As Fashion Month kicks off, style takes center stage with industry insiders flocking to fashion capitals worldwide. Whether racing between runway shows and showroom visits or snapping street-style looks and afterparty moments, your outfit becomes part of the experience. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to dress like a local and go beyond the quintessential aesthetics of each fashion capital to uncover its ethos and cultural foundations. From Copenhagen’s cozy hygge to Milan’s regal Sciura looks, London’s preppy edge and Paris’s effortless femininity, discover the origins of these destinations’ iconic styles and more as we share our insight and tips for making them your own. Whether you’re attending the shows or recreating the looks from home, discover international brands, their origins and design ethos, and create a Fashion Week wardrobe that’s both local-approved and uniquely yours. We invite you to embrace the essence of each Fashion Week city with our ultimate guide to styling yourself during Fashion Month.
Dress like a Scandinavian in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is synonymous with all things Scandinavian – minimalism, conscious living and a high quality of life. The pioneering Danish capital’s bi-annual Fashion Week has been gaining momentum for some time now since its launch in 2006. Shows from brands like Ganni, Cecilie Bahnsen and Rotate have put the event on the map, earning global recognition. Today, Copenhagen Fashion Week, the so-called fifth Fashion Week, is a star in its’ own right with collections promoting conscious fashion, bright colors and unusual proportions. Sustainability remains central, with the Sustainability Action Plan launched in 2020 at Copenhagen Fashion Week, setting new standards for the industry. The event attracts a vibrant crowd of influencers and fashion professionals serving signature Copenhagen looks. Read on as we discuss how to dress like a local and what it means to be a fashion lover in this vibrant city.
Copenhagen is a cycling-friendly city where the number of bicycles outnumbers the number of cars. This culture of biking means that locals prioritize comfort and practicality when dressing while never sacrificing style. The weather tends to be on the colder side, with sporadic rain, so layering and waterproof jackets are essential. Hygge, the Danish concept of coziness and comfort, influences social life and home interiors. Think candlelit dinners, warm blankets and intimate gatherings. It’s a cornerstone of how Copenhageners unwind and connect with others. Locals embrace outdoor living and even swimming throughout the year, and waterfront hangout spots like Islands Brygge and Nordhavn Harbor Baths are popular amongst locals.
At LuisaViaRoma, we are lucky to boast a fine array of Danish brands. Ganni, Cecilie Bahnsen and Rotate bring the fun-loving Copenhagen spirit. Sophie Bille Brahe and LIÉ STUDIO provide Danish flair and Scandinavian minimalism for all jewelry lovers. If you want to incorporate some Scandi chic elements in your home, look no further than Tekla, Helle Mardahl and HAY, amongst others. Invite the Danish concept of Hygge into your home your home to create a cozy feeling. The first step is creating cozy, warm lighting with the help of candles and table lamps. Add fun candles, like the set of Mura candles from Ferm Living to candleholders around your living space. For an extra touch, invest in beautiful candle holders that you can reuse for many dinners and relaxed evenings to come. We love the Barrow candle holders from HAY. Incense and scented candles from the likes of UNIFROM and more ignite the senses. Add a dim table lamp to create ambiance, like the stunning Lari table lamp from Karakter. You can never have enough scatter cushions and throws to add lush texture to your home. Christina Lundsteen has beautifully plush pillows, and Ferm Living’s tapestry cotton blankets double as wall art. When it comes to beauty, do it the Scandinavian way – clean and simple. Look for natural products with thoughtful ingredients and conscious and refillable packaging.
Minimalism meets playfulness with the style of dress in Copenhagen. When it comes to dressing like a local in Copenhagen, layering and extraordinary volumes are essential. No one does volume better than Cecilie Bahnsen. The cult Danish brand is known for its whimsical puffy sleeves and ruching. For the more feminine Copenhagen girl, we love the Alma matelassé puff sleeve blouse. For the brave fashion lover, pair it with the Gigi flurry matelassé mini skirt with a giant bow. Balance out the outfit with the signature sleek Camille stud earrings from LIÉ STUDIO and top it off with the minimalist Emma cuff bracelet. For colder weather, opt for a warm and practical bomber jacket that creates intrigue. We love the braid print tech cropped bomber jacket from Rotate, especially when paired with matching pants to create the perfect set. Complete the outfit with a pair of flat shoes that combine practicality and style. You can’t go wrong with the iconic chunky buckle ballerinas from Ganni, whether in denim or leopard print. The ultimate winter accessory that offers warmth and edge is a knit balaclava. The balaclava is perfect for chilly days biking around the city and protects your skin from wind and cold temperatures. For in-between weather, layer shirts, cardigans and blazers (always oversized) with maxi coats and color-pop sneakers. From layered looks to thoughtfully crafted home pieces, Copenhagen’s signature style captures the spirit of Scandinavian living with a playful twist. Whether exploring its fashion or embracing its lifestyle from afar, the Danish capital continues to redefine contemporary codes of dressing.
