I Came Back From Copenhagen Fashion Week Obsessed With These 3 Accessory Trends

The best part? You probably already own them.

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April Lockhart
(Image credit: April Lockhart)

Copenhagen Fashion Week has long been synonymous with bold color, clever layering, and the kind of street style that makes you want to immediately text your best friend, “We need to start trying harder.” But this season, the most interesting CPHFW trends weren’t complicated—or even particularly new. They were all about the finishing touches: accessories that make an outfit feel intentional.

Across the streets and runways, three styling ideas kept showing up in different forms: gloves as statement pieces, belts and waist ties layered in fresh new ways, and hats returning as a real street style staple. The best part? None of these accessory trends requires a shopping overhaul—just a little creativity (and maybe a quick closet rummage).

Ever since the “wearing vs. styling” conversation took off, it feels like we’ve collectively remembered that accessories are where the personality lives. Sometimes the difference between getting dressed and getting styled is one small detail.

Here are the three accessory trends from CPHFW that felt especially chic—and surprisingly easy to try right now.

Statement Gloves

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April Lockhart
(Image credit: April Lockhart)

It’s funny that something as practical as gloves could feel trend-driven, but Copenhagen made a strong case for them as more than just a cold-weather necessity. Yes, it was 22 degrees, and my hands were freezing, so function was part of the story. But gloves were being worn like punctuation: bright color, sleek leather, interesting texture—an accessory that instantly sharpens a look. Some were even tucked into belts or waistbands—proof they were being treated as styling tools, not just winter gear.

I picked up a pair at a local boutique before I left, and now I can’t stop thinking about how underrated a statement glove is. It’s the kind of detail that makes even a simple coat feel styled.

Belts and Waist Ties, 2.0

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April Lockhart
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Last year, we saw the rise of sweaters wrapped around the waist—a styling trick that felt somehow cooler than a belt. This season, Copenhagen took that idea and made it feel even more intentional. Think: multiple layers wrapped and tied, sweaters slung over shoulders and around waists, belts given new life as more than just functional hardware.

One of my favorite examples came from OperaSPORT, where pearl wrap belts and even decorated skirt-belts added sparkle to an unexpected look. As an unapologetic maximalist, I love the idea that your waistline deserves more shine.

Headwear’s Return

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April Lockhart
(Image credit: April Lockhart)

Hats may never truly go “out,” but their presence in fashion definitely comes in waves—and I say that as someone who is not naturally a hat person. It takes real street style evidence to convince me to step out of my comfort zone.

This season in Copenhagen, the evidence was everywhere. Headwear felt like a genuine styling staple again, especially in the form of pillbox hats. The city was fully committed: classic pillboxes, updated hybrids somewhere between a beret and a pillbox, and so much fur I lost count. Crocheted and beaded caps also showed up, tapping into that distinctly Scandi balance of cozy and cool.

Thankfully, I came prepared with my favorite cheetah-print pillbox, and I was reminded how much a hat can do. It’s the fastest way to make an outfit feel finished, even if the rest of your look is simple. Naturally, I left with a growing wishlist.

Ultimately, Copenhagen’s best accessory trends weren’t about chasing something new; They were about noticing how much impact the smallest pieces can have. A glove, a belt, or a hat won’t just tie things together—it’s often the detail that makes the outfit.

April Lockhart
April Lockhart
Contributing Fashion Editor

April Lockhart is the founder of Disabled& and an advocate for the disabled community. She's been featured in Vogue, The Cut, Byrdie, Refinery 29, Who What Wear, and Fast Company, among others. Her 2023 debut at New York Fashion Week walking for Victoria’s Secret’s adaptive line and her work as a model for Anthropologie’s adaptive collection has solidified her status as a trailblazer in both the fashion industry and advocacy space. In 2025, April was featured on Forbes' 30 under 30 list. She's also on Substack.