Although the major ready-to-wear fashion shows don’t kick off until next month, we don’t have to wait empty-handed until then for street style inspiration. There are plenty of up and coming events that attract fashion fanatics who display an alluring array of clothes. Unfortunately, these street scenes all too often take the back seat to those of larger functions. Copenhagen Fashion Week is usually a prime example of this case, but the flock of well-dressed attendees draped in geometric patterns, denim on denim ensembles, and long loose-fitting garments at the recent Copenhagen Spring 2016 runway showings have proven that the fashion in this city is deserving of worldwide praise. Over the course of a short three-day schedule, those gathered at the Danish capital’s runway venues broke fashion barriers. They showed off their distinctly Scandinavian affinity for minimalism mixed with glamour, which surely captured my attention. So here are my picks for the most memorable street style looks at Copenhagen Fashion Week that will hopefully give you some outfit inspiration.
Copenhagen Fashion Week is different from the rest because it allows those who aren’t in the fashion industry to join in on the fun of street parties and fashion-related film screenings. This open invitation offers room for diversity, and eclectic Denmark locals as well as distant visitors feel free to walk the streets with their exciting and refreshingly unconventional attire. The look above is one that exhibits all types of quirkiness. First, the dress this fashion week guest is wearing adopts two of the strongest trends for Fall/Winter 2015-2016: Bold ruffles and long sleeves with sheer variations. Her light pink fluffy clutch handbag and matching Chuck Taylor All Star high top sneakers bring a playful element to the outfit while it still appears put together. Her accessories are kept to a minimal, which is beneficial in this case since it prevents the outfit from looking overdone. Also, the fact that the entire look is color-coordinated gives a more cohesive presentation.
This trio seems to have found comfort in their style, and I mean literally. Amidst the pool of prints and dramatic silhouettes, there were a handful of those who decided to place comfort and simplicity as their priority when dressing up. It’s likely that they might have followed in the footsteps of influential fashion designers like Malene Birger who are fond of the same concept and frequently displayed it on the runway during Fashion Week. The ladies above are all wearing neutral colors, but the varying textures of their clothing pieces are striking enough to draw attention on their own. The outfit on the right is made up of a light color palette, but the pairing of fringe with fringe somewhat lessens the romantic vibe provided by the white and baby pink shades and gives it a little more edge. Next the middle look has a sharper and “boy meets girl” aspect to it because of its attention to detail and combination of a cropped lightweight turtleneck and loose bottoms with a leather jacket that is tomboyish. The silky textures that make up the majority of the outfit on the far left accentuate the fit of the clothing more than anything else. The effortless yet neat fit also draws attention to the simple gold accessories. Oversized dark sunglasses and a small clutch are optional in a minimalist look, but there is no denying that they add a little spark. In the end, what we all can take from this group of three is maybe less is more after all.
Mixing and matching colors in an outfit is far from being a new idea. It’s been around forever, but this doesn’t mean that when we see someone pull if off correctly, we’ll just ignore it. Take this look for instance. There were many fashionistas walking around City Hall and other venues during Copenhagen Fashion Week that absolutely mastered the art of color mixing. However, I consider this ensemble to be my favorite of them all. I appreciate how she managed to keep the the primary pop of color in the same family without making the repetition of the color red seem uninteresting. She applies this same rule to her white bag and sneakers for additional cohesion. The graphic design on her sweater does all the talking for this outfit as it suggests that this look is meant to be playful and fun. This type of statement piece is also a comfortable item turned fashionable that will surely stick around for the upcoming seasons.
This neutral-meets-vibrant outfit is rebellious in every possible way. When we think of metallics, we often think of evening wear. However, this is one of those rules that is meant to be broken. In this outfit pictured above, subtlety is key. Her metallic green skinny jeans contribute to the glamorous quality of this look. It includes just the right amount of metallic tones that perfectly balance with the white blouse and black belt. Notice how the ruffles that grace her top serve as detailing that polishes up the look, a trend which I mentioned before is becoming increasingly popular. Her burgundy high heel sandals and her brown vintage-inspired shoulder bag are unexpected pieces, but this is what makes this out-of-the box co-ord amazing. It is representative of the overall atmosphere of Copenhagen Fashion Week, which was supportive of taking risks with clothing choices and realizing that there are certain times when rules don’t need to be applied.
Almost every trend seen in the streets of Copenhagen in a matter of only three days. One of the trends that was all the rage was loose-fitting clothing. The hunt for clothes with a less secured fit can be connected to the reemergence of boho chic fashion styles. Bohemian-inspired styles include wide-leg pants that have a more relaxed fit, like those pictured above. This option supports the quick and comfortable purpose of the look as a whole, and the adorable belted ribbon makes the outfit seem refined and simple. The slouchy knit sweater, which is a must-have for anyone trying to achieve a bohemian aesthetic, provides an earthy feel. Her sandals are light and are a great addition to this laid-back look, but they are still on the elegant side. Her chunky chain necklace is made for layering since it immediately brightens up the rest of her ensemble. Overall, not only does this boho chic look carefully incorporate a modern update, but it is also slightly whimsical and a freestyle combination of different fashion styles.
My personal favorite street style looks from this past Copenhagen Fashion Week offer a lot of insight into Denmark’s fashion scene that isn’t heavily publicized. As you can see, many fashion rebels and trendsetters hail from Copenhagen and many of the capital’s local labels are still on the rise. I’m certain we’ll be hearing about these designers and brands at an international level very soon.
What was your favorite street style look at Copenhagen Fashion Week? Would you travel to the Danish capital to experience this event for yourself? I hope you gained some street style outfit inspiration, and I’ll talk to you soon!