By Carmen, Styling at Princess Goes Hollywood
It's the same every year. The invitation to Oktoberfest arrives, and the first question isn't "Where can we still get a reservation?" but "What do I wear?". Dirndl wearers have it easy. Everyone else stands in front of their wardrobe, wondering if there's really no other option.
There is. And I say that as a stylist who knows: A good Wiesn look doesn't need a Dirndl. It needs the right elements. Alpine aesthetics that don't feel like a costume. Festive energy without the obligation of traditional dress. Pieces that you'll take out of your closet again after Oktoberfest – because they are simply too beautiful to be worn only once a year.
But first, a few words about the Wiesn itself. Because if you're going to show up well-dressed, you should also know where to go.
Where the Fashionista Goes at the Wiesn
Oktoberfest traditionally lasts 16 to 18 days, beginning on a Saturday in September and ending in early October. If you want a table, reserve early, as the coveted spots in the best tents are often booked months in advance.
For daytime, I recommend the Oide Wiesn, the historic Oktoberfest on the southern part of the Theresienwiese. Smaller, quieter, with real folk music bands instead of DJ music, historic rides, and a very unique charm that still makes the original folk festival palpable. Definitely: take a ride on the Wiesn Ferris wheel, with a view over Munich and the Theresienwiese. And afterwards: the snack stalls. Roasted almonds, gingerbread hearts, grilled fish on a stick, fresh "Auszogene" with powdered sugar. Oktoberfest is also a showcase of Bavarian delicacies that should not be missed.
For the evening: The Käfer tent is the tent of choice for anyone who wants to celebrate in style. More refined than the large halls, with a crowd that puts thought into their appearance. Then there's Kuffler's Weinzelt for those who prefer champagne and wine spritzers to beer, and the Hippodrom for those who want a bit more energy without the anonymous mass of the large tents. Käfer and Weinzelt are the only ones open until 1 AM – a detail that's not unimportant when planning your evening.
And now to the actual topic: the wardrobe.
1. Janker Energy, Modernly Interpreted
The Janker is the heart of the alpine wardrobe – and at the same time, the piece that has most unjustly landed in the traditional costume corner. Yet, in the right version, it is one of the most versatile items of clothing imaginable.
My favourite version for the Wiesn: a short knitted cardigan in a bouclé look with contrasting piping and fine buttons. In raspberry pink, paired with a Glencheck pleated skirt. This is not traditional costume. This is the look you wear in a fashion editorial in Munich and still fits perfectly into a festival tent.
Paired with: knee-high boots or rubber boots, because Oktoberfest can also mean grass and rain. Subtle gold jewellery. A simple bag that doesn't overcrowd the look.
2. Urban Alpine: The Janker with Jeans
Who says a Janker has to be worn with a Dirndl skirt? No one who truly styles. A well-cut knitted Janker in vibrant red, paired with a white ruffled blouse and dark jeans – that's the look for anyone who wants presence without folklore.
The red knitted Janker with decorative buttons and white contrasting piping has that self-assured energy that doesn't have to choose between "I'm going to the festival tent" and "I'll be at Käfer afterwards for a coffee in their legendary Haferl". Both work. That's the beauty of this look.
Paired with: White sneakers, a delicate gold necklace, a structured small bag.
3. Mountain Statement: Knitwear with a Message
This is the look for those who prefer to celebrate at an alpine hut during Oktoberfest rather than in a city festival tent. Or for those who want to go somewhere after the Wiesn where the look fits just as well. An oversized knitted cardigan in deep anthracite with a "LOVE" lettering on the back, paired with black leather leggings and knee-high flat boots.
What makes this look special: It's neither traditional costume nor urban. It's mountain chic in its purest form. The boxy cardigan brings the energy, the leather leggings give it structure, and the boots ground everything.
My styling tip: No large earrings, no necklace. The back print is the statement. Everything else takes a backseat.
4. Fawn with Attitude
Deer and fawns are the secret stars of the alpine animal world – and on clothing, they prove that nature and fashion can be wonderfully combined without becoming kitschy. A fawn motif, well-printed and combined with a floral pattern, is not a Wiesn accessory. It's a statement.
The combination I love: a white print shirt with a fawn motif, paired with a short pink bouclé knit cardigan worn open. The shirt tells the story, the cardigan gives the look structure. Together, something festive is created without trying too hard.
Paired with: dark jeans or a slim skirt, flat ankle boots, gold jewellery that picks up the warm tones of the print.
5. Tradition with a Wink
My personal favourite. A grey knitted Janker with an embroidered deer on the back and the lettering "Have a nice day!". This is the piece that appeals to everyone at the Wiesn because it hits just the right note: respect for tradition, but not reverence. Style with humour. Elegance with a wink.
Oktoberfest has a long history of dressing up. Anyone who doesn't take themselves too seriously understands the festival truly. This Janker is exactly that.
Worn with a denim pleated skirt and a white ruffled blouse underneath, plus ankle boots – the perfect look for anyone who loves tradition and doesn't need kitsch.
The Dirndl is beautiful. But it's not the only option.
If you want to be well-dressed at Oktoberfest, you don't need an apron or a corset logic. You need the right piece, the right energy, and the knowledge that Alpine aesthetics go much further than classic traditional dress.
You can find the pieces for your Wiesn look in our Autumn Collection. And for the colder days after the Wiesn season, it's worth taking a look at our Cashmere Collection – because Alpine Chic knows no end of season.
