How to dress like Matilda Djerf on a budget

If you’re ever scrolling through TikTok or Pinterest for style inspiration, you’ve definitely seen Internet sensation Matilda Djerf.

Djerf, a 26-year-old Swedish influencer, boasts over 3.1 million followers on her Instagram account and 1.5 million followers on her TikTok account. With picture-perfect blonde hair and a laid-back, Scandinavian “dream girl” aesthetic, Djerf has taken the digital fashion sphere by storm.

Her fast-growing clothing brand, Djerf Avenue, has contributed largely to her popularity. The brand sells clothes perfectly tailored to Djerf’s signature style preferences: deliberately baggy, classic-with-a-twist, masculine yet feminine silhouettes.

She recently graced the cover of Vogue Scandinavia after hosting Djerf Avenue’s first NYC pop-up shop and NYFW event at the Guggenheim Museum.

However, while Djerf’s style, aura, and community champion inclusivity — the price tags of her clothes do not. Djerf Avenue’s basic t-shirts, tanks and shorts alone start at $50.

For us college students, spending that much on one piece of clothing can feel unreasonable. There are a plethora of affordable options available to achieve the same look and feel of Djerf’s signature style.

The key to emulating Djerf is investing in a capsule wardrobe with classic, neutral pieces. This allows for the curation of many different outfits fashioned around a few staple pieces that won’t break the bank.

So, here are the 10 pieces you need in your wardrobe to dress like Matilda Djerf, on a budget.

1. Oversized Button Down

As a staple of Djerf Avenue and Djerf’s own style, button downs allow for a comfortable yet elevated look. While button downs on the Djerf Avenue website start at $100+, companies such as H&M and Zara sell comparable products starting at $25. If you’re feeling adventurous, go to your local thrift store and browse the men’s section!

2. Baggy Trousers & Jeans

Gone are the days of skinny jeans. Low-rise and baggy mom jeans are on trend right now, and can be found for affordable prices at stores such as Pull&Bear, H&M, and Pacsun. These are another staple that can be found at a thrift store for an even lower price. Personally, I’ve completely hopped on the low-rise, baggy bandwagon — in my opinion, they just look effortless and instantaneously cool.

3. Oversized Jacket

A leather bomber, a racing jacket — the choices are endless. The oversized jacket is a key component to the laid-backness of Djerf’s looks. It’s a piece that can completely upgrade a basic outfit by cutting up the silhouette. Locally, I’ve found my racing jackets at markets like Silverlake Flea Market or Melrose Trading Post.

4. Mules or Ballet Flats

Djerf is often photographed wearing a pair of mules or ballet flats, pairing them with pants, skirts, and dresses alike. While hers are largely vintage Chanel, Manolo Blahnik, mules or ballet flats under $100 can be found at long-trusted brands such as Steve Madden and Sam Edelman. (Mules and ballet flats are also a great alternative if you’re like me — ungifted at walking in heels.)

5. Shoulder Bag

This can be any size, depending on how kindly you treat your shoulders. I personally love a good baguette purse, but tote-sized shoulder bags also fit seamlessly in capsule wardrobes. Instead of blowing your savings on a Bottega, opt for one of Anthropologie’s Brigitte bags or one of their other shoulder bag options for under $100. A plethora of affordable shoulder bags can be found online, and you can probably raid your mom or older sister’s closets for some timeless leather gems.

6. Oversized Blazer

An oversized blazer is one of Djerf’s staple pieces, a piece that she has inspired many of her own admirers (including myself) to wear. Affordable options can be found for under $50 on websites like ASOS and H&M, and this is another piece that would be a perfect find at a thrift store. Oversized blazers also act as jackets with a more casual outfit, but can swing business casual if you’re on the way to an interview or networking event.

7. Long Silk or Slip Dress

A long silk or slip dress, a Djerf and current Internet favorite. They pair perfectly with jackets, cardigans, or just by themselves, and are the perfect staple to dress up or down depending on the occasion. I love wearing slip dresses with sneakers for a casual day look, or putting on a pair of mules or sandals to transition to a more formal outfit. It’s likely to luck up on a vintage silk dress for a steal on Depop.

8. Tube Top

Tube tops are another Djerf and capsule wardrobe essential, and you might already have some in your closet. Djerf constantly pairs tube tops with trousers, jeans, and skirts. While hers are priced at $98, you can find tube tops for under $10 at many online sites, or even get crafty by cutting up an older tee to upcycle it.

9. Basic T-shirt or Tank

Basic t-shirts and tanks are one of the main keys to a capsule wardrobe – they can be dressed up or down, and they’re easy and comfortable to wear. Djerf Avenue boasts a variety of them on their website, but for cheaper options, my personal favorite has always been Brandy Melville’s basic tees and tanks. Cotton On also has great options with more size inclusivity. Basic shirts also allow for better accessories — the best friends of fun shoes, printed pants, or statement jewelry. Arguably, they are probably the most versatile pieces in a capsule wardrobe.

10. Oversized Cardigan or Sweater

Oversized cardigans or sweaters are perfect for a capsule wardrobe – they can be worn over tanks or tees, or just on their own. Living in Southern California calls for these transitional pieces that are wearable in all seasons. Djerf is an avid wearer of cardigans – which are sold on her website – but they can be found on many different sites for under $40-$50. If you don’t like the bulkiness of oversized jackets or blazers, cardigans and sweaters are the perfect option for chillier climates.