In downtown Reykjavík, Iceland, city dwellers have had to contend with frozen temperatures and a wintry mix of rain sleet and snow. To withstand the elements, residents are staying laced up in classic hard-wearing boots that come packed with performance features but also have a chic fashion slant.
According to local photographer Hildur Erla, the most popular picks are fur-trimmed Sorels, tough-as-nails Dr. Martens and rugged Timberlands.
“Those boots are warm, high up and — best of all — don’t break easily. I feel as if my Timberlands can be passed on to my future children,” said Erla, noting that her go-to style is a pair of “beloved and beautifully brown” Dr. Martens Chelsea boots.
To style their cold-weather footwear, Icelanders often pair them with Scandinavian-style skinny jeans, parkas and big hugging scarves — as well as lots and lots of layers.
“I guess in a way, we influence each other’s look by saying ‘Aren’t you cold?’ Which results in more layers,” said Erla. “Also, the weather itself influences street style. It is kind of a challenge to be fashionable and warm. But if you ask me, it’s my favorite season fashion-wise.”
And, of course, smart footwear choices are paramount. “In 20-centimeters of snow, icy streets or windy rain, shoes tend to play an even bigger role than one would imagine,” said Erla.
Click through the slideshow to see more Icelandic street style:
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