11 Takeaways from Copenhagen Fashion Week Street Style

When I got back from Copenhagen Fashion Week last week, I was buzzing with inspiration from the runways—but I also couldn’t wait to recreate some of the looks on display outside of the shows. The city is known as a hub of Scandi style, and each season draws more and more editors, stylists, buyers, and journalists who can’t wait to see the collections for themselves.

This time around, the not-to-be-missed runway moments including Cecilie Bahnsen’s 10-year anniversary celebration, a Caro Editions show inspired by founder Caroline Bille Brahe, and the swimming diver who opened up the OpéraSPORT show at an indoor community pool.

And at every show, attendees were sporting their current-season best. There were funky pencil skirts (reminding us how much we love evening pieces as summer daywear) and headscarves galore in the form of both silky scarves and crochet wraps. Plus, of course, almost everyone wore flip-flops—either Havianas-esque rubber flats or leather heeled versions.

Below, find inspiration and shop the key trends from Copenhagen’s best street-style looks.

1. Lace

There’s something so chicly ironic about boudoir dressing for daytime. Opposites always attract, whether you’re wearing a lace-trim camisole under a top with the hem peeking out or a lace dress under a sporty anorak.

2. Bike Dressing

In Copenhagen, locals take bikes just about everywhere. As my driver told me, the roads belong to the bicycles! Many showgoers took advantage of the (mostly) beautiful weather and literally rolled up to events on two wheels. Of course, there’s an art to dressing for a bike ride. Cue sporty capris that let you move with ease, but still look polished and tailored. Add sunglasses, a quaint top that feels on-theme for Denmark, and a practical-yet-stylish phone holder, and you’re all set.

3. Balloon Pants

Big pant energy took over the streets of Copenhagen, and with good reason! The breezy balloon shape offers a couture-like silhouette, but they still feel totally relaxed. It’s all about proportions with this look; try pairing them with draped tops and cinching them at the waist via a belt or a jacket. To finish things off, a dramatic yet subtle shoe choice—like a pointed flat, a key-hole kitten heel, or aloafer mule—seemed to be the most popular option.

4. Funky Pencil Skirts

Skirts bedecked with mirrors, palettes, or floral motifs can add charm to an outfit when you’re out and about in the summertime. Juxtapose the statement on the bottom with a sporty cropped parka or knit polo (like the Zankov one above!) on top, or lean all the way in with a floral brooch tank top (like the viral one from Tory Burch.) These work best with summer shoes like flip-flops or mule heels, but for a transitional look, loafers are always a classic.

5. Tassel Necklaces

Tassels are everywhere right now, especially when it comes to necklaces. I love how they offer a “final touch” feeling to any outfit, not unlike what they do for interiors. The contrasting cord and fringe pop against a white dress or button-down shirt and dress up a staple white tank top. Less is more with these necklaces, so it’s best to take an otherwise minimal approach and let them do all the talking.

6. Dress Over Pants

We’ve seen more and more street style stars wearing dresses over pants (or, in the summertime, shorts—as seen on stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson above). In Copenhagen, showgoers made the Y2K-era look feel entirely new with whimsical minis in subdued black or white paired with contrasting bottoms. Try a classic pair of distressed, Bermuda-length jean shorts with a black dress, or unconventional brown jeans with a white puff-sleeved dress. Either way, a flip-flop ties the look together.

7. Polka Dots

This is truly the summer of polka dots—we’re seeing the graphic print everywhere. In Copenhagen, showgoers wore the print in every possible way, from head-to-toe dots to more subtle looks. If you’re nervous about how to approach the trend, go with one piece, like a skirt, and balance it with a neutral piece like a utility barn jacket. Or lean into the trend by way of an accessory, like a polka-dotted headscarf or bag.

8. Minimal Daywear Separates

Many showgoers made the case for an effortlessly chic minimalist look. A black midi skirt, classic white button-down, simple flats, and a wishlist shoulder bag (like the Alaïa Le Teckel that Mona Tougaard toted around all week) are really all you need, although a trench coat is helpful in a city like Copenhagen where it rains from time to time. I know mine came in handy on one of the show days!

9. Stripes

Stripes are classic, and there are so many ways to style them! Outside of shows there were stripes almost everywhere, in the most joyous mixed-and-matched colorways. Whether you lean all the way like street style maven Chloe King or break up your stripes with other neutral separates, this nostalgic pattern always makes a statement. Add some kitsch with a crochet headpiece or silky bandana or ballet-esque sneakers (the viral Puma Speedcats were a favorite.)

10. Flip Flops

In the summer, there’s nothing better than relaxing somewhere shoes-optional, but if you have to be working, wearing flip flops is the next best thing. More people than not were wearing thong sandals all week long in Copenhagen—either leather ones with a heel or flat rubber ones from Havianas or The Row. (I’ve never seen more of the viral, sold-out Dune style in one place at one time!)

11. Crochet Headpieces

While bandanas might be the accessory of summer, Copenhagen show-goers gave the look an artisanal twist. Crochet headpieces, including fitted hats and bandana styles, were everywhere. These dainty headpieces are the perfect way to make a minimalist sleeveless dress feel a little more done, or to add more texture to a fringe-skirt look.