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The ‘Copenhagen look’ is a Scandinavian street fashion style loved by ‘cool girls’ worldwide for its effortless yet polished vibe. It’s all about pairing timeless, well-cut pieces with bold colours, playful prints and standout accessories to make an outfit uniquely yours.
Table of Contents:
- What is the Copenhagen Look?
- What are the key elements of Copenhagen street style?
- What colours are popular in Copenhagen fashion?
- How can I make my outfits look effortlessly chic?
- Tip 1: Embrace Oversized Silhouettes
- Tip 2: Master the Art of Layering
- Tip 3: Play with Colour and Print
- Tip 4: Mix High and Low Fashion
- Tip 5: Opt for Comfortable Footwear
- Tip 6: Accessorise with Personality
- Tip 7: The Power of Effortless Hair & Makeup
- Tip 8: Incorporate Sustainable Choices
- Tip 9: Dress for the Everyday
- Tip 10: Confidence is Your Best Accessory
- Shop the Sage x Clare Copenhagen Edit
- Beyond the Basics: Frequently Asked Questions about Copenhagen Style
What is the Copenhagen Look?
The Copenhagen look was born out of Denmark’s enduring design heritage, a culture that has always championed function, quality and simplicity. At its core is a wardrobe of well-cut, versatile pieces built to last, elevated with playful pops of personality and styles comfortable enough for everyday wear.
Its rise is closely tied to the advent of Copenhagen Fashion Week, where Scandi labels like Ganni, Acne Studios and Stine Goya catapulted to fame, helping define the aesthetic by blending practical Nordic dressing with bursts of colour, playful prints and unexpected styling.
The style’s ‘effortless yet polished’ feel also has ties to the Copenhagen lifestyle, think cycling everywhere, braving all seasons outdoors and prioritising comfort without sacrificing individuality. The result is a look that’s as functional as it is fashion-forward, born from a city where minimalism meets joy.
What are the key elements of Copenhagen street style?
The key elements of Copenhagen street style are:
- Timeless basics - Well-tailored pants, an oversized blazer and crisp shirts are the perfect foundation pieces.
- Bold colour - A striking mix of timeless neutrals and vibrant, high-contrast brights.
- Playful prints - From florals and stripes to checks and abstracts, all our favourite motifs make an appearance.
- Practicality - Comfy footwear and easy-wear fabrics are a must.
- A dash of the unexpected - Top it all off with distinctive accessories like a quirky clutch, bows, a vintage find or statement jewellery.
What colours are popular in Copenhagen fashion?
There’s a bit of everything when it comes to colour and Copenhagen style. You’ll see timeless neutrals like navy, beige and camel paired with vibrant brights such as tangerine, fuchsia, emerald and cobalt to bring energy and joy to outfits. Also, unexpected colour pairings, like pink and red or brown and blue, create eye-catching contrasts, keeping things modern and fresh.
How can I make my outfits look effortlessly chic?
We’d suggest investing in quality well-cut basics that fit you perfectly. Tailored pants, classic plain tees, jeans, crisp shirts, a blazer or a trench coat are great pieces to start with. Next, layer on those unexpected touches like colours that don’t traditionally go-together, clashing prints or statement accessories to up the personality and uniqueness. Keep silhouettes relaxed yet refined, choose quality natural fibres that drape beautifully and aim for a balance between comfort and polish.
Want more ways to make your outfits effortlessly chic? Read on for our top 10 style tips to embrace Copenhagen fashion.
Tip 1: Embrace Oversized Silhouettes
Synonymous with comfort and ease, oversized silhouettes are central to achieving the relaxed, modern feel that Copenhagen fashion is known for.
Depending on the fit you desire, consider sizing up one or two sizes in knitwear, tops, shirts, jackets or dresses to get that effortlessly cool oversized drape. When styling oversized pieces, try rolling up your sleeves, French-tucking your top, cinching the waist with a belt or balancing them with tailored items for an extra touch of polish.
Our relaxed-fit knits are a perfect way to inject personality into your look with their vibrant colours and playful prints. Plus they look gorgeous worn oversized when paired with great-fit jeans or tailored high-waisted pants.
Tip 2: Master the Art of Layering
Layers serve a dual purpose in Copenhagen street style: they add warmth and visual interest.
Layer up in unexpected ways by wearing a long-sleeved top under a slip dress, a bomber jacket under a trench coat or a floral blouse that peeks out from under a chunky knit. Also, mix in different textures like denim, leather, wool, cotton or linen, to create depth and contrast, keeping layered looks effortless but elevated.
Our camis and PJ shirts are the ultimate versatile layering pieces, adding fun to any look, and they’re so pretty and comfortable you’ll want to wear them everywhere. On warmer days, try layering a cami or shirt over a tee or bathers, while in cooler weather, style a shirt over a dress or tucked under a trench or blazer.
Tip 3: Play with Colour and Print
Copenhagen style is not afraid of colour and print, moving beyond traditional minimalism.
Probably our favourite aspect of the Copenhagen look is its fearless use of vibrant colour-blocking and pattern clashing. Mix stripes with florals, animal prints with checks, or polka dots with geometrics, the clashier, the better.
If you’d prefer to start small, bring in pattern and colour through your accessory choices. Our scrunchies, clutches, tote bags and woven belts add the perfect hit of colour and personality to any outfit.
Tip 4: Mix High and Low Fashion
Another key facet of mastering Copenhagen style is the effortless ‘high-low’ approach, pairing designer pieces with high street buys or charity shop finds, or mixing traditionally formal pieces with casual items. It’s all about intentionally creating contrasts that keep outfits interesting.
Think a silk slip dress with a denim jacket, a favourite cosy cardigan styled with a designer bag, sporty shorts paired with a feminine blouse or a silk-satin midi skirt topped with a playful pattered sweater.
Tip 5: Opt for Comfortable Footwear
Since cycling is a way of life in Copenhagen, comfy shoes that still look chic are essential to completing any outfit.
For that effortless yet polished look, we love biker boots, ballet flats, shearling lined slides, suede clogs, loafers or classic sneakers. All are versatile staples that work just as well with a floaty dress or maxi skirt as they do with jeans or tailored pants. We love these brushed leather biker boots by Paris Texas and the Naples Loafer Clog by Birkenstock.
Tip 6: Accessorise with Personality
Copenhagen style is all about embracing character and individuality and the best way to do that is with accessories. Think statement bags, clutches, bows, unique jewellery and brooches, hats, scarves and even quirky socks.
In our opinion, a statement belt is unbeatable: it has the power to completely transform an outfit, and because you can wear it season after season, it’s a worthy investment that lasts for years to come. We especially love Dehanche belts for their incredible hardware and attention to detail.
Our patterned tote bags are also an easy way to introduce print and playful personality into your look. Whether styled with simple basics or clashed with other prints, they perfectly capture the casual, cool and expressive spirit of Copenhagen style.
Tip 7: The Power of Effortless Hair & Makeup
No-makeup makeup is our go-to for a Copenhagen street style inspired look.
Keep makeup minimal and fresh-faced. A dewy moisturiser for glow, a sweep of mascara, a dab of cream blush and a hint of lip tint are all you need to look effortlessly put-together. For healthy, glowing skin we love Best Skin Ever by Living Libations for a serious hydration boost.
When it comes to hair, that effortlessly tousled, perfectly undone look is a must. We like loose waves or a messy bun, and using claw clips and scrunchies to add personality without the fuss.
Tip 8: Incorporate Sustainable Choices
At the heart of Copenhagen style is Denmark’s strong commitment to sustainability. It’s about choosing quality over quantity, investing in timeless, well-made pieces that you’ll wear season after season.
The look embraces individuality and reuse, making it the perfect chance to let those vintage treasures and op shop finds shine.
Building your wardrobe with intention means investing in quality pieces crafted from natural fibres that not only look and feel beautiful but also stand the test of time. Choose breathable linen, organic cotton and soft wool to bring comfort and longevity to everyday dressing. We’re all for this slower, more thoughtful approach to style.
Tip 9: Dress for the Everyday
Copenhagen style is about looking good in everyday life, not just dressing up for special occasions. Rooted in practicality and comfort, it’s designed for walking, cycling and moving through day-to-day life with ease.
Embrace relaxed tailoring, versatile dresses and stylish outerwear that feel effortless by day and can be instantly elevated with a bold accessory or elegant shoe for nights out.
Tip 10: Confidence is Your Best Accessory
True Copenhagen style isn’t about following every trend, it’s about confidence and owning your unique look. The magic lies in experimenting, playing with colour, mixing prints and trying unexpected pairings until you discover what feels right for you. Fashion should be fun, expressive and deeply personal, and when you dress with that mindset, you’re already nailing the Copenhagen look.
Shop the Sage x Clare Copenhagen Edit
Ready to bring Copenhagen fashion into your wardrobe? We’ve popped together a list of our favourite pieces and accessories that’ll help you nail the look.
- Versatile floaty dresses
- Playful patterned cotton knits
- Cute tops and blouses
- Vibrant tote bags + clutches
- Textural jackets
- Luxurious lounge sets
Achieving the effortless Copenhagen look comes down to a few key ideas: investing in quality pieces that last, leaning into comfort without sacrificing style, and embracing colour, print and individuality with confidence. It’s about balance, timeless tailoring mixed with playful details, practicality blended with personality. At Sage x Clare, these values are woven into everything we create, from premium natural fibres to bold patterns and expressive designs that feel as good as they look.
At the end of the day, style isn’t about following rules; it’s about finding joy in what you wear, experimenting fearlessly and owning the look that feels most like you.