While there’s no wrong time to escape to the beach with no responsibilities, some of us crave a more adventurous experience — one that allows us to explore cities we’ve only admired from afar. This was certainly true during my recent four-day jaunt to Copenhagen, a city I’ve long bookmarked for style inspiration and joyfully exuberant mood boards. Thanks to the hospitality of footwear brand Kizik, I navigated this enchanting metropolis without compromising my personal style or my desire to embrace Scandinavian fashion trends.
With an impressive daily average of 10,500 steps logged — no small feat for a native New Yorker — my days were filled with vibrant activities, from bike tours to leisurely boating excursions and those exhilarating multi-hour vintage shopping sprees.
Dining along the Langelinie promenade, savoring lunch in the city’s heart, and sipping rooftop cocktails with views of iconic sites like Tivoli Gardens formed the backdrop for my adventure. Throughout my trip, I keenly considered both Danish design principles and my carefully curated collection of outfits inspired by previous Copenhagen Fashion Weeks.
As I prepped for my journey, packing became an exercise in strategy. I opted for a selection of versatile pieces that felt true to my style and could be mixed and matched easily. This streamlined approach kept my luggage light — essential for any trip where retail therapy is a priority. My hunt for unique, secondhand treasures led me to The NY Archive and L’Aquila Vintage, two of my favorite online haunts for standout pieces that exude character.
My wardrobe for Denmark included lightweight silky sets, adaptable denim, essential tailored T-shirts, and stylish footwear and accessories. While I love making bold statements through my clothing, maintaining an effortless vibe is always my ultimate goal — and this trip was no exception.
Now, let’s delve into the outfits that elevated my exploration of Copenhagen.
### Easy Breezy Sets
Few things are more gratifying than an elevated matching set that appears far more thoughtful than it really is. I enjoyed wearing a stunning blue-and-floral Isabel Marant ensemble I found at L’Aquila Vintage, complemented by a light yet bold jacket that kept me cozy during the evenings. My trusty Balenciaga Le Cagole bag and Steve Madden boots added a touch of New York edge to the look.
### Bike-Friendly Layering
A visit to Copenhagen wouldn’t be complete without a bike tour, so I ensured my outfit was both comfortable and stylish. I chose Henne jeans, a boxy white T-shirt, and my Kizik Vegas 2 sneakers for maximum ease. To introduce a splash of Scandinavian flair, I layered a sheer, glittery tulle mini dress underneath. Accessories by Marlynn Schiff and Mango, along with sporty Ksubi sunglasses, transformed this simple ensemble into something far more eye-catching.
### Playful Print Mixing
Danish brands like Ganni and Stine Goya excel at playful pattern mixing, echoing a delightful chaos that often results in stylish ensembles. I threw myself into this trend by pairing a striped mini dress sourced from Philadelphia’s At My House boutique with a stunning hand-painted vintage Armani jacket. The resulting optical illusion made for a captivating two-piece outfit, topped off with my new Longchamp East/West shoulder bag and Irina Apfel x Selima Optique sunglasses for that final flourish.
### Sporty Scandi Chic
On a day dedicated to visiting food markets and shopping, comfort was my primary concern. Rather than opting for a single dress, I layered two frilly pieces for added dimension, finishing the look with an old Reebok windbreaker to guard against the unpredictable Danish weather. Kizik’s Monaco sneakers infused a hint of “gorpcore” style while ensuring hours of comfortable walking.
### Statement-Making Separates
I always pack a few statement separates to accommodate last-minute outfit changes while maintaining a sense of intention. This time, I included patterned trousers and an eye-catching outerwear option. My Just Cavalli metallic leopard-print jeans paired effortlessly with an Armani Collezioni sweater jacket from L’Aquila Vintage, ultimately becoming my favorite look of the trip. Striking separates are a fashion editor’s best friend, after all.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the outfits that not only designed my days but also colored my explorations in the vibrant city of Copenhagen.
