Copenhagen Fashion Week turned 20 this year, and its brands, alongside Stockholm labels like Toteme and Acne Studios, have made clean lines and practical pieces feel modern. A few small labels are a good way to see the range. Sophie Bille Brahe's gold pearl Lou necklace, Tekla's brown shearling slippers, Lié Studio's black suede Grace tote and Liffner's tan Pushlock clutch show how varied the region's design has become.

Toteme is the Stockholm label that made quiet dressing feel exciting. Its beige oversized cotton trench, gray cashmere sweater, black crinkled knit midi skirt and brown woven leather pumps make a complete outfit, and each piece works just as well on its own.

Acne Studios mixes Scandinavian simplicity with a little humour. Its gray pinstriped Julago blazer and light blue fringed checked scarf are classic pieces with a twist, and the black Camero Kit bag and debossed Boafer loafers keep the edge.

Cecilie Bahnsen is known for romantic, sculptural dresses, while Skall Studio does easy everyday clothes. Cecilie Bahnsen's pink cloqué Floria midi and black embroidered CBFiella skirt pair well with Skall's denim Edgar shirt and gray Edie cardigan.

Our Legacy brings a more relaxed attitude. Its black cinched denim jacket and asymmetric pleated Origami skirt look sharp with Lié Studio's black Kyle leather gloves and Liffner's leopard-effect calf hair clutch.

Scandinavian style is less a look than a way of shopping: fewer pieces, better made, easy to wear together. If you take one thing away, let it be that the best Scandinavian pieces are the ones you forget you own because you wear them so often, like a good trench, a gray sweater or a simple leather shoe. We would skip chasing every new label and instead pick one brand whose fit suits you. Toteme and Acne Studios are the easiest to find, and Cecilie Bahnsen is worth knowing for dresses. A pair of Lié Studio gloves or a Sophie Bille Brahe necklace is a small way in.