Dress Like a Local: What To Wear in Copenhagen

In the 2010s, body-hugging silhouettes were in, and the skinny jean ruled supreme. But in the 2020s, in Copenhagen and in many other world fashion capitals, the pendulum has swung back to the opposite extreme. That means oversized clothing is a key part of Scandinavian street style.

To fit in, aim for the 1940s-inspired high-waisted, billowing trousers (paired with loose sweaters and architectural outerwear), or borrow the baggy shapes that defined ’90s fashion. Whatever your inspiration, opt for quality fabrics and add tasteful accessories to keep it feeling stylish, not schlubby. Then, you’re ready to head out on the town during a Copenhagen walking tour.

Situated where the North Sea meets the Baltic Sea, and boasting numerous canals and waterways, Copenhagen is a decidedly maritime city. While it experiences all four seasons, it can still be chilly and breezy throughout the year. The secret to nailing seasonal clothing in Copenhagen is coming prepared with layers: When packing your bags, throw in jackets of a few different weights, pack some underlayers and sweaters, and don’t forget a colorful scarf or two. In addition to being practical, the layered look also perfectly dovetails with the city’s slouchy style.

Wondering how to dress for Copenhagen weather? Come prepared for the worst—but don’t let that deter you from a good look. It’s no secret that the Danish capital is often subject to damp and overcast weather, as well as ice and snow during the winter months.

Find the silver lining in all those clouds by using the constraints as an excuse to break out a show-stopping wool coat, cute knit hat, or chunky waterproof boots, in addition to your rain coat and umbrella. Remember: If the locals don’t feel deterred by the weather when constructing a killer outfit, then neither should you.

The Scandinavian penchant for minimalist, all-black looks has become a well-worn cliché—but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the sartorial possibilities in Copenhagen, defaulting to a chic, all-black look is always a good move (especially if you opt for on-trend silhouettes and layers).

As a fallback, if black isn’t your style, other minimal neutrals are equally appropriate, whether you opt for white, tan, navy, brown, or gray. As much as Copenhagen residents have a reputation for pushing fashion boundaries, few will argue with keeping it classic.

And yet, for all that Danes often revert to a muted palette, there’s still room for play. In an effort to break up the monochromatic minimalism, many Copenhagen locals are likely to insert a bright pop of color into their outfits. As some fashion experts have noted, underneath the polished exteriors, Danish fashion possesses an irreverent, cheeky heart.

So, don’t be afraid of contrast—pair that chic suit with neon sneakers, bring a loud-and-proud bag to go with your neutral layers, or opt for other vibrant accessories that show you're not afraid to stand out from the crowd.

Alongside established fashion capitals such as Paris, Milan, New York City, and London, Copenhagen has emerged as “the epicenter of Scandi cool,” as Vogue put it in a recent article. Today, Copenhagen Fashion Week—founded in 2006—has grown into a major biannual event, and there’s plenty of pride in the city’s homegrown fashion scene.

If you want to fit in with the stylish residents, you’d do well to pick up pieces from local designer brands in Denmark. Stine Goya, Ganni, Malene Birger, and Astrid Andersen are all favorites. Once you’re all dressed up, book a private photoshoot to capture the look.

Here’s a Copenhagen shopping tip to inform your fashion agenda: Newer doesn’t always equal better. In lieu of walking around in head-to-toe, fresh-off-the-rack clothes, take a page from locals and mix your on-trend pieces with vintage finds. (Think decades-old leather bags, a beautifully worn pair of throwback Levi’s 501s, hand-me-down boots, or your grandmother’s costume jewelry.) Fashion-forward Danes know how important it is to give each outfit a touch of timelessness and patina, as well as personality—and to avoid looking like a style victim who’s overly reliant on fast fashion.

Still not sure how to nail your travel style for Scandinavia? It never hurts to pack your suitcase full of basic pieces, such as a perfectly crisp white T-shirt, a classic trench coat, a blazer, sharp slacks, or a chic shirtdress.

Remember, too, that the tailoring and garment quality are just as important as the piece itself. For all that Copenhagen locals have a reputation for pushing the fashion envelope, they know the importance of relying on always-in-style wardrobe staples (particularly in lieu of over-shopping to keep up with every ephemeral trend).

By now, it’s clear that the Danish approach to fashion is at once style-conscious but comfortable, quirky yet unpretentious, and always functional—it’s hard to cruise through Copenhagen on a bicycle tour or navigate over cobblestones with six-inch heels or anything too constrictive. Unsurprisingly, most Copenhagen residents have a similarly unfussy attitude toward beauty.

Makeup, when applied, is rarely over-the-top—aim for sheer coverage, natural hues, and a simple swipe of mascara (or red lip for a color pop). And as for your hair, you can skip the perfectly coiffed blowout—credit the changeable weather, but the tousled, windswept look is all the rage here.

It might sound like an unlikely item for your packing list for Denmark, but if you plan to visit Copenhagen in the summer months, then a swimsuit is absolutely required.

That's because the Danish capital boasts more than a dozen enviable swimming spots, from harbor baths to designated paddling areas—and even several sandy beaches. The safe water quality makes open-air swimming in the city center a summertime staple for locals and visitors alike. Don't forget a towel, a pair of flip-flops, a dry change of clothes, and picnic supplies to accompany you.