What to Wear in Copenhagen, Denmark in Fall
LAST UPDATED: JANUARY 12, 2025 | EST. READING TIME: 9 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Minimalistic Tops
Trench Coats
Blue Jeans
Oversized Knits
Dad Sneakers
Colorful Totes
As one of Europe's most endearing waterfront destinations, Copenhagen offers a unique blend of old-world charm and cutting-edge innovation.
Embrace the Danish concept of "hygge" in cozy cafés or cycle past picturesque windmills and castles showcasing the seamless blend of tradition and progress. Before you embark on your Danish adventure, it’s crucial to consider what to wear in Copenhagen to embrace Scandi style while warmly bundled up!
Traveling to Copenhagen means experiencing a city where fitting in is favored over standing out (see the Law of Jante), meaning the practical pieces you already have will be perfect for this trip — no need to invest in a new wardrobe or any designer drip!
The casually cool locals, known for their understated sense of style, embody a minimalist yet sophisticated aesthetic while still accommodating for the varied weather with thoughtful layering.
In addition to climate considerations, Copenhagen's fashion scene is influenced by a pervasive cultural commitment to sustainability and quality. Since the Danish concept of "hygge” emphasizes cozy comfort, this principle extends to local preferences for high-quality, durable clothing.
Enjoying a fall holiday in Denmark presents its own unique set of chilly challenges. This style guide will ensure you’re fully prepared with plenty of outfit inspiration to dress the part in this stylish Scandinavian city! With a focus on autumn weather, this guide is best suited to answer the questions of what to wear in Copenhagen in September, October, and November.
Fall Climate in Copenhagen
November in Copenhagen marks the transition from autumn to winter, bringing a noticeable drop in temperature and increase in precipitation. Crisp, sunny days are often followed by cold, rainy ones. With shorter days and longer nights, you'll find yourself out and about in various lighting and weather conditions—it’s shocking to see how many people wander around outside in the dark!
Daytime temperatures range from 39°F to 48°F (4°C to 9°C), while nighttime can dip as low as 32°F to 37°F (0°C to 3°C). These chilly temperatures mean a warm wool coat is essential—and you’ll likely need gloves, a hat, and scarf as well! The cold wind can be quite biting, especially near the point where the protected canals meet the ocean, so windproof outerwear in these blustering coastal areas will be your best friend.
Rain is a pretty common occurrence with 14 to 17 rainy days throughout the month. From personal experience I can confirm this is not a light drizzle, but rather a ferocious downpour that can land sideways depending on which direction the wind is blowing. Prepare for wet weather by packing waterproof gear like hooded rain jackets and water-resistant shoes before purchasing a cheap umbrella from a convenience store when you arrive.
The rain also makes the air feel colder than it actually is—especially if you end up soaking wet—so be sure to factor in this added chill when looking at the forecast. Light snow can fall towards the end of the month, but regardless you’ll need to pack the same gear whether you’re facing rain or a light dusting of snow.
Despite the frequent rain, November offers some beautifully clear days with plenty of sunshine. On these days the parks and waterfront areas become especially picturesque, making it a great time to explore the outdoors while the crisp cool air prevents smog from forming. However, daylight hours are quite limited, with the sun rising around 8:00 AM and setting by 4:00 PM. Wake up bright and early to take advantage of the precious 8 hours of light you have at your disposal.
All in all, considering what to wear in Copenhagen in November requires a thoughtful approach to packing. Prioritize warm, layered clothing which can be easily adjusted throughout the day, and pack precautionary waterproof and windproof items to maximize your comfort. By dressing appropriately now that you know what to pack for Copenhagen, you can fully enjoy all the Danish capital has to offer regardless of seasonal weather!
What to Wear in Copenhagen?
Minimalistic Tops
Simple tees, button-down shirts, and standard basics are perfect for layering. Local Danes wear clean lines that exude understated elegance, and these tops fit right into that neatly reserved aesthetic. A versatile white tee can be easily dressed up or down.
Button-down shirts in crisp white colorways or soft striped flannels are effortlessly cool and easily layer over staple basics. Plain cardigans add a touch of coziness as another layer for extra warmth. Cool-toned pastels align with the colorful houses of Nyhavn while conveying a softer aesthetic than the vibrant saturated pieces you should save for summer!
Trench Coats
The structured design of a trench adds sophistication while also providing essential protection against the chilly, gusty weather. Look for high-quality, water-resistant material which allow raindrops to roll right off during frequent showers. The length should reach your knees to offer additional coverage over your core.
A belt cinching your waist or buttons beneath the lapels are also ideal, creating a flattering silhouette while keeping the cold air out. Don’t believe you’re above wearing a jacket in this weather or can “tough it out”—trust me—and local Danes prioritize comfort just as much as class, so don’t be shy about stepping out in a stylish trench coat!
Blue Jeans
No wardrobe is complete without a pair of classic blue jeans, and they’re especially handy for Copenhagen. The relaxed fit is perfect for long walks around the city, allowing you to explore comfortably while looking effortlessly cool. Pair your slouchy jeans with a cozy sweater and sneakers for causal sightseeing, or dress them up with a button-down and ballet flats for a model-off-duty vibe during dinner.
Durable denim is ideal for travel, withstanding the wear and tear of daily adventures without trying too hard. Simplicity is key with these laid-back bottoms, and since denim is basically a neutral this single pair of pants should go with every outfit you pack!
Oversized Knits
Oversized knits are a staple in any fall wardrobe, especially in Copenhagen during November when the weather turns quite chilly. These chunky sweaters provide warmth while exuding a chic, minimalist vibe that’s quintessentially Danish. High-quality wool or cashmere offer comfortable style without making you itchy.
The oversized fit allows for easy layering over other layers underneath, perfect for the variable weather. This relaxed silhouette pairs well with straight leg jeans, balancing out the proportions of your outfit. Fun colorful prints add a pop of visual interest to subdued outfits that will otherwise be quite standard.
Dad Sneakers
Comfortable footwear is key when exploring a walkable city like Copenhagen, and dad sneakers are the perfect supportive shoe of choice. These thick trainers provide the supportive cushioning needed for inevitably long days on your feet.
Retro designs highlighted in lines by New Balances and Asics add a trendy touch, while their practicality cannot be overstated. A durable sole and good arch support will keep your stride strong throughout the day. Pair with jeans and a cozy sweater for a casually cool aesthetic. The multifaceted benefits make them perfect for your travel wardrobe, ensuring you stay fashion-forward without compromising comfort.
Colorful Totes
A colorful tote is perfect for carrying all your essentials, from maps and guidebooks to souvenirs and snacks. The vibrant colors add a pop of personality to your otherwise neutral Copenhagen wardrobe, making them a fun and functional choice. Durable, water-resistant materials protect your belongings and ensure your bag doesn’t incur damage from the frequent rain.
The spacious interior allows you to carry everything needed for a day out, while sturdy handles ensure your shoulders won’t hurt. A colorful tote brightens up your outfit during dreary gray November days and serves as a statement piece showcasing your personal style!
How I Styled Copenhagen Outfits
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Taking my first ever solo trip to Copenhagen, I visited Denmark for a total of five days in November 2023. During my last day I got utterly drenched before snapping any outfit photos, so regrettably you’ll only be getting Copenhagen winter clothes inspiration from my four dry looks.
I wore relatively simple, laid-back looks that ensured I stayed toasty while sightseeing outside—since if there’s one thing I despise, it’s being cold!
For my minimalistic staple top I started with the Textured Tank Top in Ecru ($20) from Stradivarius. This paper mache basic white tank is all things feminine chic—creating dimension with textured fabric while incorporating subtle flair like the frilled neck and hem.
Since November is no time to wear a tank by itself, I layered a fleece brown houndstooth jacket ($80) from 12th Tribe that’s regrettably no longer sold online, but you can find a similar fuzzy fleece here ($42.99, paid link). The snap closure buttons lining the front up through the collar ensured I could tightly enclose myself in this warm coating whenever the wind became too gusty—plus, the houndstooth pattern is a classic, neutral print that doesn’t make this outfit too striking.
For bottoms I wore a casual pair of relaxed blue jeans, my go to Le Jane Cropped Dark Wash Jeans ($278) from Frame. While they don’t sell this exact style anymore, the Le Jane line is a staple collection that’s always sure to have something suited to your tastes. If your mouth is gaping at the price of these literally plain blue jeans, I completely feel you, but would counter that investing in a high-quality, sustainable pair of daily wear jeans is a very Danish-inspired purchase decision to make.
Finally, I matched my shoes with the crisp white colorway of my top and jacket, wearing my Dream Pairs Women's Chelsea Platform Combat Boots ($45.99, paid link) from Amazon. While I originally purchased these shoes for an ice princess Halloween costume, they’ve held up incredibly well through a range of festival and travel experiences, so they’re worth the investment if you’re interested in a pair of white boots!
For a thankfully sunny second day in Copenhagen, I was able to get away with wearing a warm cable knit sweater without having to layer a coat on top, piecing together my:
Let's Cuddle Sweater in Brown ($78) from Grey Bandit. Another minimalistic top, this sweater has interesting half zip details with thumb holes in the sleeves, but otherwise serves as a neutral brown knit.
Blatial Women’s Scarf Winter Big Colorful Checked ($28.99, paid link) from Amazon. I absolutely adore both the soft pastel colors and fuzzy wool fabric of this long thick Acne scarf dupe, and in this particular environment it popped perfectly against the color Nyhavn background. Depending on how I wrapped the scarf, I could alter the thickness with ease to ensure it retained warmth without me overheating. On colder days, its the perfect length to wrap around your head babushka style!
Not pictured are another pair of Le Jane Cropped Jeans from Frame, this time in a light wash. Echoing the same spiel as above, yes these are obscenely expensive for a pair of plain jeans, but they’ve been my go-to staples over the past three years at this point—so I’d say they’re worth the investment! Similarly, I wore the same white combat boots from Amazon as detailed above—having to pack thick sweaters and jackets in a carry-on meant I didn’t have much free space for multiple shoe options!
My third day in Copenhagen involved a drearier cloudy gray sky, but I still made the most of my itinerary wearing my:
Rich Mocha Brown Super Puff™ Shorty ($235) from Aritzia. I’m truly obsessed with this jacket and although this article is making it seem like I frequently purchase ridiculously priced items (maybe guilty as charged?) in this instance I hadn’t purchased a single winter coat after living in Los Angeles for 4 years, so this felt like another worthwhile investment. This puffer is constructed with innovative performance fabric from a Japanense mill and contains 100% responsibly-sourced goose down providing lightweight insulation engineered to deliver warmth in up to -4°F (-20°C) conditions. Since I’ve been harping on about the need for a wind and waterproof jacket, if you still require a scientifically-validated jacket which fits that criteria look no further than this not-quite-cropped member of The Super Puff™ family constructed with cliMATTE™ — water-repellent and wind-resistant ripstop fabric with a matte finish and soft feel.
Underneath the jacket I wore a Cream Nicola Long Sleeve Mock Neck Top ($42) from Princess Polly. If you’re in need of a ribbed cropped turtleneck, this is another basic staple that can make your fall and winter outfits a bit more fun!
Marine Straight Jeans in White ($44) from Zara are no longer sold online, but you can easily find a comparable pair of wide leg distressed white jeans. Wrangler sells a similar style here ($42.00, paid link). Another denim which acts as a true neutral, pairing white jeans with a white top creates a crisp monochromatic look that contrasts beautifully with a dark jacket like the Super Puff™.
To accessorize and stay warm at the same time I wore another scarf, this time donning a hand-me-down Burberry. Find a significantly cheaper dupe here ($12.98, paid link).
For my fourth outfit which I kind of have a photo of, I pulled together another sweater-jacket look including my:
Forever 21 denim jacket worn for added warmth — which I purchased way back in high school! Given this jacket from nearly 10 years ago isn’t sold online anymore, you can find a comparable style here ($27.98, paid link). To spice up your Copenhagen outfits if you’re getting bored of the denim bottom look every day, switch things up with a denim jacket and neutral pant!
Not pictured is my Jade Sweater ($68) from Grey Bandit that I’m convinced is quite literally the cutest sweater of all time. The black contrast stitching is the perfect accent to elevate this piece beyond a simple cable knit sweater, and the girly scalloped edges set my feminine heart on fire. This is the most complimented piece in my entire wardrobe, and I’ve been stopped numerous times by questions asking where this sweater is from!
For my bottoms, I wore a pair of shiny wide black Intermix culottes. These were passed on from a friend so they certainly aren’t sold online today—but you can find a dupe here ($34.99, paid link). To avoid giving cowboy tuxedo, I skipped the blue jean suggestion and opted for a neutral black pant that offered a touch of fun with the soft sheen of the fabric.
Barely pictured are my best boot purchase of all time, the A La Mode Ribbed Sock Boots ($99) from Princess Polly. Regrettably they’re nearly two seasons old at this point, so you’ll have to head to Princess Polly today to see what kind of black ribbed slip-on ankle boots with a combat-style heel they offer—or opt for comparable style here ($49.98, paid link)!
✺ ABOUT ME ✺
Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?
While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.
I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.
It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m going to make it to all 195 countries before my time is up—and I’m taking you along for the ride!
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