Give 'em Helsinki when dressing for winter in the archipelago

Why wait for the summer heat to head shore-side when there is something undeniably beautiful about the Scandi seaside's winter grey waters and skies? If you've never been to the archipelago during the colder months, you've missed out on a bewitching experience. The eerie ocean dotted with austere islands and the waves crashing against cliffy coastlines emulates that visual sense attributed to Nordic Noir.

While we highly recommend the experience, we can't put enough importance on choosing the proper wardrobe for the occasion. The open water allows for icy winds to blow relentlessly. There's a reason why the locals all look to layering when getting dressed in the morning.

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For the December-January issue, Vogue Scandinavia left the city for the seaside, with an abundance of knits and nautical gear from major Maisons and local prodigies. Below, photographer Ola Rindal and stylist Tuomas Laitinen apply Nordic sensibilities to our outfit options when layering up for the trip.

Long sleeved and floor grazing, we want our coats to cover as much as possible when heading outdoors. A scarf slung around our neck and we're properly protected against the elements.

Our winter-proofed archipelago wardrobes doesn't necessarily exclude skirts. In sturdy materials – like leather and wool – paired with heavy knits and thick stockings we're all set to braze the seaside cold.

Lending our layering some glamour, small cut outs is all the skin we're willing to bare. Voluminous silhouettes allowing for multiple long coats, we swathe ourselves in fabric to combat the shoulder chill.

Naval or nautical necessities come in eye-catching shades we want to emulate in our ensembles. Using the bright orange of the life vest as our sartorial guide, we pick knitted hats and floral patterns to pair with the neon shade.

The poncho is a garment most often forgotten, but with the wide cut silhouette it is the perfect piece when layering multiple bulky bits. Another way to manage knit on knit is to cinch the waist with a basic belt.

Getting the mix of materials right is essential when putting together an eye-catching ensemble. White on white layering with appliqué knits and shearling shines a light on this unequivocal truth.

Sky high collars make for the perfect base layer when updating your knits. Swathing sheets of plaid pairs perfectly with soft cable knits and a shearling coat will keep you warm on your chilliest excursions.