ve mainly been thinking about my NY apparel. This may seem shallow but the hygge wardrobe is about how clothes feel and who wants to be cold and miserable?! My first port of cosiness is the plane, and I’m planning to snuggle up with the Becksöndergaard Arum woven cotton scarf (£44), which will make for a stylish and cosy wrap. The fact that it’s cotton means it’s warm but breathable too. What could be better than eight hours of compulsory chill time? I’ll be popping on the Becksöndergaard cotton eye mask (£12) to be transported directly to dreamland.  It’s set to be pretty chilly upon arrival so a snood, beanie and mittens from Vero Moda will be going in my suitcase for guaranteed warmth from block to block.

A particularly appealing aspect of hygge is finding joy in life’s little moments, like lighting a candle at breakfast to start your day feeling warm and relaxed. We’ve got a decadently sensual selection of Parkminster candles, from mini votives (£5), to silver tin candles (£10) to luxury bowl candles  (£24) filled with figgy scented goodness. A new drop of hand thrown ceramic pot candles (£17.50) has just arrived from Parkminster this week too!

Capturing your hygge evening on Instagram is a chic and sociable way of saying “I’m not going out tonight”. Don’t get us wrong, us WSd Angels love a night on the tiles but the prospect of a cosy night in sets our hearts a fluttering. WSd mascot Arthur is the definition of hygge with his cloud-like credentials, and he makes the perfect addition to an evening wrapped up on the sofa surrounded by soothing pools of light. 

Perfect the moment with a pair of Becksöndergaard Dalea Check socks (£7) to add some glitz to your Netflix plans. Hygge comes into its own when the nights draw in and you will too with this sumptuous Love Stories knit and the Love Stories Firecracker briefs. Chic and cosy.

But if you fancy a night out then that can be hygge too! According to author of The little Book of Hygge, Meik Wiking, 'hygge' can be defined as 'Togetherness, relaxations, indulgence, presence and comfort. It all boils down to the pursuit of everyday happiness”. If your pursuit of happiness is fun with your squad then you can still achieve hygge vibes with your after-dark look. The Vero Moda Tessa faux fur jacket (£68) is the epitome of luxe warmth and will be your go-to this season for glam cosiness.

Whether it’s homeware or fashion, WSd has a comforting collection of pieces to get your hygge on. A final thing to learn and embrace from this Danish concept is to be kind to yourself- eat cake, drink tea and warm your undies on the radiator.

Rachel x