Germany isn’t known for being a centre of fashion in the way that France and Italy are, yet it still has its own distinct style. I find it interesting to use style as a lens through which to look at a culture. What is sought for in beauty reveals something about the underlying values shaping that culture. A generalisation, maybe, but starting with stereotypes can lead to more subtlety later.

Previously a collection of many small kingdoms and dukedoms, Germany wasn’t united as a single country until 1871. Later divided again in the aftermath of the Second World War, it was once more reunified with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. It was a decade later around the year 2000 that Berlin began to establish itself in the international fashion scene, and the Berlin Fashion Week was first held in 2007. Germany’s history had caused many setbacks to its fashion development. For example, when the Nazis had been in power they had destroyed many clothing stores because most of those had been run by Jewish people. This had long-term implications for German fashion, which its industry is still trying to recover from.

Nowadays German style is relaxed and casual, yet also well put together. They have plain good style, and tend to be practical with no fuss to get things done efficiently. German style puts an emphasis on being honest, minimalist, authentic, and natural.

‘Berlin’s entire creative fashion industry, once so heavily Jewish-dominated, was destroyed. The effects of that destruction remain to this day, more than 70 years later. In trying to resume its place at the pinnacle of the fashion world, Berlin design companies are now struggling to find new talent.’

Dina Gold

German women tend to wear more natural, earthy, sober colours. Colours such as brown, khaki, black, and grey are popular. They usually don’t strive to stand out. The Germans are egalitarian and strongly value their privacy, so they tend to be more reserved than other cultures. When they do use other colours, they prefer softer natural shades rather than very bright ones.

German style focuses on functional quality with plain good style and elegant lines. Their outfits are well-put-together and organised, yet very relaxed and casual. German style is practical, comfortable, and simple, with attention paid to being thrifty and sustainable. High-waisted jeans are common as are other pragmatic pieces such as trainers.

Layers are popular in winter, combining different textures whilst keeping warm. Quality leather boots and big scarves are also widely seen.

If you want to dress like a German woman or blend in like a local whilst visiting Germany, three words to bear in mind are: practical, earthy, relaxed.

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