Shop a Vogue editor's pragmatic packing list for CPHFW

Packing for Copenhagen Fashion Week, a happening renowned for its exceptional street style, is a daunting task. This is especially true in the autumn/winter season, which takes place when Copenhagen isn’t necessarily at its most desirable. We’re talking sub-zero temperatures, streets filled with slush and a pervasive darkness that limits the hours that aforementioned street style can actually be captured. Ultimately, those travelling to participate in the chaos are faced with a two-pronged challenge: selecting the sort of pieces that strike the elusive balance of fashion and function and fitting all that weather-appropriate gear – the coats and jackets, especially – into one’s suitcase.

Yes, CPHFW packing is the sort of insurmountable burden that makes one yearn for an assistant. Sadly, I don’t have one of those, and so I called upon a more modern form of support: Google Gemini (for those unfamiliar, Gemini is Google’s AI assistant). Gemini, which boasts a soothing female voice that instantly calmed my anxieties, proved an excellent packing aid, not only offering tips on what to bring to brave the Copenhagen weather in an aesthetically pleasing way, but also how to fold those items to maximise space.

Below, we break down our must-pack items for CPHFW autumn/winter 2026, as suggested by our new best friend, Google Gemini.

Nothing ruins a day like wet feet, so waterproof footwear is a must at CPHFW. Luckily there are attractive options and the wrong-shoe argument suggests a trusty pair of boots does in fact work with a feminine frock. But those who really wish to do as the Scandis do, simply pop an indoor pair of pumps or ballet flats into your ludicrously capacious handbag.

A puffer jacket is both weather appropriate and deceptively easy to pack. Simply do as Gemini suggests and roll it up real tight, like a sleeping bag. Genius!

According to Gemini (really, I asked), white after Labour Day is no longer a faux pas (we don’t have Labour Day here in the Nordics, anyhow). A top-to-toe winter white look adds some much-desired brightness to an otherwise dreary season.

Whatever the season, sometimes the accessory is the look. And, despite the weather, we aren’t skipping sunglasses.

The key to CPHFW dressing is light layers – whisper thin turtlenecks and leggings, thermal long sleeves and easy knits (or a pair of easy-breeze pyjama pants under a relaxed pair of trousers or jeans) are the most straight-forward way to add warmth to any look without veering towards Michelin-man territory. Plus, they’re the easiest item to pack.