Seasons in Norway are very defined, but Autumn is variable and unpredictable as each day is different from the other. In the Autumn, we can get a little taste of Winter, with snow some places, as well as the last taste of Summer, when it’s warm in the sun and you can even wear a t-shirt.
Suddenly, the winds get stronger and colder. Temperatures can vary from 13C to 4C on the same day. That’s why layers are crucial important in this season.
In Stavanger, we had dazzling Sunny days last week. It was warm in the sun and cold in the shadow. I had long sleeves cotton top, sweater, a thin bubble jacket which I took off and put on again several times. I definitely needed a scarf, and a hat in the shadow.
This week it has rained every single day, though I don’t feel the need for scarf. It rains a lot in Stavanger and Bergen. Did you know that we have different kinds of rain coats? That’s due to variations of temperature. I have three kinds:
- a thin waterproof jacket that only protects from the rain, mostly for Summer,
- a middle one, a bit thicker, for Spring and Autumn mild days,
- a thick one with fleece inside, for cold and rain. I alternate this one with a thick parka.
- waterproof pants. I know!!! I never thought I’d wear them, but I can’t live without them now. They are so easy to put on and take off. It’s the protection for my walks, cycling, work outdoors.
Are you a fan of umbrellas? Well, I’m not. Since rain comes horizontally in Stavanger, I gave up having umbrellas. I prefer to invest in good waterproof hooded jackets. And I have waterproof pants, which I never wore in Brazil.
Layers make a huge difference between having a good time or not, in the Norwegian weather.
Here are the layers you need when Going for a walk:
- Long sleeves t-shirt,
- Thin fleece or sweatshirts underneath the waterproof jacket.
- Headband (little or no wind) or hat (cold wind).
- Scarf (short walk) or buff (hiking).
- Comfortable pants,
- Sneakers, running shoes, hiking boots according to the activity.
Casual urban outfits. In Norway, and specifically in Stavanger, people dress more casually and comfortably. Youngsters wear jeans and sneakers year round. I do too but with tights underneath in the Winter.
Colors. Norwegians prefer basic pastel colors, though vivid colors are trendy now (finally).
Dresses and tights are a must. At work or at social gatherings, most women wear dresses and tights, or pants and blouses under knitted sweaters, or just thin sweaters. Short skirts are common here, while low v-necks aren’t usual in Norway. Tonight we’re going to talk about keeping your style while adapting to a new life in Norway. Is it possible? Check the Livestream on my Instagram at 7 p.m. GMT+2.
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Cheap is not always a good deal. I would definitely invest on high quality knitted sweaters. They are those you are going to show more. And I would also invest on nice classical dresses that you can wear for many years. Outdoors. For dry days, wool coats and down jackets are the top pick. Invest in good quality classical coats that you will own for many years. I have.
Should I wear wool or cotton underneath? It depends on the temperature, wind and how long you’re going to stay outside. Long walk to catch the bus? Garden party? You have to decide for yourself. Time is our ally. I’ve gotten better on making the smartest choices for my outfit in the past years.
Here are the layers you need indoors, for work, party, shopping:
- Blouse, long or short sleeves top (a thin one, as it’s warm inside most places) and skirt or pants,
- or Dress and tights (please don’t wear warm dress and get embarrassed like I did ),
- Sweater or cardigan or a pashmina,
- socks. Yes!!! If you’re invited to a friend’s house, remember that all Norwegians leave their shoes at the entrance. Have nice socks (neutral or glitter, but in good condition).
Safety. Reflective armbands, vests, keychains, hats are mandatory for kids who walk to and from school and for all pedestrians. Cyclists, joggers, every Norwegian wears (or should wear) reflexive accessories. It can save lives as drivers see them much easily. Researches show that adult waist level is most important hight to be seen by drivers. That’s why you should have armbands on both arms and your kids should wear vests as they are shorter.
Shoes. Long boots, ankle boots and sneakers are the best choice. In Stavanger, we walk a lot, even from parking place to the building. As I mentioned in another post, Stavanger has both rural and urban areas. We walk a lot here. Besides, it rains constantly. It takes so little for you to walk in a muddy asphalt and ruin your stilettos. Most important clothing care product: Water repellent spray!
Wool or Down coat? To me it isn’t a question. I wear both. Down coat is more informal, I wear it all the time and wool coats when it’s not raining and I have a social gathering. In Stavanger, I see down coats as number one choice even on classical music events, formal parties or at the theater, when people dress up more.
Fall trend in Stavanger 2020. I have seen so far this Fall lots of checkered patterns in both young and mature people. If you like it, go for it.
Rural. Hiking is a part of most Norwegians’ life. Check my post about hiking in Norway here.
About the beauty of Autumn in Norway. Landscape changes. Most leaves get yellow and red. I love this Autumn palette. Trees and bushes are still full as they start to fall in the middle of October. Many flowers still blooming. There’s a different smell in the air. It gets dark earlier. I notice when I leave work, around 4:30 p.m. I love to cycle when it’s still bright. In November, it’s dark when I leave. It’s a nice season to go for a walk. I encourage you to do so, speacially in a good weather. I try to enjoy the warmth of the sun as long as I can before the Winter comes.
In the Fall, days become darker and the lack of sunlight may cause hormonal unbalance. That can make us feel blue, unmotivated, irritated, sad, even depressed. I had Winter Depression on my first year in Norway, and it wasn’t easy to get out of it. Fortunately, I managed and I have developed techniques that work, in order to prevent it from happening again. If you would like to prevent Winter Blues and feel motivated year round, then my ebook is for you. Check out my spot on, practical guide.
Have a great Autumn.
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