10 Copenhagen Fashion Styles I’m Copying, From $29

I’ve never really nailed effortless European style, despite having lived there for a year. I’m a creature of comfort, and I’ll opt for cozy sweaters and tops, stretchy pants, and casual sneakers no matter where I’m headed. I was a little apprehensive about my travel wardrobe when I planned a trip to Copenhagen last month, knowing how stylish the Danish city is. I cobbled together a somewhat acceptable assortment of clothes—wide-leg pants, versatile tees, cardigans, and my trusty platform Adidas sneakers—and I succeeded at my main priority: staying dry and warm in the chilly, rainy early fall weather. 

However, I picked up tons of Copenhagen fashion tips simply by observing the locals, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn’t nearly as intimidating as I expected it to be. Rather, Danish style checks the same boxes as my own personal style ethos: comfort and practicality are top priorities, just with a little more intentionality than what I typically go for. I’ve rounded up 10 style tips I picked up from my three-day trip to Copenhagen, including the edgy black boots I spotted everywhere, a reliable trench coat, and more, with items starting at $29.

Best Copenhagen Style Picks Overall

Rothy’s The Max Buckle Mary Jane

Rothy’s

The single fashion item that stood out to me the most from my trip was a pair of red Mary Janes worn by a person on the bus, adorned with edgy gold hardware. These Rothy’s flats look similar, and I love that they sport the brand’s signature machine-washable knit and cushioned insole for all-day comfort. I’m a minimalist packer, so I can see myself adding these shoes to my suitcase as a versatile option for dressier occasions and casual sightseeing days, instantly making a basic outfit pop.

Gap 365 High-rise Pleated Trousers

Gap

These wide-leg trousers from Gap were one of the few items I brought that I felt actually fit in well with the locals. They checked the Copenhagen boxes of simple and casual yet polished, and I loved that they were comfortable enough for all-day wear. I wore them on my jam-packed last full day in the city, which started in line at Skt. Peders Bageri for pastries and ended with a concert at the cool warehouse venue, Poolen. In between, I clocked 22,000 steps, checking off some tourist attractions like Rosenborg Castle and the Little Mermaid statue. The medium-weight fabric kept me comfortable—not too hot or cold—and I loved how the drapey fit looked. I’m convinced I need a few more pairs while they’re on sale for $54.

Quince Weatherproof Rain Trench Coat

Quince

One item I desperately wish I had packed was a water-resistant trench coat for my trip. We took a three-hour walking tour one morning in an absolute downpour (huge shoutout to our guide Jens, who braved the rain with us). While the only coat I packed, a denim jacket, didn’t get soaked (thanks to my umbrella), it certainly was damp. I’m taking a tip from the Danes and finally investing in a stylish trench coat, which I spotted across the city. I love this long coat from Quince and how it looks more fashionable than the traditional trench; the cinched waist will keep it from swallowing you whole, and the mesh fabric allows for airflow when it’s rainy but not necessarily cold. The length will also keep most of your outfit dry, ideally for particularly wet days.

Dream Pairs Knee-high Boots

Amazon

Another footwear trend I spotted everywhere in Copenhagen was big, clunky black boots. This excited me, since my go-to fall and winter shoe choice for years has been a pair of black combat boots or Chelsea boots. After my trip, I was inspired to elevate my style a bit, and I thrifted a pair of knee-high boots similar to this pair from Amazon. With a side zipper for easy on and off, and a slip-resistant lug sole, these boots are practical yet will add personality to any outfit, whether it’s a sweater dress or a cute mini skirt and tights.

Hdlte Baggy Wide-leg Jeans

Amazon

I was surprised by how casually people dressed in Copenhagen—yet they never looked sloppy. Baggy jeans, like this wide-leg pair from Amazon, were a popular choice, intentionally styled with button-down shirts, oversized sweaters, or a boxy top and a cropped jacket. I personally love the baggy jeans resurgence, and I’m always reaching for my favorite pair of Nasty Gal jeans I thrifted last year. After my trip, I’m definitely stocking up on a few more pairs, including these baggy jeans that Amazon shoppers say are “very stylish, comfy, and good quality.” I love this dark wash, as well as this cool brown that’s perfect for fall.

YKR Cropped Quilted Jacket

Amazon

I didn’t know how popular quilted jackets were in Scandinavia before my trip, but after seeing such interesting patterns and colors throughout Copenhagen, I know it’s a style I want in my fall wardrobe. I always struggle to find the right jacket for transitional weather, but this cropped quilted coat is the perfect layer. It’s not too heavy, yet it provides enough warmth, and it’s easily shed and carried around if it gets too hot due to its lightweight design. Mostly, though, I’m in love with the personality that a top layer like this adds to an outfit. This dark pink floral number is gorgeous, but this blue paisley jacket also caught my eye. For $36, I may just have to get both.

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Oversized Crewneck Sweater

Quince

After living in England for a year, I learned the art of the cozy sweater. And having experienced similar overcast, drizzly weather while I was in Copenhagen, I totally understood why so many Danes around me wore cozy knits, just like in the U.K. A neutral sweater, like Quince’s Mongolian cashmere oversized sweater, is the ultimate capsule wardrobe staple. I could wear it with a collared shirt or tee underneath for easy layering, and pair it with everything from the aforementioned baggy jeans or trousers to a maxi skirt or mini skirt with tights and knee-high boots. It captures the signature Scandinavian minimalist aesthetic that works wonders with anything in your closet.

Everlane The Must-have Shirt in Silky Cotton

Everlane

I’ve mentioned a button-down collared shirt a few times now, so it’s no surprise that this is yet another wardrobe workhorse I saw all over Copenhagen—and need to add to my closet. While I have a white button-down shirt, it lacks the polish of this silky number from Everlane, which aligns with the Scandi casual-yet-elevated look. This top has a drapey fit, so it won’t swallow you whole (the way my current button-down does), and the 100 percent cotton will be soft and smooth against your skin.

Y2k Knit Cardigan T-shirt Short-sleeve Crop top

Amazon

Speaking of knits, your sweater collection doesn’t have to be limited to a classic pullover; this cropped, short-sleeve cardigan is a great example. People in Copenhagen really took advantage of layers, and I can see there being plenty of opportunity with a top like this, which you could wear buttoned up on its own or layered over a tee or long-sleeve. The oversized, short-sleeve fit means it can work well from fall through spring, and when you live somewhere with unpredictable weather, it will quickly become a wardrobe staple.

Free People Glow Up Faux Suede Pants

Nordstrom

Okay, so I may not have seen suede pants all over the city, but I did see people experimenting with textures, patterns, and other interesting pieces of clothing to add depth to even an ordinary outfit. So, I’m eyeing these Free People pants in a trendy chocolate hue for fall. They would be an easy way to add some flair to any outfit, even if I just pair them with a white T-shirt and sneakers. 

If I learned anything from my trip to Copenhagen, it’s that fashion is what you make of it—so go ahead and take a risk, whether it’s as simple as swapping a pair of pants for something a little more daring or going all out with a head-to-toe look. 

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