From Cannes to Copenhagen — 4 Fashion Trends You’ll See All Over Europe This Autumn
Ever since the invention of the internet, people have been using it to escape their lives and go elsewhere. Travel may seem ubiquitous now — especially after the pandemic — but for many people, the internet is how they escape their bubble.
From the age of online forums to our current social media landscape, all you need is a wifi connection to connect with someone, or some place, across the world.
TikTok is the latest iteration of how we use the internet to reach out and connect and to dream. I personally have hundreds of saved videos showcasing my dream life: my dream house, my dream wardrobe, my dream vacations.
What makes TikTok different is that it isn’t just about imagining a place, it’s about imagining the kind of person you’d become when you go there.
TikTok — with its ubiquitous microtrends and aesthetic cores — has made it so that everything we do and and everything we have reflects upon who we are and who we want to be. Travel has always held the implicit promise of making us different, more intriguing people.
But now those secret desires have been given names. You don’t simply journal about wanting to fall in love over pasta on the Amalfi Coast, you watch posts about “Tomato Girl Summer.”
You don’t merely rewatch The Talented Mr. Ripley and hanker for living Gwyneth and Jude Law’s characters’ reality. Instead, you get obsessed with the “Old Money” aesthetic.
TikTok has changed how we view our lives, making style a substitute for substance. It’s easy to assume a cynical perspective. Brands capitalize on our need for belonging on social media, so TikTok’s a giant ad factory now, implying that your life will be sooo much better if you just buy this thing.
But there’s more to it than that. People still seek connection. People still dream about travel, about getting out of their bubble, even if they can’t afford their dream Euro Summer vacation.
TikTok is proof that you don’t have to be somewhere new to be someone new. You can change your reality by embodying a different one.
By romanticizing your life, you can step into another one — even if it’s just by stepping into a dress that makes you feel like you could be on a fab Euro trip.
Embrace the Tomato Girl aesthetic and step into the laid-back charm of the Italian Riviera just by wearing a flowing linen dress and casually slinging a woven market bag over your shoulder. Meanwhile, the Old Money aesthetic may reek of European aristocracy, but you can emulate it in tennis sweaters and tailored trousers.
These trends have reshaped our understanding of European style. But there’s far more to it than TikTok trends.
To fully escape to Europe via your wardrobe, follow the trendiest cool girls in your dream destination. From Copenhagen Fashion Week’s chic looks in Copenhagen to what everyone’s wearing in Coastal French towns, here are the best trends to emulate from all over Europe.
Scandi Style
Everyone in Scandinavia is intimidatingly gorgeous. They’re all tall, have incredible bone structure, and they seem to dress well. Descended from the Vikings Scandanavians have the Scandi principle of Janteloven to thank for the Law of Jante which emphasizes humility, community, and the idea that no one is inherently better than anyone else.
Scandi style is defined by modesty and simplicity — in how you are with people, in how you carry yourself, and in how you dress.
If this calls to you, your style inspiration is probably Matilda Djerf, whose brand Djerf Avenue is all about elevated basics and effortless cool girl chic. Djerf’s influence extended far beyond her native Sweden, inspiring a global following to embrace minimalist silhouettes, neutral color palettes, and quality basics. Her approach to fashion — prioritizing timeless pieces over trendy items — resonates with those seeking a more sustainable and versatile wardrobe. Some Djerf Avenue must-haves include:
Don’t forget the big, bouncy hair!
Copenhagen Cool Girl
Janteloven still reigns in Denmark’s capital, but a class of cool girls is lending their own twist to the celebrated aesthetic. Copenhagen Fashion Week SS25 further solildified Scandinavia’s place in the global fashion ecosystem. From GANNI to Cecilie Bahnsen and Saks Potts, Copenhagen style has never been more vibrant. Think classic Scandi tailoring with exaggerated proportions, bold prints, and innovative classics like bows and buckled shoes.
A magnificent blend of wearable designs and avant-garde concepts, proving that Scandinavian style is more than just minimalism — it’s about thoughtful, innovative fashion that’s unafraid to have some fun. Some cool girl Copenhagen basics include:
Paris Fall Chic
Paris is a mecca for fashion lovers, especially in the Fall. Fall is the time for layers. And while Americana and Christian Girl Autumn is close to irresistible this time of year, Parisians have fashion mastered. Your classic Parisian look includes:
– A crisp white button-down shirt
– A well-fitted blazer in navy or black
– Dark wash jeans or trousers
– A little black dress
– A classic trench coat
Build your wardrobe around a neutral color palette — black, white, navy, beige, charcoal, and gray. This makes mixing and matching easier and ensures a cohesive look. A Parisian’s sense of style is often rooted in classic, timeless pieces. Opt for fits that have stood the test of time and cool girl twists on classic tailoring.
Frazzled English Woman Fall
While Europeans have the reputation of being buttoned up and put together, a new aesthetic — inspired by Bridget Jones — has emerged. Frazzled English Woman Fall has arrived with a sort of shabby chic vibe. Think knits, think The Holiday, think comfy-cozy with an edge of coolness.
