15 Copenhagen-inspired Capsule Wardrobe Styles to Pack

I started traveling by visiting Europe with my family as a child, and later, I studied abroad in Barcelona. Since becoming a travel journalist almost 10 years ago, I’ve visited Europe on assignment far too many times to count. I’ve always been drawn to European fashion for its effortless elegance and emphasis on quality and craftsmanship. I consider myself a basics girl, favoring timeless neutral-toned pieces to fleeting trends. On a recent trip to Copenhagen, the local style inspired me to create a capsule wardrobe that embodies minimalist fashion and versatility to outlast any trend.

This was my first time visiting Copenhagen, and I spent a week exploring the city’s different neighborhoods. I immediately noticed how simplified and pared down the fashion is. Most people I spotted wore quality basics that can be mixed and matched and seamlessly blend from day to evening. While colors are embraced, neutral colors are popular with oversized silhouettes. 

Whether you’re visiting Copenhagen or want to create a capsule travel wardrobe that will withstand the test of time, here are 15 pieces to inspire your style.

Fashion Essentials for Copenhagen

Button-down Striped Shirt

There’s something about a classic striped button-down shirt that instantly evokes vacation vibes, and fortunately, Danish fashion embraces the look. The nautical colors remind me of summer and go well with almost any neutral-colored trousers. I prefer a loose fit in the front, and I tuck the shirt into tailored trousers or fitted denim and wear them with sneakers or flats. For a more polished evening look, try tucking this blouse into loose white pants. You can even add a black, brown, or white belt as an accent piece.   

Veja Campo Sneakers

I easily walk over 10,000 steps a day when I’m in Europe, so I need comfortable shoes that won’t give me blisters and can handle Europe’s cobblestone streets. I packed these Veja sneakers and luckily, spotted locals wearing them too. The chunky sole makes them fashionable yet comfortable at the same time, and they come in different colors to match your style. It’s the perfect sneaker for long travel days and exploring a city on foot. The low-top style is versatile and can be paired with casual jeans and a white tee or a long dress for the evening. 

I also love that these Veja shoes are made entirely from recycled plastic bottles and recycled polyester. Sustainability is a big part of Danish culture, so it’s no surprise that I saw plenty of locals sporting this brand, which is committed to being a socially and environmentally responsible company.

Amazon Essentials V-neck T-shirt 

A basic white T-shirt is the foundation of every capsule wardrobe, and it captures Copenhagen’s effortless and minimalist style. Locals layer them with blazers and cardigans, or pair them with wide-leg jeans and sneakers for a casual everyday look. These Amazon V-neck T-shirts are super soft, made of cotton modal blend jersey, so they have a little bit of stretch. It’s an essential wardrobe item, and, with a few accessories, it can seamlessly transition from cycling and coffee dates in the morning to hygge-filled gatherings in the evening. 

Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide-leg Jean

Wide-legged jeans embody the quintessential Scandinavian look—barrel jeans, baggy wide-leg, or flared jeans are all game in Copenhagen. I noticed a lot of locals wearing the high-rise style, like these Madewell jeans, in order to elongate the leg and give the appearance of a longer lower body. Plus, it provides more coverage in the midsection area. I like to pair wider leg jeans with a cropped tee, tank top, or tucked-in button-down to balance out the silhouette.

Open Edit Icon Trousers

I’ve always been loyal to my skinny jeans (it’s the millennial in me), but after seeing the wide-leg trouser trend all over Copenhagen and how they were effortlessly styled without looking frumpy, I decided to give it a try. These Open Edit wide-legged trousers are true to size and so comfortable you might need more than one color in your closet. They’re machine washable, so they’re easy to care for, and they feature an elastic band waist that can be forgiving. Open Edit is also considered one of Nordstrom’s Responsible Brands, which means the brand adheres to social and environmental practices, a core value for Danish people. 

Ruched Bodycon Dress

Copenhagen’s nightlife scene is more laidback and casual, so you can wear jeans and sneakers almost everywhere. That said, in a city known for Michelin-starred restaurants, a few restaurants and venues have a dress code. I went to Epicurus, a new jazz club that opened in the old medieval town, and it’s considered an upscale venue in Copenhagen that requires a casual but elegant dress code. Women were dressed to impress with black cocktail or maxi dresses paired with stylish flats or heels, while men were wearing button-down shirts with sport coats and dark-washed jeans or pants. 

This black sleeveless dress is made of stretchy, breathable material, and it’s machine washable for easy care. The ruched detailing on the side makes it flattering for all body types, and it has a slit in the back for some flair. It’s a classy dress that can be worn on many occasions, coming in various colors such as khaki, coffee, and dark grey. It features a high neckline, so I like to pair it with gold statement earrings and strappy heels.

Caslon Cotton Trench Coat

Copenhagen can experience rain any time of the year, especially in August, so packing a light trench coat is key to staying prepared for unpredictable weather. Plus, a tan or khaki trench coat is one of the hallmarks of any capsule wardrobe. This light outerwear piece can be worn across all seasons, whether layered over jeans or trousers, or paired with casual jeans. The double-breasted button closure coat comes with a removable belt and belted cuffs, which elevate any outfit. It’s an investment piece that you can pack for all your travels, and it anchors your wardrobe year-round.

Sojo Small Round Sunglasses

Every wardrobe needs a reliable pair of everyday sunnies, and these round Sojo sunglasses are effortlessly cool and durable enough to handle light wear and tear. They come in various colors like tortoise, clear, and green, and the polarized lens helps block out 99.9 percent of UV rays. I tend to lose sunglasses during my travels, so I prefer not to break the bank; I love that these are only $16! Your purchase includes a pouch, a cleaning microfiber wipe, and a box to protect the glasses while you travel.

Woven Mesh Square Toe Ballet Flats

These ballet flats were the “It Girl” shoes in Copenhagen—I saw them everywhere! They are both chic and comfortable, made of breathable mesh fabric. I love the adjustable buckle detail for an added touch of femininity. Plus, they are lightweight and compact enough that they don’t take up a lot of luggage space. They’re also quite versatile and can be paired with jeans or a long, flowy dress.   

One Shoulder One-piece Bathing Swimsuit

In Copenhagen, saunas play a big part in Danish culture, so keeping a bathing suit handy is a smart move. One afternoon, I had lunch at La Banchina, a charming vegetarian and seafood spot that leads out into the harbor. The restaurant also features a sauna in the garden, allowing guests to alternate between taking a refreshing swim in the harbor and enjoying a steam session before or after a delicious meal.

This modest one-piece features a one-sided adjustable keyhole strap and removable pads, and it’s fully lined. The ruching on the midsection offers support, and it comes in 32 different colors and prints. With over 3,400 five-star ratings, Amazon shoppers rave about this suit. One person said, “The suit was incredibly flattering and true to size. It was also very comfortable, and the color matched the photo exactly. I feel like the quality-to-price ratio was perfect.”

Quince Italian Abrasivato Leather Shoulder Bag

When it comes to handbags, the Danes (and I) prefer classic options that aren’t flashy or emblazoned with designer logos. I like a timeless piece that I can wear for years to come. This structured shoulder bag is made of 100 percent Italian leather and has a hidden magnetic closure to keep your personal items from falling out. It also has a subtle sheen that adds an elevated touch, making it easy to transition seamlessly from day to night. Plus, it’s spacious enough to hold your essentials, like your phone, wallet, sunglasses, and more, without being bulky.

Dolce Vita Platform Boots

Chunky platform boots are all the rage in Copenhagen because they’re versatile, stylish, and practical for navigating uneven cobblestone streets. These Dolce Vita leather slip-on boots have a 2.25-inch heel that adds just the right amount of lift for all-day comfort and better arch support. They’re functional and offer a contemporary and polished look, and they’re even on sale for under $100, which is hard to beat for boots that you’ll wear over and over again. 

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater 

Cashmere sweaters were a common sight throughout Copenhagen, because they can be worn so many different ways: wear them with jeans, layered over tees, or paired with a long skirt. A high-quality cashmere piece is like an old friend: dependable and always makes you feel your best. This Quince cashmere sweater features ribbed cuffs and is crafted from 100 percent Mongolian cashmere, which is designed to resist pilling, feels soft to the touch, and is sustainably sourced. One shopper said, “This sweater is super soft but still feels really well-made, and it keeps its shape perfectly after washing. It’s one of those pieces you’ll throw on all the time and never get tired of.” With over 21,000 reviews, many of which include shoppers raving about the quality and price, you might want to stock up on a few colors you can wear year-round. 

Lightweight Silk Scarf 

While Copenhagen fashion leans towards minimalism, I did notice the use of accessories to dress up an outfit. Scarves were used in a variety of ways, including as belts and hair accessories, adding a pop of color to your outfit. This lightweight silk scarf is a versatile piece that can be worn around a ponytail or added to a purse for a fun, colorful flair.

Quince Cashmere Baseball Hat

If you wear a baseball hat, make it look chic. This cashmere hat takes sporty style into luxe territory with its ultra-soft Mongolian cashmere and classic neutral hues. It’s sherpa-lined, which makes it cozy for crisp, chilly days. Bad hair day? Nothing a baseball hat can’t fix. I love the camel color because it shows off the cashmere texture and matches almost anything you put on. 

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