My fashion career has seen me feel many emotions about runway shows: indifferent, inspired, curious, surprised, and even indifferent. However, I have found that my most positive reaction to any new collection is a deep and genuine yearning for shopping. I am more of a fashion fan than a major F Fashion person. So pieces that challenge me to rethink my dress are what I love. This week’s Copenhagen Spring/Summer 2023 trends, not to mention street style, definitely hit the sweet spot.
First, no one does breezy minimalism quite like Nordic designers. Their approach is beautiful, not too stark, but still playful. It’s perfect for anyone looking to feel like they have a peaceful country escape that they can enjoy on weekends without the need to show any “cottagecore” or “coast grandma” sentiments.
Copenhagen Fashion Week is known for offering new ways to approach this aesthetic every six months. Skall Studio’sStudio’s crisp eyelet detail shirts and artfully crinkled lines were a highlight this season. Lovechild 1979 strongly emphasized relaxed cream and blue separates with occasional floral prints or cornflower blue moments.
CPHFW’sCPHFW’s iconic effortless Scandi girl, who wore flowing poplin dresses and linen suits, was present at the shows. However, there was another bold fashion personality worth exploring. The lady wears high-slit skirts, sultry cutouts (see Jade Cropper), and bikini tops with dangerously low-slung jeans (see (d)division). The knit dress she wears — an artistically shredded one — is completely see-through. A.Roege Hove has given her enough confidence to wear a braless look.
All manner of Y2K redux continued to make its way onto the catwalk. Although I have been hesitant about revisiting trends from high school and college, there were enough variations of the theme to make me reconsider. What struck me the most about these (many and many) hot aughts moments is that I have been seeing glimpses of this comeback for years—a Baguette-esque handbag there, a capri pants there. But right now, fashion seems to be fashion’sfashion’s proverbial tipping points/vibe shift/whatever else you want to call it, from the covered-up prairie chic to the sassy party mania. As we enter NYFW (and fashion week in general), I am intrigued and excited to see this unfold.
There were many fun trends within these larger themes. These are seven trends that I recommend you keep in mind.
Acid Green
Acid green is one of those colors that you have to commit to. And brands did. Labels created eye-popping looks around this shade from Stine Goya, Baum, Pferdgarten, Gestuz, and Samsoe Samsoe. They opted for sleek, contrast shoes and stayed true to the color. If the color seems intimidating, don’t worry. Being so bold, you don’t have to choose a silhouette that suits you best.
Perfect Pairs
This season designer will make pants more mainstream. It’s been evident in street style. It’sIt’s possible that Scandi-based creatives will have their way. You can try this combination by choosing wide-leg pants and a straight-cut dress. There is plenty of fabric, so avoiding any volume is best. You can also opt for a set that takes care of everything. Aeron, Samsoe Samsoe, and Lovechild 1979 will offer some amazing ones next spring.
Playing Dirty
After a few seasons of bubblegum pop 00s dressing, the CPHFW introduced a subversive twist to the era. Think more Christina Aguilera is wearing lace-up flares or Coyote Ugly girls at a bar than Paris Hilton wearing her rhinestone-studded juice suits. While Hot Aughts’s version still features microminis and bodycon silhouettes this season, the central details of Hot Aughts are more grungy: Think moody colors and lots of leather (or pleather if you prefer).
