Out of all the fashion weeks, Copenhagen is the one I most look forward to. I’ve been a few times as part of a previous job I had and compared to London (I haven’t been to the other cities’ fashion weeks so I can’t speak for them), it was always so much calmer, more relaxed and less peacock-y. It’s been a few years since I last went but I’ve always got my eye on what they’re doing and what comes out of the shows.
This season was a particularly interesting one, as heavyweight Ganni stepped aside and took themselves off the bill, opting to fund up-and-coming Danish designers instead. A move I very much commend for a brand that could easily dominate CPHFW - instead, they’re making space for new talent and building up their community. Copenhagen is also an interesting one to watch because they have a genuine commitment to making their brands - and fashion week - more sustainable.
All of that aside, I love the form and function of Danish design and always find that what comes out of their seasonal collections is so much more wearable than we see at the other fashion weeks (at least for my budget). This season, there was even more of that. A lot of the collections had a certain sensibility to them, with a lot of the clothes less trend-driven and more in line with what a lot of us actually wear day-to-day - and in autumn/winter, that means big coats, scarves and gloves.
Beyond the beautiful clothing, there were a few small styling tips and tricks I picked up on when I was catching up on all the shows. Subtle tweaks that made a huge difference to a look but are easy to replicate at home. And the best bit? I know I can start taking inspiration from these and style in the same way now, with pieces I already own.
Shirts over rollnecks at Lovechild 1979
This is by no means a ‘new’ way to style a button-down shirt in winter. It’s been a tried and tested way of getting more out of your lighter shirts in the colder months way before this - and has been one of my go-to layering hacks this winter in particular. But what I will take from this look is the slightly different way of wearing the shirt: Loose and out of the trousers, rather than tucked in which is my usual preference at this time of year, and with just the first few buttons done up, leaving the detail of the trousers’ waistband peeking through. I also love the tonal mix of this outfit, blending chocolate brown, black and cream perfectly.
Brooches at Skall Studio
True to form, Skall Studio’s AW24 collection was full of neutral tones, practical pieces that were beautiful in their simplicity, and thick knitwear that will see anyone through a harsh Danish winter. But there was one small styling element that was incorporated into a lot of its looks: A large silver brooch pinned onto blazers, knitted vests and, like here, jumpers that have been fashioned into makeshift scarves. It adds a subtle yet impactful touch of style that is useful (in this case) and immediately draws the eye. It’s inspired me to dig into my jewellery box, find my old brooches and start pinning.