Copenhagen had been on my bucket list for quite a few years. So when the opportunity to visit presented itself this summer, I jumped at it. I couldn’t wait to eat all the pastries, swim in the harbor baths and embrace the longer days (no joke, it was light out from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.). But I was also curious about the fashion—Copenhagen is known for its effortless Scandi style, as well as its function-forward approach to looking, well, cool. (I also loved pouring over the local designer labels at one of the city’s biggest department stores, Magasin du Nord.) I was there for a week and spent much of my time studying the style. Here are three easy-to-follow fashion rules that all the hip Danish girls abide by.
The 3 Fashion Rules Every Woman in Copenhagen Follows
Neon FTW
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Published Jul 25, 2025
Dasha Burobina/Getty Images
Dasha Burobina/Getty Images
1. Layers Are Life
While the rest of Europe was having a heat wave, Copenhagen was cool as a cucumber (70s and mostly sunny), which meant it was necessary to go from sweater to tee-shirt over the course of the day. Still! Layers in this charming Nordic city aren’t just tied to the weather—they’re all about creativity. For example, the mom I spotted in a Peter Pan collared shirt under a blazer; the woman I passed on a park bench in a fuzzy, colorful pullover sweater with a silk skirt; the college student in a long-sleeve white shirt beneath a puff sleeve floral jacket. It all felt effortlessly stylish, yet intentional.
Dasha Burobina/Getty Images
2. So Is Elevated Athleisure
The thing I loved most about Copenhagen is how easy it is to embrace the outdoors. Everyone bikes—in fact, it often felt like there were more cyclists than cars on the road. And here, athleisure follows suit, for a look that’s functional, but also elegant, tailored. Instead of a basic sweatshirt and baggy leggings, I noticed women emphasizing function, fashion and fit. Think: leggings that were perfectly ankle-length (rather than cropping mid-calf) and paired with a fitted cardigan or bright blazer. Or, as in the photo above, no-nonsense bike shorts with booties and a sweater.
Dasha Burobina/Getty Images
3. When in Doubt, Add a Pop of Neon
On my way to Tivoli Gardens, I walked behind a woman wearing the best-ever neon orange slacks…paired with a gray lululemon-esque jacket and white sneakers. Another playground mom simply carried a bright pink neon purse. I even noticed a few pairs of neon Adidas sneakers (yes, everyone there wears Adidas, much like in New York). In other words, in Copenhagen, neon isn’t trying too hard.
