3 Neighborhoods, 3 Looks: How to Embrace Berlin Style?

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Admired for its cultural richness, open-mindedness, and punk attitude, the German capital captivates all generations. The Berlin style is so rich that it evolves within the city depending on the neighborhoods.

Pauline, you have done the breakdown of London looks by neighborhoods, it’s time to embark on an adventure in a new city to explore its style and understand how Berlin stands out, and how the fashion taste of its inhabitants varies by neighborhood.

History still plays a significant role in how people dress in this capital with an extraordinary past. You will see that the styles of the inhabitants of different neighborhoods are very different and reveal a lot about the multiple ways of life in Berlin.

The Berlin Style or No Style

While the city is known for its exceptional history, openness, and eccentricity, it is less known for fashion. And yet, just by walking through the wide streets, some of which still bear visible traces of the communist past, you can understand that the Berlin style truly exists and is adorned with a thousand and one colors depending on the neighborhood.

Having lived in Berlin for several years, I still love deciphering fashion and there is much to say about the Berlin style. I can already confess to you that societal changes are very apparent in Berlin, such as the gentrification that has swept through the city in recent years and issues of gender.

The questioning of gender related to the LGBTQIA+ community emerged much earlier in Berlin than in other Western cities. With a deeply rooted techno culture and clubs (clubs are considered cultural venues and are supported by the city), queer fashion, ultra-sexy, hyper-feminist, or rather sado is very well accepted both at night in bars and in the morning on public transport!

Let me tell you that wearing a beautiful dress like Harry Styles on the cover of Vogue is possible in Berlin, and no one will even look at you strangely in the street!

Whatever one thinks of these gender issues, they assert themselves in the way people dress and that’s what interests us.

Why is no style king in Berlin? Because since the fall of the wall, the motto is to dress and live as you please. With such open-mindedness, you can imagine that Berlin looks are vibrant!

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Chic in the West in Charlottenburg

Let’s be honest, Berlin is not really considered the capital of chic and good taste. However, the Charlottenburg neighborhood will prove you otherwise. Well, many real Berliners will tell you that it’s the snooty, capitalist neighborhood and they never set foot there. Not entirely false, but it is full of superb chic thrift stores that are definitely worth a look, like Vivi Lenz Vintage or Femme.

It is also the former French neighborhood during the wall times and the one that comes closest to the Parisian style.

It’s the only neighborhood where you can see people in high heels! The rest of the city swears only by sneakers, tall black boots, or platforms.

If you love the posh lifestyle, head to the famous Kurfürstendamm, the Berlin Champs Elysées where you will find luxury boutiques with familiar names and lively contemporary looks.

My Shopping Selection in Charlottenburg

A Hipster Trip to Prenzlauer Berg & Mitte

Having lived for several years in the northern Prenzlauer Berg, this neighborhood remains my favorite. What I love? Its Sunday brunch atmosphere every day of the week! There’s a trendy yet relaxed vibe. Since it’s a family neighborhood, you’ll encounter many young parents who have moved here to escape the clubs and noisier neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Neukölln.

In terms of looks, it’s definitely hipster. Prenzlauer Berg is also the haven for expat new mums (clearly I fit into this category) who swear by organic cosmetics, spend their Sundays at the flea market searching for vintage gems, and never tire of sipping a latte or organic beer while letting the kids play in the park.

Want to get a glimpse of the city’s social diversity and gather inspiration for your next looks? Head to the Sunday flea market at Mauerpark and its outdoor karaoke. You can find second-hand clothing at incredible prices while experiencing the diversity of Berlin.

Two good vintage addresses to remember for adopting the Berlin style of the neighborhood: Garments Vintage & MANKii ViNTAGE.

My Shopping Selection in Prenzlauer Berg & Mitte

Punk and Sexy Excursion in Kreuzberg & Neukölln

The punk reputation of Berlin doesn’t come from nowhere, and it’s definitely in the neighborhoods of Kreuzberg and Neukölln that you find it.

Located near the former Tempelhof airport, the streets that make up Bergmannkiez are very pleasant for strolling and studying the looks of the locals. Here, trendy vegan cafes coexist with kebabs and Turkish grocery stores.

Outfits are bolder, provocative, oversized, or completely extravagant.

A common sight, people leave on the street what they no longer need in a respectful and organized manner. Therefore, it’s possible to find quite a few free clothes on the street. Solidarity is also part of the Berlin style.

If you love the free and artistic vibe of these neighborhoods, take a trip to YUMMY Vintage store to find unique pieces.

My Shopping Selection in Kreuzberg & Neukölln

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