What I've Packed For Copenhagen
and the unintentional 21-piece spring capsule wardrobe...
Tomorrow I’m heading to Copenhagen for a two-night press trip with Ole Henriksen, and I’ve packed 21 items of clothing in my suitcase. Condensed packing it is not. And that’s for a few reasons. This is my first trip of the year, to one of my favourite cities, the weather is supposed to be pretty darn good and I just want to wear all the outfits that I’ve been dreaming of since like, October. I’m excited!! Can you tell?
So excited in fact that I packed my suitcase yesterday. So today I thought I’d share the contents with you and the outfits that I have planned for the itinerary (that’s the great thing with press trips - you get a very detailed itinerary which means you can be quite scientific in your packing, it’s a Virgos delight). Now I’ve never planned it blow-by-blow like this, or taken photos of every single outfit I plan on wearing, down to the accessories!!! But I like the idea of being prepared and saving time when I’m there - late nights and early mornings don’t make for the best outfit choices in my experience.
In doing this experiment I’ve realised that I’ve unintentionally made a very versatile spring capsule wardrobe. I’ve created 10 outfits here, but there are so many good combinations at your fingertips. I could keep going!! For a two-night trip, it’s too much - I know that - but say you had a week somewhere? This would be a great amount of clothing. Or maybe you just fancy some minimal spring outfit ideas? Then this post is for you.
Here’s what I’ve packed:
3 x jackets (1 trench, 1 oversized blazer, 1 suede jacket)
6 x tops (1 waistcoat, 1 knitted vest, 1 oversized t-shirt, 1 cashmere t-shirt, 2 knitted jumpers)
4 x trousers (1 black trouser, 3 pairs of jeans - one white, one light wash, one indigo wash)
3 x bags (1 straw bag, 1 woven leather bag, 1 leopard print evening bag)
3 x shoes (1 pair of flip-flops, 1 heeled sandal, 1 pair of suede loafers (not worn in any of these outfits, but worn incase I need to do a lot of walking!))
2 x belts (1 black, 1 brown)
Jewellery (I’ve packed a small box of Lie Studios earrings and the chunky necklace I have from them)
TRAVEL OUTFIT
I worked backwards and made this outfit last so I’ll admit that I’d run out of steam by the time we got here, but it’s simple and it gets the job done. I LOVE the look of jeans and a jumper with flip-flops, a trench and a summer forward bag, so although this outfit is very simple and pretty basic, it ticks all my boxes. If it gets a little warm I can shed the trench and roll up the sleeves of my jumper which is a look that I’m just dying to wear.
EVENING DINNER
Dinner for the first night sounds like a ‘smart casual’ affair. I didn’t want to go *too* dressy, but I’m also very much here for the excuse to get dressed up!! I don’t get that chance all that often! So I’m head-to-toe black - which is my safe space for an evening outfit - it’s my go-to. All finished off with a cute bag, a belt and my new earrings (did you spot them!?). For a warmer daytime outfit, I could wear this with flip-flops and my large straw tote to create an outfit that feels more relaxed.
BREAKFAST & SPA
It’s an early start on Thursday morning, but it’s with good reason. We’re going to the spa!!!! I mean, I would wake up at 3 am to go to the spa!! Any excuse. So I’ve gone for something relaxed and comfy. Easy spring if you will. All are pieces that could be broken up and styled with other items I’ve bought with me, but together they create a chilled vibe and something that I can happily roll out of bed and into with no makeup on and a messy bun.
LUNCH
This outfit is a bit of an added extra, just using things that will already be in my suitcase. But if I do fancy a little outfit change between the spa and lunch then I’ll switch out my jeans for a more form fitting pair and add a heel and a chunkier necklace. Or maybe I’ll keep the jeans I was already wearing and add the heel? Just a small switch to make it feel more polished. I don’t know if I’ll wear it, but it’s nice to have the option and it’s further evidence of the fact that you can make 18037 great outfits from the contents of this suitcase.
EVENING DINNER
The dress code for the final night’s dinner is ‘dress to impress’. If I had a slinky jumpsuit number then I probably would have turned to that (or this Christopher Esber dress* that I dream about), instead, I’ve made a bit of a jumpsuit of my own by pairing a black waistcoat with a black trouser. The drama comes from the neckline (note to self: pack tit tape) and I’ve attempted to add extra polish and formality with a statement earring and the leopard print bag. I feel fancy, but I feel like ‘me’, and that’s what it’s all about.
ACTIVITIES & TRAVEL HOME
For the final day, I need a day-long outfit for a whole host of activities that range from a canal boat trip to an (optional) cold plunge. Do I do the cold plunge?! I’m scared!!! My thinking here was to create a solid base outfit to layer from. If it’s glorious sunshine then this white-on-cream combo will be all I need, but I can always throw a brown jumper over the shoulders (or worn properly) if I need it - plus I like to have a jumper on hand for the flight home. And I’ll bring along my trench for the cooler mornings and the return journey from the airport. I feel like I’ve got it all covered with this one.
There’ll be a packing postmortem in Sunday’s ‘Weekly Wardrobe’ post, so make sure you’re subscribed to get that directly into your inbox, but unless the weather decides to have a complete change of heart then I’m pretty confident that most, if not all, of these outfits will see the light of day. And if not they’ll be great spring foder on my return and I hope they’ve given you some ideas too. Any Copenhagen recs whilst you’re here? I’m all ears…
Anna x
Anna, I love the aesthetic but you’ll be WAY too cold in the open toe sandals and flip flops!!
Love this capsule! How does the Toteme trench run? Do you mind sharing your usual US size and the US size you took in the trench?