You’ve seen the photos. Girls with impossibly effortless hair, wearing oversized blazers and chunky sneakers, pedaling through a rainy street like they’re on a runway. It looks staged. It’s not. Fashion in Copenhagen Denmark is basically a masterclass in how to look expensive while being ready to haul a week's worth of groceries on a cargo bike. It is pragmatic. It is colorful. And honestly, it is a little bit chaotic if you look closely enough.
People talk about "Scandi style" as this monolithic block of minimalism. They think of Stockholm—clean lines, black turtlenecks, very serious faces. Copenhagen is the rebellious younger sister. While the rest of Scandinavia was stuck in a beige phase, Copenhagen decided to pair neon green knitwear with floral silk skirts. It works because it’s rooted in a weirdly specific type of functionality that only exists in a city where the weather changes its mind every fifteen minutes.
The Myth of the Minimalist Dane
If you walk down Strøget or hang out in the Meatpacking District (Kødbyen), you’ll realize the "minimalist" label is kinda outdated. Sure, the foundations are there. You’ll see the Acne Studios leather jackets and the Toteme coats. But the heart of fashion in Copenhagen Denmark right now is "Danish Pastel" and "Scandi 2.0."
Think Ganni. Think Cecilie Bahnsen. These brands didn't get famous by being quiet. They got famous by making oversized puff sleeves and dizzying prints that actually feel comfortable. Copenhagen style is less about "less is more" and more about "how many textures can I layer before I can't move my arms?"
There is a concept called hygge, which everyone and their mother has written about, but in fashion, it translates to tactile comfort. If a sweater isn't soft enough to nap in, a Copenhagener probably isn't wearing it. They have this uncanny ability to mix high-end luxury with thrift store finds from the many "Loppemarked" (flea markets) around the city. It’s not about showing off wealth; it’s about showing off taste.
The Bike Factor
You cannot talk about how people dress here without talking about the bikes. It dictates everything. If you wear a pencil skirt that doesn't stretch, you aren't getting to work. If your heels are too thin, they’ll get caught in the pedals.
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This is why the "sneaker with a dress" trend basically started here and refused to die. It wasn't a fashion statement initially; it was a survival tactic. When you see a woman in a floor-length Rotate Birger Christensen gown paired with New Balance 990s, she’s not trying to be edgy. She just has a 20-minute commute and doesn't want to twist an ankle on the cobblestones.
Why Copenhagen Fashion Week is the Only One That Matters Now
For a long time, the "Big Four" (London, Paris, Milan, New York) held all the power. But fashion in Copenhagen Denmark has snatched the spotlight recently because it actually cares about the planet. This isn't just marketing fluff.
Since 2023, Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) has enforced a strict set of "Sustainability Requirements." If a brand doesn't hit 18 specific targets—like not destroying unsold clothes or using at least 50% certified organic, recycled, or upcycled textiles—they aren't allowed on the runway. Cecilie Thorsmark, the CEO of CPHFW, has basically forced the industry's hand. It’s brilliant.
While Paris is still obsessed with the "it-girl" of the moment, Copenhagen is obsessed with whether that it-girl's shirt will be in a landfill in six months. This ethical backbone gives the clothes a different vibe. There’s a sense of pride in wearing something that lasts.
The Brands You Need to Know (Beyond Ganni)
- Saks Potts: You’ve definitely seen their "Foxy" coat with the fur trim on every influencer’s Instagram. Barbara Potts and Cathrine Saks managed to make outerwear feel like jewelry.
- Baum und Pferdgarten: This is the go-to for prints. It’s quirky, it’s bold, and it’s very "Copenhagen."
- Helmstedt: This is basically wearable art. Emilie Helmstedt creates these whimsical, hand-painted prints that feel like a fever dream in the best way possible.
- Stine Goya: If you hate color, stay away. Stine Goya is the reason Copenhagen streets look like a bowl of Lucky Charms.
How to Actually Dress Like a Local
If you’re visiting and you want to blend in, stop trying so hard. The biggest giveaway of a tourist is being "over-groomed." Copenhageners have this "just rolled out of bed but I happen to own a $600 trench coat" look.
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Hair is usually messy. Makeup is minimal—maybe a bit of red lipstick if it’s a Friday night at Ved Stranden 10. The secret is the silhouette. Go big. If your pants aren't dragging slightly on the floor or your blazer isn't three sizes too large, you’re doing it wrong.
Layering is the other golden rule. A typical outfit might include:
- A base layer of a simple white tee or a turtleneck.
- A colorful knit vest (huge right now).
- An oversized coat.
- A giant scarf (check out Holzweiler or Acne for the classic look).
- Flat boots or sneakers.
The goal is to look like you’re ready for a sudden rainstorm, a business meeting, and a spontaneous glass of natural wine all at once.
The Sustainability Paradox
It’s not all sunshine and organic cotton, though. Denmark has a high consumption rate. Even though the fashion week is "green," the average Dane still buys a lot of clothes. There’s a tension there.
However, the resale market in Copenhagen is insane. Apps like Tise and Trendsales are used by basically everyone. If you go to the Nørrebro district, the secondhand shops (Genbrug) are packed with high-end labels. People here view clothes as a currency—they buy it, wear it for a season, and pass it on. It keeps the "fashion" moving without necessarily relying on fast fashion giants like H&M (which, ironically, is just across the bridge in Sweden).
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What Most People Get Wrong About Copenhagen Style
People think it's expensive. It can be. But the "look" is more about the styling than the price tag. You can recreate fashion in Copenhagen Denmark with thrift store finds if you understand the proportions.
It’s also not just for 20-somethings. One of the coolest things about the city is seeing 60-year-old men in perfectly tailored navy suits riding vintage bikes, or grandmothers in bright pink puffer jackets. There’s no "age limit" on being bold here.
Actionable Steps for the Aspiring Scandi-Stylist
If you want to incorporate this vibe into your own wardrobe, don't go out and buy a whole new closet. Start with these moves:
- Invest in "The Coat": In a place where you spend 8 months of the year in outerwear, the coat is the outfit. Find one with a strong shape.
- The 70/30 Rule: Keep 70% of your outfit "practical" (sneakers, warm socks, comfortable pants) and 30% "extra" (a sheer blouse, a beaded bag, or a bright hat).
- Ditch the Umbrella: No one in Copenhagen uses umbrellas. They break in the wind. Get a high-quality raincoat from Rains or Stutterheim. It’s the ultimate local flex.
- Color-Clash on Purpose: If you’re wearing a blue striped shirt, try a red hat. If you’ve got a floral dress, throw a leopard print cardigan over it. If you feel slightly ridiculous, you’re probably on the right track.
- Shop Secondhand First: Before buying new, check international shipping on Danish resale sites or look for Danish brands on platforms like Vestiaire Collective.
Fashion in Copenhagen Denmark isn't about following a set of rigid rules. It’s the opposite. It’s the freedom to be comfortable, the common sense to dress for the weather, and the confidence to wear a ballgown on a bicycle. It’s practical. It’s playful. And honestly, it’s probably the most "human" fashion scene in the world right now.