It’s now been 20 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since then, the city has emerged as a cultural tastemaker—call it a design town, if you will. So, of course, its residents tend to be well-dressed. But don’t expect cookie-cutter outfits or pretty-girl get-ups. Berlin chic is about edgy sophistication, customization, and avant-garde designers. Add a dash of subtle gender neutrality, and you’ve got a rad German vibe. After the jump, some tips for how to rock it.
- Stick to darker colors. Build from a base of artsy blacks, charcoals, and grays. Use dashes of color via accessories, like some bright yellow tights or electric blue high heels.
- Layer. Well this makes sense because Berlin is in Northern Germany, where it can get pretty cold. Rock wool coats, long sweaters, button-ups over camisoles or tights under shorts.
- Go vintage. Lots of Berlin girls take advantage of the great vintage shopping scene there. Think a recycled Burberry trench, old Doc Martens, or a heavy YSL coat. They’re equally obsessed with H&M, which is a go-to for rounding out a wardrobe. Cheap Monday is popular for jeans.
- Be slightly androgynous. Get an asymmetrical haircut or a sharp bob, and don’t be afraid to rock real boys’ clothing, Annie Hall-style.
- For inspiration, check out … Some awesome Berlin streetstyle photo blogs include Stil In Berlin and Street Clash.
