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

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

Pauline, you have done the decoding of London looks by neighborhoods, it is 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.

The history still plays a major role in how people dress in this capital with an extraordinary past. You will see that the styles of the inhabitants in different neighborhoods are very different and reveal much about the multiple ways of living in Berlin.

The Berlin Style or No-Style

While the city is known for its exceptional history, open-mindedness, and eccentricity, it is less known for fashion. And yet, just strolling through the wide streets, some of which still bear visible traces of the communist past, reveals 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 that societal changes are very apparent in Berlin, such as the gentrification that has taken over the city in recent years or the questions of gender.

The gender issues related to the LGBTQIA+ community emerged much earlier in Berlin than in other Western cities. Additionally, with a deeply rooted techno culture and clubs (clubs are considered cultural spaces 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 you won’t even be looked at oddly in the street!

No matter what you think about 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 order of the day is to dress and live as you please. With such open-mindedness, you can imagine that the Berlin looks are colorful!

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Chic in the West Side of Charlottenburg

Let’s be honest, Berlin is not really considered the capital of chic and good taste. However, the Charlottenburg district will prove you otherwise. Well, many true Berliners will tell you that this is the prissy and 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 quarter from the time of the wall and the one that comes closest to Parisian style.

It’s the only neighborhood where you can see people wearing high heels! The rest of the city swears only by sneakers, knee-high 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 snazzy, contemporary looks.

My Shopping Selection in Charlottenburg

A Hipster Trip in Prenzlauer Berg & Mitte

Having lived for several years in the north of Prenzlauer Berg, this neighborhood remains my favorite. What I love? Its Sunday brunch atmosphere every day of the week! There is a trendy yet relaxed vibe. Because it is a family-oriented neighborhood, you will often encounter many young parents who have settled a little away from the clubs and the noisier neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Neukölln.

In terms of looks, it’s clearly hipster. Prenzlauer Berg is also the hangout for expat new mums (well, I definitely fit into that category) who swear by organic cosmetics, spend their Sundays at flea markets 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 mix and gather inspiration for your next looks? Head to the Sunday flea market at Mauerpark and its outdoor karaoke. You’ll find second-hand clothes at incredible prices while witnessing the diversity of Berlin.

Two good vintage addresses to note 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 does not come from nowhere, and it is definitely found in the neighborhoods of Kreuzberg and Neukölln.

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

The outfits are bolder, provocative, oversized, or totally extravagant.

It’s common to see people respectfully and organizedly leave what they no longer need on the street. Therefore, you can find quite a few free clothes in the streets. Solidarity is also part of the Berlin style.

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

My Shopping Selection in Kreuzberg & Neukölln

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