Move over Paris Fashion Week, it’s Copenhagen Fashion Week’s time to shine. Where the former was all about the signature trench coat and the return of the Ugg, Copenhagen Fashion Week 2023 channeled a dark and edgier, yet more playful style.
From designers backstage to models on the street, 2023 Copenhagen style is all about chic cold weather clothing, rave silhouettes and chunky, broad-shouldered serves. This year it was time to go big or go home, whether that meant flashy patterns, fashion-taboos-gone-right or edgy style risks.
Copenhagen often sets the tone for fashion around the world months in advance, so get ready for some looks you’re sure to see everywhere in 2023 with the 10 biggest style trends to come out of Copenhagen Fashion Week.
Related: The top 10 style and fashion trends to watch in 2023.
The return of the Y2K skinny scarf
Could it be a Y2K nightmare turned into a dream come true? The skinny scarf, which was a staple of the early 2000s, is back. From The Garment, to Malene Birger to A. Roege Hove, long, skinny scarves were all over the Copenhagen runway. Whether you’re pro- or anti-skinny scarf, if there’s one thing we’ve learned from Copenhagen Fashion Week, the longer the scarf, the better the serve.
Related: Is this cult-favourite 2000s makeup product making a comeback?
Romantic-era lace and bows
Get ready to channel your inner Bridgerton character with the resurgence of romantic-era lace and bows. The Garment, Skall Studio and Munthe all brought out their own renditions of neck bows and shoulder lace to the runway. From extravagant neck ties to dreamy lace collars, this artsy, post-renaissance style is sure to bring an intellectual edge to modern looks in 2023.
See also: ‘Mermaidcore’ is the ‘it’ look – how to capture the shimmery, sea-inspired style.
Broad shoulders
Following on the heels of that romantic-era style comes the return of the broad shoulder. Unlike the rise of broad shoulders in the ‘80s, the 2023 version of the look sees oversized menswear at the forefront. With broad-shouldered blazers and baggy men’s pants, the models and designers at Copenhagen Fashion Week embraced this androgynous look with ease.
Related: How dressing more masculine taught me to tap into my femininity.
Go flashy or go home
Copenhagen Fashion Week 2023 was all about making a statement. If someone on the runway wasn’t embracing the all-black look that has long been a go-to style in Copenhagen, they were most likely donning a bright pattern or colourful statement piece. From flashy puffer coats to complex fabrics, it looks like 2023 will be fashion’s time to go big or go home.
See also: Viva Magenta: Pantone’s 2023 colour of the year is the perfect pink-red – get the look.
Après-ski energy
If you – like most Torontonians who haven’t seen the sun for more than two minutes since the new year – are grappling to get through the winter, it’s time to lean into the après-ski energy we’ve seen everywhere at Copenhagen Fashion Week. Whether you’re fresh off the slopes or just stepping out of your apartment, get warm and cozy while looking stylish in oversized puffers and big statement sunglasses.
Related: The best winter coats to survive Canadian winter.
Monochromatic matching sets
Monochromatic looks are always a moment. From all-green suits to soft matching baby blue sets, it’s time to wear one colour at a time. While flashy statement patterns were big at Copenhagen Fashion Week, models and designers alike were also ready to opt for a more subtle monochromatic style.
Related: Is ‘Gen Z Yellow’ the next ‘Millennial Pink’ colour aesthetic?
All black everything
Jumping off that monochromatic look is the quintessential Copenhagen fashion moment: all-black everything. With the rise of post-apocalyptic fashion and the rave aesthetic, it’s no wonder we saw plenty of dark, all-black looks on the runway this year – especially considering it’s long been a staple of the brooding Copenhagen style.
Related: ‘Wednesdaycore’: Get the look inspired by Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday Addams.
Fuzzy teddy bear coats and vests
With the chilly Copenhagen weather, it should come as no surprise that Fashion Week channeled plenty of warm and cozy looks. Soft (and adorably chic) teddy bear coats and vests were all over the runway this season, with takes on the look from Soulland, Remain, Rabens Saloner and more.
Related: Puffer vests are fall and winter staples – here are 10 to shop now.
The Canadian Tuxedo
Ah, the infamous “Canadian Tuxedo.” This timeless all-denim look definitely had its moment at Copenhagen Fashion Week. From Ganni to Holzweiler, designers turned this campy style into a refined, fashionable moment.
Related: Sustainable denim showdown: the best brands and why.
No pants? No problem.
We’ve seen the rise of the “no pants” trend thanks to designers and brands like Bottega, Miu Miu and Burberry – and now the look has had its time on the Copenhagen Fashion Week runway. From Latimmier to Baum und Pferdgarten, it seems like all of the biggest trendsetters are ready to hone in on this edgy look, which sees models donning underwear over sheer tights or thigh-high socks.
Related: Is the ‘No Pants’ trend Gen Z’s latest fashion aesthetic?
