Copenhagen Fashion Week will make you rethink your wardrobe

I should offer a disclaimer and state that no, the following images have not been collected from Pinterest boards. They are, in fact, a glimpse from-afar at the street style mecca of Copenhagen Fashion Week. The Danish capital is awash with style-savvy journalists, editors and influencers for what is, undeniably, one of the up-and-coming fashion weeks to nab a front-row seat at.

ICYMI: Copenhagen fashion week and the Scandi brands to shop right now

If you ask me, it’s also one of the most underrated street style extravaganzas on the fashion calendar. It’s a chance for insider heavy-hitters (and Danish natives) like Pernille Teisbaek and Jeanette Madsen to flaunt their delectable wardrobes. This year’s street-style pageant was no different, with an homage to beautiful tailoring, frilly florals and cool accessories galore, not to mention a lesson in keeping up appearances when the temperatures hit boiling-point. Here are four takeaway trends that are tickling my fancy so far. (Ganni’s catwalk show takes place later today so I suspect this article will need to be updated post-show!!)

1.Cowgirl boots and airy florals should be your new BFFs

Earlier this year, Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Dior 2018 Cruise Collection blasted me into a full-blown Jessie-from-Toy-Story-meets-Georgia-O’Keeffe mode. Animal hides galore, stiff-brimmed hats, primitive prints and appliqués, rhinestones, studded belts and tassels. It’s a trend we haven’t seen since pre-2015, and it has given a renewed sense of purpose to traditional American brands like Wrangler who have teamed up with the seminal 1960/70s designer Peter Max on a collection that’s as psychedelic as it is cowgirl appropriate – and I’m here for it. The Western trend is broken up into seven easy-to-wear pieces: there’s the neckerchief, belt buckle, cowboy boot, denim short, plaid shirt, studs, and, of course, leather. Or, taking a leaf from Danish stylist Emili Sindlev, pair rhinestones and toughened leather with delicate, contrasting florals in a dramatic sky blue for additional fashion points. Meanwhile, her Matrix-inspired sunglasses sling her straight into the future.

2. Cycle shorts and denim cut-offs are the new norms

They were the infamous trousers that made an appearance on your ’89 family camping trip to Mosney and, probably most famously, your first day of playschool as you’re sorely reminded of annually via sun-faded polaroids. If you’re an eighties, nineties or naughties baby, chances are your wardrobe consisted of brightly-coloured, fun, just-above-the-knee, thigh-hugging pedal pushers or denim cut-offs. There’s a lot of himming-and-hawing as to whether we should or could try the cycle short trend this year, and having made appearances at several international fashion weeks, I’m deeming it totally acceptable. Pair with an XXL shirt and statement trainers, like Alessa Winter, above, in Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton and Chanel. Or switch from day-time-play-time to sophisticated mademoiselle with a structured blazer and these Alexander Wang stilettos. This look is a sleek alternative to the LBD and is perfect for the more athletically-inclined.

3. Fashion flipflops are a thing to be marvelled

Who knew that your €24 pool-side sandals would ever be considered as the go-to fashion shoe? There’s nothing bawdy about this sleek satin and silk combination. The draping, laid-back silhouette is exactly what Emili Sindlev‘s Havianas needed to take this look from beach explorer to front row. It’s definitely not a #predictable approach to fashion week attire, but with the heat set to continue in the Danish capital, it’s a smart answer to keeping cool in style. I love how she accessorised with 80s-inspired Prada sunnies, arm bangles, long, beach-wave tresses and THE Dior saddle bag. Also, find yourself a friend who perfectly coordinates with you (and your Havianas).

Doc Martens, power shoulders and short hemlines are the new business casual

Contrary to belief, showing some flesh can be professional and creative consultant Thora Valdimars perfectly executes this in her Rotate Birger Christensen (Rotate is a brand new Danish label and is definitely one to watch) dress with bold, chunky Doc Marten stompers. With powerful shoulders, bare pins and a touch of punk, the screaming, vibrant 80s have returned, albeit in a slightly more controlled manner. Ten points for check-print, too.