Get the look: Copenhagen Fashion Week’s street style
Scandi street style for every season
By Jenny Brownlees
Copenhagen Fashion Week can always be relied upon to bring an abundance of inspiration via the catwalks of cult brands such as Mother Of Pearl, Ganni, Stine Goya and By Malene Birger.
However, fashion insiders know that as well as the superior styling on the runways, the best show of Copenhagen’s FW is on the street. As top editors, stylists, models and influencers descend upon the city to attend the shows, we’re treated to a plethora of stylish outfits from the best-dressed set.
Scandi style is considered one of the most sought-after aesthetics the world over, and for good reason – there’s an effortless attitude and confidence that comes with this low-key yet polished look. It may be the most overused expression in fashion, but the fact is, Scandi women are the epitome of chic.
They know how to dress for every occasion, perfectly juxtaposing classic pieces with cool new trends. This fashionable in-crowd have such a spot-on insight into what’s new and now, we thought we’d plan our early Autumn outfits by taking a leaf out of their sartorial book.
So, if you’re wondering how to transition your wardrobe in-between seasons, subtly alter colour palettes and learn which pieces to shop now and wear all Winter, look no further.
BROWN AIN’T A BORE
The Danish capital was bursting with stellar street style looks in camel, tan and beige tones. Don’t be fooled to brush off brown as boring – the colour is synonymous with luxury and suits everyone. Take it from Cecilie Thorsmark, who was snapped outside the shows in head-to-toe brown.
When creating a brown-hued ‘fit, don’t scrimp on your accessories – a well-placed tan bag, shoe or hair accessory can really make an outfit. Whilst you can layer the below pieces right now, as the weather turns, add chunkier knitwear and boots to keep wearing well into Winter.
We’ll be donning a brown dress (we love the silk style from Zara) with a co-ordinating cardi and lightweight trench, just like our favourite influencers. We’re dying to copy Jeanette Madsen’s and Justyna Czerniak’s all-brown looks for weekend brunch, adding a heavier camel coat when the weather gets chillier.
HLN top tip: try mixing different hues of brown for a take on tonal dressing, layering alternative textures together for an outfit that looks ultra-expensive, (even if it’s high street).
LEATHER, WHATEVER THE WEATHER
The Scandi set love their leather. And when it looks this good, can you blame them for wearing it year-round? Thankfully, there’s an abundance of leather and faux-leather pieces in store right now, meaning there’s a trending item to suit everyone’s budget. Start integrating leather into your daily outfits now – whether that’s in the form of a leather skirt for work or a pair of culottes paired with a light knit for the weekend.
We love Charles Keith’s leather hobo bag; it looks well beyond its price point of £59, plus the style transcends the seasons – meaning you’ll be able to wear it come Spring and Summer, too. If you’re looking to treat yourself to a real leather piece, Whistles Panelled Leather Shirt will be a staple in your wardrobe for years. In terms of cost per wear, it’s a no-brainer.
BLAZE(R) OF GLORY
If anyone can work a blazer, it’s a Scandi-influencer. An every-season hero piece, this jacket really comes into its own in Autumn. Invest in a great blazer now, and you’ll wear it non-stop over the next six months – trust us.
Layer yours over a light-knit dress, don matching trousers, wear with jeans and a blouse or emulate Hilda Sandström and make it work for office attire. Na-Kd’s blue faux leather version ticks off two trends in one, while Zara’s tailored style could easily be designer.
LIGHT KNIT ‘FIT
September brings with it so much OOTD potential, but it can be tricky navigating a time when it’s slightly too cold for your Summer dress, but not cool enough for your cosiest jumper. Our saviour in this period of changing temperatures are light, knitted items that can be dressed up or down.
On the streets of Copenhagen, savvy dressers Pernille Teisbaek and Ellie Delphine provided us with inspo on how to wear the trend. Make like Pernille, pairing a light knit with a skirt while it’s warm enough, or swap your Summer dress for a knitted style like Ellie’s. We’ll be stealing her look in & other Stories lilac knit dress.
Whether your budget is high street or high end, there’s something for you. Why not jazz-up a Sunday lunch look by layering a light polo under a slim knitted vest (the hottest look RN). Or, pair COS’ knitted skirt with bare legs and flats for September, adding warmth with tights and boots in the coming months.
LAYER CAKE
One major takeaway from the streets of CPHFW: boy, these fashionistas know how to layer a look. Layering is key to nailing dressing in-between seasons – get it right and you have an abundance of clever outfit combos at your disposal.
If you’re new to the trend, start by adding a sleeveless knitted vest over a white shirt, perfect with jeans or trousers. Feeling bolder? Add your favourite longline light coat over the top, (a trench or mac is ideal). Once you get the hang of it, layering becomes an easy way to nail autumnal style. Plus, it’s the best way to get the most wear out of your Summer dresses.
Try French-tucking a light jumper over your favourite midi dress, creating a skirt and sweater look without buying new. Comfortable, cosy and chic – the height of sartorial sophistication. Mastered the basics? Try Tine Andrea Lauvli’s shirt-under-dress-combo. We love.
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