Traveling is all about making the most of our limited free time. That’s why many of us look for trips that tick of all our interests whether we’re interested in art, food or exploring random museums. If you’re a fashion girl, you’re probably focused on a trip that allows you the opportunity to explore new surroundings (ahem, shops). And if you can do it while rocking your new boots and a cute dress, that’s even better.
Lucky for us fashion devotees there are plenty of places across the globe we can get our fashion fix — and they go beyond The Big Four. (That’s New York, London, Milan and Paris.) While the Fashion Month capitals are still worth visiting, there are other places that offer just as many amazing shopping opportunities and street style eye candy. Start saving and planning your outfits now.
1. London
London is known for being the more experimental, risk-taking city in Fashion Month, but there is something for everyone in the vibrant capital. Hit up trendy East London for great vintage and indie brands. Or take a trip to West London for some preppy Sloane Ranger inspiration and the department stores. You’ll be able to see plenty of sights as you dash between the King’s Road, Oxford Street and Shoreditch. And make sure you try to save an afternoon for Harrods. Even if you cannot afford much, you will want to take everything in.
2. Copenhagen
Copenhagen is up there on the fashion spectrum after New York and Paris. Copenhagen Fashion Week produces some amazing street style looks, but if you come any other time of year, don’t worry. Denmark’s capital city has Scandi chic down. And it offers plenty of shopping opportunities for you to recreate the trend yourself. Don’t leave without stocking up on some Acne duds or hitting up Illum, a fashion-forward department store.
3. New York
There’s no need to go abroad for some fantastic fashion. New York is the fashion capital of the United States. There are plenty of amazing design schools from Parsons to FIT. Checking out their exhibitions or student shows is definitely worth it. If you come during NYFW, simply stand outside the tents and people watch. If you come off-season, you can keep busy with all of the stores and by enjoying the changing street style in each neighborhood. Make sure you save some energy for Macy’s and Barneys.
4. Los Angeles
New York may be the undisputed fashion capital of the U.S., but Los Angeles is building quite the reputation. We have all of the amazing red carpets for movie premieres and awards season. Plus, some designers are moving to the West Coast. Saint Laurent kicked things off by relocating its headquarters and many others have added L.A. shows. We also cannot forget about the fact that Los Angeles is the place to master California cool.
5. Sydney
Sydney is famous for its strong sun and surf game, but those in the know are aware of its fantastic fashion. The MAAS Centre for Fashion allows you to apply your critical thinking to fashion. (While taking in a lot of fashion history, natch.) The David Jones department store is worth the trip alone. Ditto the cool indie boutiques. And don’t be afraid to go out of tourist areas. Each of Sydney’s ‘burbs has its own street style tribe.
6. Paris
Ah, Paris. Do we really need to explain this one? There are fashion capitals and then there is Paris. Paris isn’t just the penultimate stop in Fashion Month; it’s also the place of couture. The couture houses are in Paris as well as many ready-to-wear designer studios. You’ll be able to see some of the finished products in the flagship stores. The Champs-Elysées may be crammed with tourists, but it’s worth walking with the crowds to marvel at the monstrous stores. Just make sure you go off the beaten path to discover the hidden boutiques that help make Paris, Paris.
7. Stockholm
Have you been studying minimalist Scandi looks online for ages? Seeing them on your tiny phone screen simply doesn’t compare to seeing them in the flesh. Book a flight to Sweden and you will be able to see how it’s done IRL. Stockholm’s Östermalm district has some high-end stores that are worth the splurge, but you could easily drop your cash at H&M.; The budget-friendly brand is Swedish and its hometown stores are some of the best around.
8. Milan
Milan is all about fashion. Fashion and design are two of the city’s biggest industries which result in some very stylish (and very gorgeous) people. Remember the famous shopping street Via Monte Napoleone. It’s part of the Quadrilatero della moda, aka Milan’s fashion district. Walk up the street and you’ll be able to find anything on your wishlist. Alternatively, sit in a cafe with an espresso and just people watch.
9. Moscow
Yes, Moscow can get very cold, but the locals know how to dress for any temperature. Grab your wallet, bundle up and get exploring. You’ll be pleased to know that some of the best shops are in enclosed malls. On warmer days, it’s worth spending some time outside to see how fashionable Russians manage to look stylish in freezing temperatures. Even just looking at the ornate architecture in the city will inspire your next maximalist outfit.
10. Amsterdam
Sure, Amsterdam has its picturesque canals, but it also has very stylish locals. You will wonder why people are so intent on cycling in intense Spandex after you see everyone whizzing around on their cute bikes in their cute outfits. The capital of the Netherlands also has its own fashion museum and a diamond museum. Really. A word of warning: You will get major jewelry lust with every piece that you look at.
11. Antwerp
Fashion girls will want Antwerp on their radar. The Belgium city has produced some amazing fashion designers including the famous Antwerp Six. That’s Dries Van Noten, Walter van Beirendonck, Ann Demeulemeester, Dirk Van Saene, Dirk Bikkembergs and Marina Yee. Add in the fact that it’s home to the Fashion Museum (MOMU) and the Fashion Academy, and things just keep getting better. Oh, and don’t forget that Antwerp is that “diamond capital” with its very own design district.
12. Seoul
We’re all about K-beauty, but it would be wrong to overlook Korean fashion. If you love everything about Korean beauty, you’re going to be fully immersed in Seoul fashion before you know it. Seoul’s street style game is on point with everyone rocking their own unique look. The city has its own fashion week along with some major department stores like Lotte.
13. Berlin
Berlin is respected for its art scene and that creativity has led the city to be a great destination for fashionistas. The city has a burgeoning independent fashion scene. Plus, Berlin Fashion Week produces some fantastic looks. Not to mention that the street style is #flawless. If you’re looking for cool clothes that not everyone has, take your wallet and an empty suitcase to Germany’s capital.
14. Tokyo
You’ve seen all of the street style photos of Japan. Now it’s time you experience the wide array of styles in person. If you think there are different fashion tribes in your city, they have nothing on Tokyo’s. Everyone brings their A-game and puts their all into their look, whether they’re a Lolita, Otaku, Roller or Cosplayer. If you want to do some shopping, check out the department stores. They are anything but lame — we promise you.
15. Melbourne
Don’t let the adorable koalas distract you from all the fashion Melbourne has to offer. It might not be the capital of Australia, but the coastal city has effortless beach babe style down. Not-to-be-missed events include Melbourne Fashion Week and the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival. The city also has a diverse mix of shops. Plus, sewers can stock up on fantastic textiles in the garment district.
16. Barcelona
We’re not discounting Barcelona’s great weather or its incredible architecture, but its fashion game is something you cannot ignore. Spain has produced some of the best clothing brands including Zara and Mango, and Barcelona has some of the best stores in the world. There’s also the Textile and Costume Museum in the bustling capital along with plenty of fashion schools. And the street style is good whether you’re by the water or stomping around on the cobblestones.
17. Rome
Milan may be Italy’s fashion capital, but it would be wrong not to include Rome. The street style in Rome is on par with Milan’s. Not to mention that almost any outfit looks amazing when it’s worn in front of the Colosseum or Trevi Fountain. You can hit up all of the classic Italian designer shops including Gucci, Prada and Fendi. Don’t worry, there are some more affordable shops, too, including lingerie label Intimissimi and the Coin department store.