The Perfect Women's Packing List for Spring in Copenhagen, Denmark - Ecocult® (2024)

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When I was in Copenhagen in May for the Copenhagen Fashion Summit, it was the beginning of a months-long heat wave. So it was unusually warm and sunny. But most of the time, May in Copenhagen is in the low 60s at the very highest, and can get down to around 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night. It rains every other day. If you’re wondering what to wear in Copenhagen, you’ll want to bring some warm layers, and an umbrella.

You’ll also want to be able to ride a bike in your outfit. Even if you have no plans to ride a bike, the fashion in Copenhagen revolves around the fact that everyone has a bike and rides it everywhere. So styles that would be uncomfortable on two wheels aren’t common and might make you stand out, and not in a good way. Short, lightweight skirts will fly up and expose you. Uncomfortable purses will weigh you down. Wide-brim hats (without a tie) will fly off your head. So don’t be afraid to be 50% or 100% casual with your outfits.

Finally, this is the epicenter of Scandinavian chic, so think neutral, neutral, neutral, simple, simple, simple. Don’t over-accessorize or pile color on, unless that really makes you feel like you! They play with shapes and volumes in Copenhagen, but not necessarily with crazy colors and weird accessories.

With that in mind, I’ve put together a failsafe packing list of sustainable and ethical fashion items that can be mixed, matched, and layered for a different Copenhagen-chic look every day for a week’s visit or more.

(And if you run out of time to pack, then just hit up these sustainable and ethical stores when you arrive!)

For the plane:

T-shirt

Athliesurepants – Again, Alternative Apparel has a large selection of flattering sweatpants to choose from, and prAna sells sweats and comfy leggings, or you could go for cashmere bottoms which can double as fancy pajamas.

Stylish sweatshirt or hoodie

Long wool coat – black or grey will suffice! Check out my roundup of winter coats.

Wool socks – I like lightweight wool socks for long plane rides, because they wick away sweat and odor.

Sneakers– You’ll be able to wear these with everything, even with a skirt or a dress.

Minimalist backpack

Bum bag – the Danishlove their bum bags. They’ll sling them across their chest, or even strap a nice one around their ruffled dress. Believe me, there’s no inappropriate occasion for a hip bag in Copenhagen. I also like them for traveling because it’s handy to have my wallet and passport and phone strapped right to my chest, rather than in my backpack! Check out my roundup of hip bags.

In Your Suitcase

Blouse – go for something more voluminous, in either cotton or silk.

Long-sleeved bodysuit or turtleneck

Cozy, warm sweater – You can’t arrive to Scandinavia without one! You might not wear it during the day, but you’ll find yourself reaching for it in the morning and evening. I picked one up at a flea market and was grateful for it.

Light sweater – check out a Scandinavian brand’s selection.

Long day dress

Midi skirt

Trousers

Light wash loose-fit jeans – Here’s my round-up of eco-friendly denim brands.

Ankle boots – Here’s a list of sustainable and ethical boots.

Low comfortable heels – Yes, you can bike in heels. It’s actually more comfortable than walking in heels! Just watch out for cobblestones!

More merino wool socks

Tights–for under your skirt and dress.

Belt

Warm scarf – you could go neutral or grey, or use it for your pop of color.

Light knit beanie

Bras and underwear

Sunglasses

Umbrella

Un-makeup makeup – don’t go heavy with product, let your natural beauty shine,like the Danish girls do. Here are my favorite places to shop for non-toxic makeup.