Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is often associated with high-profile fashion designers like Martin Margiela, Anthony Vaccarello, and Raf Simons. It is also home to the prestigious Antwerp fashion institute, where The Antwerp Six (including Walter Van Beirendonck and Ann Demeulemeester) rose to fame. But what does everyday fashion look like in Brussels itself?
Brussels, with its eclectic and quirky vibe, has a fashion scene that reflects its laid-back and often unkempt atmosphere. Streets are filled with trash bags and autumn leaves, and the city’s architecture mirrors its sense of randomness. As the weather turns chilly, people pull on layers like Evisu jeans, bomber jackets, leather vests, and boots. There’s no pressure to fit a particular mold—Brussels is a place where people wear whatever they want.
Known globally as the headquarters of NATO and the European Union, Brussels is also famous for its beer culture, mussels, and fries. Its iconic Manneken Pis statue, a small fountain of a boy urinating, is a symbol of the city’s playful spirit. Unlike other European capitals, Brussels doesn’t lean into snobbishness or sophistication. Instead, it’s a blend of influences that results in a carefree and sometimes unconventional approach to style. A TN VaporMax sneaker paired with sports socks and lace stockings is as common as a Manneken Pis statue dressed in an FC Barcelona jersey.
In the creative circles of Brussels, the fashion scene shifts. Artists, musicians, and designers from places like Paris and Berlin bring a sense of casual elegance to the city. Here, fashion feels unpretentious and playful, allowing for plenty of room to experiment with different looks. The city fosters a relaxed environment where people aren’t judged for mixing styles—whether it’s combining a tank top with a Cavalli shirt or pairing sneakers with a dress.
The city’s fashion reflects this laid-back vibe. “Clothing doesn’t need to be current or pristine to be interesting or beautiful,” says designer Salome Sperling. Alongside her partner Jaime Le Bleu, they embrace the playful side of fashion in their own home, where patterns and colors mix freely. Sperling adds that the city’s eclectic style allows people to feel comfortable in “the unkempt,” offering a space to dress without worrying about perfection.
While the streets may appear disorganized and filled with neutral tones, Brussels remains free from judgment. The city encourages a relaxed approach to fashion where individuality and comfort take precedence over high-fashion trends. “There’s a lot of ‘homeless-inspired’ looks,” observes a passerby, pointing out the casual, often mismatched garments worn around the city. Unlike in Antwerp, where high-end fashion dominates, Brussels offers a more affordable, diverse array of styles.
Despite the predominance of neutral hues like black, gray, and beige, the second-hand fashion scene in Brussels thrives. Shops are filled with piles of old clothing, reflecting the city’s easy-going attitude toward fashion. Designer Ori Orisun points out that Brussels’ fashion scene is deeply influenced by its neighborhoods—what’s considered “cool” in one area may feel outdated in another.
Young Flemish residents are often seen sporting loose, grunge-inspired clothing, a nod to early 90s fashion. This anti-posh sentiment is becoming more widespread among the younger generation, who prefer a relaxed, less polished look. Unlike in cities like Paris, where fashion is often about showcasing wealth and style, Brussels takes a more laid-back approach, offering more freedom to wear what you want without worrying about judgment.
“It’s freer here,” says Nicolas Zanoni, a Parisian designer. In Brussels, fashion is not about perfection or sophistication. People are more likely to wear things that feel authentic to them, regardless of trends or expectations. Sperling agrees, noting that she feels more liberated in her personal style in Brussels than she might elsewhere.
Ultimately, Brussels’ fashion culture can be summed up as playful, unpretentious, and free-spirited—a reflection of its irreverent and eclectic atmosphere. Whether it’s mismatched outfits or classic suits with a twist, the city’s dress code encourages individuality and the freedom to wear whatever feels right.
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