October 16th, 2018 by Chris Chapman

Winter has always been a great time for fashion. Is there any better feeling than getting comfy and cosy; and looking good doing it? Over the last few years, the big winter lifestyle trend has been hygge. Hygge is a Danish-inspired style that’s all about going back to basics and allowing a special form of cosy contentment to wash over you (to learn more about hygge, click here). This year, though, there’s a new cosy style in town, and it’s one that’s from a little closer to home – coorie is sweeping over the country from the Scottish Highlands! If you haven’t heard the word before you might be wondering what coorie actually is and how you can incorporate it this winter. Read on for everything you need to know!

What is Coorie?

Coorie is a Scottish word that – like hygge – doesn’t really have an English equivalent. Coorie means a sort of cuddle; it’s an especially cosy snuggle with someone you’re very close to. In recent years, the meaning of the word has expanded and it can now describe anything that gives you that feeling you get when you’re snuggled up with a loved one in front of a roaring fire at the end of an icy day. It can be applied to your fashion choices and home décor, but it can be so much more than that – embracing coorie could help you stay happy and healthy. If you read our article on hygge, you might be thinking that coorie is quite similar, but there’s a bit more to it than that. Coorie is more about balancing that cosy feeling alongside getting in touch with your outdoorsy side and rejecting all the stresses of modern life. Take a bit of time to decompress and connect with what really matters to you and you’ll be well on your way to getting a bit more coorie.

How to Get Coorie

It all sounds great, but how can you start incorporating coorie into your daily life? You can add a bit of coorie to your wardrobe, to your lifestyle and even to your workplace – keep reading to find out how!

Coorie Clothing

The great thing about coorie is that you don’t actually need to spend loads on designer clothes to get the look! You can wear anything that feels comfy and familiar so you can make the most out of your favourite old jumpers and coats.  If you want to freshen up your wardrobe, you can always add a bit of cosy tartan, flannel, or knitwear as well. Remember, coorie is all about embracing the outdoors, so you can dress like you’re ready for a bracing walk in the Highlands. Bodywarmers, turtleneck jumpers, raincoats, and woolly hats are all set to come back in a big way this winter, so now is a good time to grab a bargain before demand causes the prices to rise!

Coorie in the Home

There’s no better feeling than getting home from a brisk and breezy walk in the country and sinking into a cosy blanket in front of a roaring fire. Coorie is about capturing that feeling, so while it’s important to embrace the outdoors, it’s also important to contrast that with a cosy décor in your home. Take your décor back to basics – fill your rooms with cosy blankets, throws, and cushions. If you have hard flooring, liven it up with a plush rug. Keep your living room largely open and make the most of your space so people can huddle up together on your sofa – and if you want to keep yourself really cosy, pick up a large heated throw that can cover several people. If you have a fireplace, keep it looking tidy and well-maintained, and pile some logs around it for when you want to start a fire. If you don’t have a fireplace, you can look at flame effect electric heaters – these are much more affordable than getting a real fireplace done up and will keep you just as cosy! Most importantly of all, don’t stress. Coorie is supposed to be relaxing and comforting, so don’t worry too much about getting everything just the way you’ve seen it in style magazines. Add lots of family photos and mementoes and incorporate them into your home. Coorie is more about being happy and comfortable than getting everything looking methodical and inch-perfect, so as long as you’re cosy and happy, you’re coorie!

Be Outdoorsy

To really appreciate how comfortable and cosy your home is, it’s important to embrace the wild side of coorie, too. The easiest way to do this is to put on your cosiest clothes, dig out your walking boots, pack a hearty flask of your favourite hot drink, and set out on a brisk winter walk! Wherever you live, you’re almost certainly no more than a couple of hours away from untouched countryside, beautiful mountains, or maybe even the Scottish Highlands themselves, so plan a nice walk for yourself and get out there. If you’re feeling really adventurous, why not look at some places you can go wild swimming? There’s nothing more coorie than a refreshing dip in a wild loch, and while the Scottish Highlands might be too far away for you, there may still be a wild swimming spot near you. Wild swimming is quite a thrill, and it’ll make you appreciate those cosy heated blankets at home all the more! We can’t be in the wilderness all the time, but it’s good to book yourself a break away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and immerse yourself in the great outdoors. Outdoor activities are really rewarding and will help you feel happier and healthier as you connect with the world around you!

Coorie Food and Drink

There are few things that can bring people together like food and drink, so spice up your winter meals with some Highland recipes. Hearty porridge is always a good option, but it doesn’t have to be bland and boring – you can add all kinds of sweet and savoury fruit and veg to turn porridge into a tasty treat! You can also try smoking your own food over a campfire, either in your own garden or out on a camping trip (make sure you’re allowed to start a campfire wherever you are, though) and enjoy some traditional Scottish smoked foods. Salmon is the classic, but you can smoke almost anything – ham, halloumi, corn, etc – to give it a hearty, rich flavour. Eating outdoors under the stars is a great way to break from routine and connect with friends and family, so wrap up warm and give it a try!

Be Balanced

The key to being more coorie in your life is to find the right balance. You need to balance getting out there and immersing yourself in the natural world with snuggling up in your living room. Work and relaxation should complement one another, with one being a welcome break from the other. Make time for your friends and family, but also try and take some time for yourself. Step outside and look at the stars while you process your thoughts of the day before heading inside to be with your friends and family. Unwind in front of the TV, but don’t forget to unplug every once in a while, too. It can be hard to find the right balance amidst the hectic nature of modern life, but by bringing a bit more coorie into your life, you might find it a little bit easier.