What to pack for Copenhagen

The Danish capital is fast becoming one the of the most admired cities on the fashion scene, with CPHFW a staple in every fashion editor’s calendar, both in January for the summer collections and August for winter. During these weeks, the city’s streets will be filled with fashionistas and the street style game will pitch up a notch. Danish dressers are much more conscious of the weather and the practicality of cobbled streets than the more established fashion week locals can be.

They know how to layer, and how to wear one outfit all day and night, without a dash back to the hotel for a full change. Being warm doesn’t mean fleeces and tracksuits layering is done in experimental and cool ways. Skiing thermals can be worn under floral dresses, or wide-leg trousers under voluminous skirts. A contrast is key to confident Copenhagen style. Here is my guide of what to be seen in this season. To look extremely cool in the extreme cold.

The coat

When packing to go on holiday I can’t bear the idea of taking up precious case space with a coat. On every trip, the coat I travel in is the one I’m consigned to everyday, so picking which one makes the cut is an important decision. It needs to be versatile enough that I feel comfortable wearing it to dinner, whilst also warm enough to stop me complaining when outside. In Copenhagen, the weather sits around zero for the whole of January and February, so insulation is non-negotiable.

Another element to remember is space. I love a coat that has enough room around the shoulders for a thick knit, or even a blazer underneath. This season cult neutral tone French brand, The Frankie Shop, has made fur coats reminiscent of Gwyneth Paltrow’s character Margot in the Wez Anderson’s the Royal Tenenbaums which bring real main character energy to any wearer, the perfect confident touch to any Copenhagen look. Accessorise with a brooch or skinny scarf.

The winter warmers

Accessories can be the lynch pin that ties any outdoor look together, and in Copenhagen with many of its most visitable sights exposed to the elements (The Little Mermaid statue, the Tivoli gardens, Nyhavn harbour and so on), they are small but mighty additions to the packing list. Scarves that can be draped and knotted in a myriad of ways and even secured under the chin to create nanny-chic headdresses are a fun way to bring diversity to the same coat over several days. Les 100 Ciels camel cashmere blanket scarf is the perfect neutral, and can double as a blanket on the plane.

Clever layering

This season, layering is not only a trend seen on the catwalks in Milan at Dolce and Gabbana, and in Paris at Miu Miu, but increasingly on the street style set outside the shows. Done well, it is the ultimate stamp of packing prowess, done badly can leave you waddling around all day with jumpers piled over arms and unwanted thermals stuffed into pockets. I like to wear Uniqlo’s Heat Tech as a base, especially their cashmere leggings under jeans and their striped base layer tops. They are thin but very effective. On top, I might wear a short sleeve knitted tee, like this from Bombard, or this brocaded La Double J top for a fun lunch to bar look.

Packing a co-ord is another hack for space-saving, easily three looks with two pieces by swapping in jeans or a knit on alternate days. I also layer trousers under skirts and dresses, to add volume and style and a needed safety net on windy days.

The day-to-night bag

As a seasoned sightseer and Fashion Week attendee, I rarely have time to return to my hotel to refresh my outfit/make-up /social battery. Finding a bag that can see you through the day without being cumbersome and stress-inducing, but still chic enough for sitting in a booth at Cafe Intime, is a must. No backpacks or bumbags allowed. I go for bags which have detachable or multi-use straps so that I can wear them cross body, top handle or as a clutch. Aspinal’s Hudson bag ticks all these boxes. Patent options are a smart evening choice – they glisten in candle light and the glossy leather is much more durable than softer materials for day to day wear and tear.

The wash bag

Copenhagen beauty is in general very pared back, with an emphasis on natural make-up and great skin. Multi-use products are on brand and are convenient space-savers too. I swear by anti-pollution serums when I’m in cities, and P20’s Urban Shield with SPF50 really fits the bill when it comes to multi-use products, as does Chanel’s Glowstick, which can be used to add a gentle sheen to eyes, cheeks and lips. For a midday pep, I love Omorovicza’s facial mist. It has a hint of neroli and skin-protecting properties that can revive any tired face.