What to Wear in Belgium

The dusty, rose-tinted terracotta brickwork that builds the core of the medieval city and the towering Belfry.

Blend into the warmth of the old city streets; it looks incredibly cohesive and soft in the mid-afternoon light.

This muted, earthy peach is a winner for warm undertones but also gives a healthy flush to neutral skin.

The dark, murky green of the still water in the Groenerei and the moss clinging to the ancient stone foundations.

It’s a sophisticated grounding colour that helps you stand out subtly against the repetitive red-brick backgrounds.

This desaturated olive is a classic for neutral and olive undertones, feeling organic and effortless.

The pale, ornate stone carvings of the Stadhuis (City Hall) and the bright window frames of the gabled houses.

Pop against the darker brick and water; it creates a clean, bright focal point that looks fresh in the July heat.

This buttery off-white is universally flattering and won't wash you out like a stark, clinical white might.

The deep, blackened teal often used on the heavy wooden doors and traditional window shutters across the city.

Avoid wearing this as a solid block if you're in the shade, but it's a stunning, moody contrast for sunny canal-side shots.

This cool, dark shade is particularly striking on cool undertones and creates beautiful contrast for fair skin.

The weathered, porous limestone and calcarenite that forms the ornate facades of the Grand Place and the Royal Quarter.

Wearing this creates a sophisticated monochromatic look that makes you appear like a natural extension of the city's palatial architecture.

This muted greige is a dream for neutral undertones, though those with very cool skin might want to add a brighter lip.

The shimmering gold leaf detailing that defines the crests, statues, and trim of the city's historic 17th-century buildings.

This metallic-adjacent shade catches the August light and makes you glow against the otherwise stone-heavy backdrop.

Warm and golden undertones will absolutely sing in this, as it mimics the sun's reflection on the gold leaf.

The steep, Mansard-style slate roofs and the cobblestones of the Ilôt Sacré that turn blue-grey after a summer rain.

Use this to anchor your look; it provides a cool, sharp contrast to the warm sandstone and gold that dominate your photos.

Excellent for cool undertones, providing a crisp frame for the face without the harshness of true black.

The dark, forest-green wrought iron balconies and curved window frames typical of Victor Horta's architectural masterpieces.

This deep, organic green pops beautifully in the residential streets of Saint-Gilles without feeling loud or touristy.

This deep olive-adjacent tone is incredibly versatile, especially flattering for those with deep or olive complexions.