Cover From cropped jackets to textured gowns, these recurring outfit combinations reveal the structure behind Laufey’s quietly nostalgic off-duty wardrobe (Photo: laufey/Instagram)
From cropped jackets to textured gowns, these recurring outfit combinations reveal the structure behind Laufey’s quietly nostalgic off-duty wardrobe (Photo: laufey/Instagram)
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From statement coats to dainty skirts, Laufey’s off-duty wardrobe reveals five signature looks shaping her style
The rise of Laufey has been defined as much by image as by sound. The Icelandic Chinese singer has built a visual identity that draws from mid-century jazz culture, collegiate dressing and a quiet sense of theatre. Off stage, her wardrobe often mirrors the nostalgic atmosphere of her music: pleated skirts, compact jackets, ballet flats and softly structured dresses that suggest an earlier era without becoming a costume.
In photographs shared on social media and during casual public appearances, the combinations tend to follow a clear formula. The silhouettes are simple, the palette restrained and the styling thoughtful rather than decorative. This consistency has turned her wardrobe into a reference point for a certain type of modern preppy dressing. Looking closely at these outfits reveals a handful of recurring combinations that define Laufey’s off-duty approach. These Laufey style formulas balance proportion, texture and subtle statement pieces in ways that feel deliberate but relaxed. Below are five combinations that explain the appeal of Laufey’s wardrobe and how the singer repeatedly builds outfits around them.
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Dainty skirt + statement shoes
Above A delicate skirt paired with bold footwear highlights one of Laufey’s most recognisable outfit formulas (Photo: laufey/Instagram)
A delicate skirt paired with bold footwear highlights one of Laufey’s most recognisable outfit formulas (Photo: laufey/Instagram)
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One of the most recognisable Laufey outfit formulas pairs a delicate skirt with shoes that carry more visual weight. The skirts are often light in structure, sometimes pleated or softly flared, which gives movement and a slightly nostalgic tone.
Statement shoes anchor the look. Instead of disappearing into the outfit, they introduce contrast through shape or detail. Chunkier loafers, Mary Janes with a platform sole or embellished flats give the outfit a point of focus.
The combination works because of balance. The softness of the skirt prevents the footwear from appearing heavy, while the shoes stop the outfit from drifting into something overly sweet. This contrast keeps the look grounded while preserving the preppy mood associated with Laufey’s personal style.
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Jeans + cropped jacket
Above Denim and a cropped jacket create a balanced silhouette that reflects Laufey’s vintage-leaning approach to casual dressing (Photo: laufey/Instagram)
Denim and a cropped jacket create a balanced silhouette that reflects Laufey’s vintage-leaning approach to casual dressing (Photo: laufey/Instagram)
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Denim appears regularly in Laufey outfits, usually styled with a short, fitted jacket. Cropped tailoring changes the proportions of a casual staple and introduces structure without making the look formal. A cropped jacket draws attention to the waistline and keeps the silhouette compact. When worn with straight or slightly relaxed jeans, the outfit maintains a clean line that feels composed but not stiff. Jeans give the look everyday practicality, while the abbreviated jacket references classic tailoring. The result reflects the vintage influences often associated with Laufey’s wardrobe while remaining suited to contemporary off-duty dressing.
Dress + strappy flats
Above A simple dress and strappy flats keep the look light and understated, a recurring combination in Laufey’s off-duty wardrobe (Photo: laufey/Instagram)
A simple dress and strappy flats keep the look light and understated, a recurring combination in Laufey’s off-duty wardrobe (Photo: laufey/Instagram)
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A simple dress paired with flat shoes is another consistent Laufey styling approach. The dresses tend to feature uncomplicated shapes such as A-line or gently fitted silhouettes. Strappy flats introduce lightness and mobility. Unlike heavier footwear, they maintain the fluid character of the dress while still offering definition around the foot. The effectiveness of this combination lies in continuity. Both elements share a similar delicacy, creating an outfit that feels cohesive. The simplicity also aligns with the understated elegance that frequently appears in Laufey’s off-stage wardrobe.
Cardigan + midi skirt
Above Soft knitwear layered over a midi skirt captures the nostalgic campus influences often seen in Laufey’s style (Photo: laufey/Instagram)
Soft knitwear layered over a midi skirt captures the nostalgic campus influences often seen in Laufey’s style (Photo: laufey/Instagram)
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Soft knitwear layered over a skirt appears often in photographs of Laufey away from performances. A cardigan worn buttoned or loosely draped introduces warmth and texture without disrupting the outfit’s structure. The midi skirt provides length and movement, which complements the compact shape of the cardigan. Together they create a silhouette associated with classic campus style, but the proportions keep it modern. This pairing works because the materials and shapes are quietly compatible. Knitwear adds softness while the skirt preserves a sense of polish. The result captures the nostalgic but natural aesthetic that frequently defines Laufey’s everyday dressing.
Dreamy, textured gowns
Above Layered fabrics and subtle texture define the gowns that echo the romantic tone of Laufey’s stage image (Photo: laufey/Instagram
Layered fabrics and subtle texture define the gowns that echo the romantic tone of Laufey’s stage image (Photo: laufey/Instagram
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Although much of Laufey’s wardrobe leans toward daytime pieces, she occasionally turns to gowns that emphasise texture and movement. These dresses often feature layered fabrics, soft draping or subtle embellishment. Texture is the key element. Instead of relying on bold colour or dramatic construction, the fabric itself carries the visual interest. The silhouettes remain relatively restrained, allowing the material to shape the look. The pairing echoes the romantic tone of Laufey’s stage persona without overwhelming it. The gowns feel atmospheric rather than theatrical, maintaining the sense of elegance that links her performance wardrobe to the rest of her style.
Statement coat
Above A structured coat adds scale and focus, often becoming the defining element of a Laufey outfit (Photo: laufey/Instagram)
A structured coat adds scale and focus, often becoming the defining element of a Laufey outfit (Photo: laufey/Instagram)
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Outerwear plays a strategic role in Laufey outfits, particularly in colder weather settings or travel photographs. Instead of blending into the rest of the ensemble, the coat often becomes the defining piece of the look. Structured wool coats, oversized silhouettes or pieces in distinctive colours introduce scale and visual emphasis. Because the underlying outfit is typically restrained, the coat can carry more presence without disrupting the overall balance. This look reinforces the vintage references that appear throughout her style, recalling the tailored outerwear associated with mid-century dressing.
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Chonx Tibajia is a senior editor at Tatler Asia’s T-Labs team, where she writes widely on lifestyle subjects including beauty, style, entertainment and travel. She has a long career in journalism, including roles as a columnist at The Philippine Star, and is the founder of the creative platform Pineappleversed. Beyond Tatler, her bylines appear in regional lifestyle and business publications, showcasing a broad portfolio that spans beauty trends, travel guides and culture pieces.
