What to Pack for 1950s Copenhagen

For Women

Daywear (Elegant & Effortless):

  • Full circle skirts or midi pencil skirts

  • Fitted blouses with Peter Pan or notched collars

  • Twinsets or cropped cardigans

  • High-waisted trousers in neutral tones

  • Wool or plaid swing coat with a belt

  • Sensible flats or low kitten heels

  • Leather gloves and a structured handbag

  • Silk scarf tied at the neck or in the hair

  • Subtle red lipstick and softly waved or pinned-up hair

Eveningwear (Supper Club & Ballet Outing):

  • Tea-length cocktail dress with a cinched waist

  • Pearls or minimalist gold jewelry

  • Small clutch and matching gloves

  • Fur stole or sleek shawl

  • Classic pumps

  • Chignon or soft pin curls

Weekend & Leisure:

  • Simple cotton day dresses in gingham or polka dots

  • Ballet flats or lace-up leather shoes

  • Wool beret or headscarf for bike rides

  • Knit sweater with culottes or cigarette pants

 

For Men

Daywear (Copenhagen Cool):

  • Slim-cut wool trousers or cuffed slacks

  • Crisp dress shirts in white, light blue, or pinstripe

  • Knit vests or v-neck sweaters

  • Short trench coat or wool overcoat

  • Leather oxford shoes or loafers

  • Fedora or newsboy cap (optional but dapper)

  • Classic wristwatch and neutral tie

  • Pocket square for a subtle flourish

Eveningwear (Opera or Formal Gathering):

  • Dark single-breasted suit or tuxedo

  • Wingtip dress shirt and skinny tie or bow tie

  • Cufflinks and polished dress shoes

  • Slicked-back hair with a side part

Weekend & Casual:

  • Cardigan over a collared shirt

  • Casual wool or cotton blazer

  • Flat cap and scarf

  • Bicycle clips (you’ll be cycling, of course)

 

Accessories & Essentials

  • Leather suitcase or structured travel bag

  • Vintage camera or sketchbook for Danish street scenes

  • Minimalist sunglasses

  • Mid-century guidebook or Danish design magazine

  • Pocket Danish-English dictionary

  • Thermos for coffee or flask for snaps

  • Travel-size grooming set or compact vanity case

  • Classic book (like Kierkegaard, if you’re feeling deep—or Hans Christian Andersen, if whimsical)

1950s Copenhagen was a charming blend of postwar optimism, Scandinavian minimalism, and mid-century style. Picture cobblestone streets, design-forward cafés and impeccably dressed Danes cycling to work. The fashion leaned clean, structured and subtly elegant—functional yet fashionable. This packing list channels that understated cool of Nordic life in the 1950s, with nods to modest glamour, sharp tailoring and the early stirrings of Danish design culture.