A Comprehensive Guide to Dressing Like a Local (Not a Tourist) in Copenhagen's Summer Street Style

The summer months in Copenhagen are charmingly carefree. With bikes navigating cobblestone lanes, pastel buildings bathed in golden Nordic light, and residents wearing clothing that exudes style rather than shouting it, the city exudes a subtle confidence. If you’re planning a visit—whether for Copenhagen Fashion Week or just a dreamy midsummer getaway—you’ll want to pack with intention. Because in this city, fashion isn’t a performance. It’s a language. And trust me, the Danes speak it fluently.

So how do you dress like a local without looking like you're trying too hard? You pay attention to texture, color, and silhouette but you also relax into it. You think playful, polished, and just a little bit poetic.

The Copenhagen Summer Style Formula (It's a Vibe, Not a Rulebook)

Let’s start with the obvious: Copenhagen girls don’t do boring. But they don’t do “look at me” either. Their summer wardrobe staples are equal parts practical and expressive. Here's what you'll see again and again on the streets and what to consider folding into your suitcase.

1. Striped Polo Shirts with a Twist

Yes, stripes are everywhere but not in the snoozy, nautical way. Think fitted or oversized polo shirts with rugby-style stripes, often in unexpected color pairings. Bonus points if it’s from Saks Potts, a beloved Danish brand that’s nailed the art of playful polish.

Pair it with tailored Bermuda shorts or a denim midi skirt and chunky sandals. You’re going for “casual philosopher biking to the bakery,” not preppy tourist.

2. Color Pops on Chunky Knits and Denim

Danish summer isn’t all sunshine temperatures dip, the breeze sneaks in, and rain might surprise you. That’s where the beloved chunky knit sweater comes in. Locals throw them over their shoulders like scarves or layer them over dresses with the casual energy of someone who just knows they’ll look good in a thunderstorm.

The key? Go bold. Think tomato red, canary yellow, or deep cobalt. Copenhagen doesn’t shy away from color it just knows how to make it look natural.

As for denim, it’s often raw, wide-legged, or oddly cropped anything but basic. Denim maxi skirts are having a serious moment, especially paired with delicate tops or structured blazers.

3. Whimsical Hair Accessories

The Scandi girl’s answer to bad hair days? Make it fashion. From satin scrunchies to butterfly clips that feel like a wink to Y2K nostalgia, hair accessories are a subtle way to inject personality. You’ll see low buns with pearl pins, or braids laced with tiny ribbons. It’s all very “cool art teacher meets daydreaming poet.”

4. Bike-Ready Shoes (But Still Chic)

Rule number one: If you can’t bike in it, it doesn’t make the cut. Sandals with thick straps, retro sneakers, or even dad-approved clogs are everywhere. Comfort is key, but style is non-negotiable.

A pro tip? Match your shoes to your bag not in a rigid, old-school way, but with a quiet harmony. Like a cream crossbody and beige fisherman sandals. The look is cohesive without trying too hard.

Want to Blend In? Hop on a Bike

You could be wearing head-to-toe Ganni, but nothing says “local” more than cruising the city on a bike. It’s not a style accessory it’s a way of life. Woven baskets, milk crates zip-tied to the back, or even bright yellow child seats become part of the aesthetic. And everyone looks impossibly cool while doing it.

So yes, by all means rent a bike. But I also ride like a Copenhagener unbothered, unhurried, and looking quietly fabulous while navigating traffic with one hand.

Pro Tips for Packing Like a Dane:

Layer like you mean it: Weather can turn in an instant. Bring a trench, an oversized button-down, or a light knit even in July.

Choose natural textiles: Breathable mixes, linen, and cotton keep you cozy and grounded in earthy style.

Wear as little makeup as possible: Maybe a lip tint, brushed-up eyebrows, and dewy skin. It is more "woken up like this in an Airbnb with gorgeous morning light" than "Instagram influencer."It’s about making old things look new, and new things look lived-in. It’s the art of looking like you didn’t try when in fact, you did. Just a little.

So whether you’re people-watching from a café in Vesterbro or riding your rented bike past the canals, wear what feels like you then add a twist. Maybe it’s an oversized blazer over a sundress, or rainbow socks with sensible sandals. The secret? Confidence. And a really good knit.