I Went to Copenhagen—Here Are 8 Ways Women Are Styling Their Sweaters Better Than in New York

When I packed for Copenhagen Fashion Week earlier in August, I was anticipating different weather. I was envisioning myself walking to the shows in flip-flops, a footwear choice so popular in the Scandi city it might as well be a mascot. I thought I'd probably layer a bikini underneath my slip skirts and crop tops to facilitate a jump off the dock at the famous La Banchina. I planned to wear exclusively open-toed shoes and slingbacks to get the most out of them before I had to start layering with socks for fall.

The thing about Copenhagen is you can't really count on the sun; it's too unpredictable. To be fair, this just might be what makes Scandi girl style so great. Everyone in Copenhagen has to be ready for anything. They dress with ease but also practicality. They can't get too attached to an outfit they planned in their head, so they always look effortless. They can't risk putting in too much effort because then they'll be disappointed.

I learned this the hard way when the weather report for the week shifted to cloudy with a high chance of scattered rain. I packed an entirely different kind of wardrobe the morning of my flight. While I was there, the sun only peeked out a handful of times. I lived in rain boots and light jackets. I only used a bag that was big enough to carry my umbrella.

But it wasn't all bad. Actually, the street style was far more exciting as a result. It was also nice to start thinking about my fall wardrobe and note ways in which Danish women had it all figured out. One thing I realized almost instantly was the way they wore their sweaters. The temperature shifts so vastly during the day, so they'll often wear a sweater in so many different ways throughout the day.

Below, see eight ways they wore their sweaters that made me feel grateful the original forecast didn't stick so I could take serious styling notes for when October rolls around.

A fun sweatshirt doesn't have to be casual and looks just as good with a pair of loose jeans and slingback pumps.

Gap × Béis

Knit Denim Baggy Shorts

Christian Louboutin

Sporty Kate Red Sole Slingback Pumps

Carhartt Work In Progress

Black Harttbreaker Hoodie

Nothing feels as quintessentially Danish as a Fair Isle cardigan styled with a bandana and a super-big bag.

J.Crew

Oversized Printed Silk Bandana

We the Free

Emerson Tote Bag

A silver sweater looks so good worn around the hips with flip-flops and a nylon wind jacket.

Uniqlo

UV Protection Pocketable Parka

COS

Cropped Wool Cardigan

Free People

Sona Thong Sandals

A sheer skirt becomes seasonless when you style it with a chunky mohair knit and a funky pair of ballet flats.

Reformation

Cici Oversized Crew Sweater

Reformation

Mirabelle Knit Skirt

Chopova Lowena

Black Mini Pyramid Bag

An oversize sweater looks even better with a cylindrical bag and cowboy boots.

Reformation

Simona Cylinder Bag

Long athletic shorts are easily dressed up with a cardigan and animal-print shoes.

Madewell

Cotton Crewneck Cardigan

Alaïa

Tong 55 Leopard-Print Sandals

Gap

VintageSoft Sweat Shorts

A plain gray zip-up is the perfect base for chunky silver earrings and a designer It bag.

Aritzia

Peyton Zip Hoodie

Urban Outfitters

Swirly Burnished Hoop Earring

When in doubt, you can opt for a simple crewneck layered over a striped button-down and dark-wash jeans.

J.Crew

Cashmere Classic-Fit Crewneck Sweater

J.Crew

Étienne Oversized Shirt in Striped Cotton Poplin