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Since I was born, I’ve been a fashion lover, but ever since 2021, when I started my career as a fashion writer and truly immersed myself in the world, I’ve learned about Copenhagen and how the most stylish people live there. As such, I’ve dreamt of going there, and my dream finally became reality this past April when I visited.
To celebrate my 30th birthday, I took a trip with my mom to Copenhagen to experience the city’s regal architecture, cozy atmosphere, and Danish fashion style—the latter of which I paid the most attention to. Whether we were walking around Nyhavn, Frederiksberg, or Nørrebro, I carefully scanned the streets for chic Scandi women to see what they were wearing.
Since I’ve studied Copenhagen street style and have written many stories about it, I knew what to expect—a lot of colors and patterns; versatile, comfortable garments; and plenty of flats, specifically sneakers since biking is the main form of transportation. And I did witness a lot of that. I also saw a lot of outfit ideas that inspired how I want to dress this summer: classic and elevated. The ensembles relied on elegant wardrobe basics such as a strapless maxi dress with flip-flops and trousers with a one-piece swimsuit.
If you are on the same page about how you want to dress this summer and are looking for ideas, keep scrolling. While I don’t have images of the exact outfits I saw in Copenhagen, I found five similarly chic early summer looks from people there—all of which I’m sharing ahead. They’re meant to be pinned, saved, and re-created with pieces you already own.
Classic, Anti-Trend Outfits in Copenhagen
1. Strapless Maxi Dress + Colorful Sandals
Experienced dressers with classic style know that a strapless dress in a neutral shade is a summer-wardrobe nonnegotiable. Whether you’re headed to the beach, on a coffee date, or to the office (throw a cardigan or blazer over it), this dress style suits everyone and every occasion. To make it feel very 2026, pair it with colorful sandals in a timeless silhouette. Think thong sandals or slides. Then add a wood-beaded tote bag or a raffia clutch, and you have an outfit that will have everyone thinking you hired a stylist.
Shop the outfit:
Free People
Onda Drop-Waist Tube Midi Dress
Reformation
Amelia Flat Thong
Commando
Classic Strapless Maxi Slip
ZARA
Flat Leather Sandals
2. Quarter-Sleeve Tee + Miniskirt + Wedges
The Scandi girl–approved way to show some skin this summer is with a miniskirt. To balance the shorter hemline, opt for relaxed, polished pieces such as a quarter-sleeve tee. It is what chic dressers like Hailey Bieber are wearing and offers more coverage than a standard short-sleeve shirt. For shoes, skip sneakers or flats and add open-toe wedges with a short heel that gives just enough height to make you stand a little taller while lending an airy, summery feel.
Shop the outfit:
FLORE FLORE
Steffi Ribbed Organic Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt
Reformation
Carla Low Waist Skirt
Steve Madden
Selest Wedge Slide Sandal
Babaton
Jewel Linen Skort
3. Maxi Dress + Sneakers
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Forget the typical sandals with a flowy maxi dress. Copenhagen’s It girls are proving that slim sneakers are the chicest pairing. Think classic options like Adidas Sambas and Tokyos or something fresher, such as Dries Van Noten’s new Leather Ballerina Sneakers and Miu Miu’s satin sneakers.
Shop the outfit:
ZARA
Fluid Halter Volume Midi Dress
adidas
Tokyo Low Top Sneaker
COS
Tiered Gathered Midi Dress
JIL SANDER
Suede-Trimmed Satin Sneakers
4. Strapless Top + Balloon Pants + Flip-Flops
Trust me when I say that easy yet stylish summer outfits in 2026 will feature balloon pants, either with very wide hems or that cinch at the ankle. These lightweight pants keep you cool, and their voluminous design adds a touch of elegance. The perfect footwear pairing is elevated flip-flops complemented by a fitted shirt like a tube top, which balances the volume of the pants.
Shop the outfit:
Aritzia
Casual Contour Appeal Tube Top
5. Button-Down Shirt + One-Piece Swimsuit + Trousers
Bikinis are chic, but insiders know that the most tasteful swimwear option is a one-piece, especially a sporty one with a square or slightly scooped neckline. Take inspiration from Anna Sarlvit, a Copenhagen-based digital content creator, and wear yours with a lightweight button-down shirt and trousers. This look can take you from the sea to the bar to shopping in the city.
Shop the outfit:
Quince
100% European Linen Shirt in White
BURBERRY x Hunza G
Faye Checked Original Crinkle Swimsuit
J.Crew
Luna Pant in Cotton Poplin
