Stephanie Broek is an Amsterdam-based fashion writer and Editor-at-Large at Vogue Netherlands. With 15+ years in fashion, her work balances precision and emotion, shaped by Dutch restraint and a global perspective.
DISCOVER STEPHANIE BROEK'S SELECTIONMinimalist, ambiguous, messy. Where I am at the moment definitely has an impact on what I wear. I dress more casually and prioritize comfort in Amsterdam, partly because I’m on a bike all the time. When I’m in Paris or Milan, I love to dress up. Now that we’re talking about it, I notice that I often bring Italian designer pieces to Milan and wear more French brands in Paris.
A big cup of tea and warm oatmeal. My acupuncturist told me I should only eat and drink warm things, and I’ve noticed a big difference in my well-being.
My jewelry. It makes me feel finished, complete, and ready for wherever I’m going that day..
My ballet flats. I could never live without them. And I love a well-put-together outfit, like a blazer with classic trousers or a pencil skirt, pieces that make me feel refined yet effortless all the day.
Interior design. I recently discovered the work of Mathilde van der Schueren, a peintre en décors, who created an oil-painted entrance for Martin Brûlé Studio in Paris.
You can never go wrong with a good uniform.
When I started out as a fashion writer over 15 years ago, fashion journalism was about defining and dictating catwalk trends. Today, the idea of a single, dominant trend no longer exists. Different eras and styles coexist, and fashion has shifted toward personal expression. It feels both freeing and more timeless — pieces don’t really go out of style anymore; their relevance depends on how and when they’re worn. While there are still recognizable moods and “vibes” people tap into, they’re far less prescriptive, which I love.
What helped me a lot was stopping impulse purchases and becoming more critical of new buys. I looked closely at the pieces I enjoyed wearing most and tried to understand why. That’s how I learned which silhouettes suit me best and which fabrics I love. I now think about items in terms of the long run. It helped me build a small wardrobe of pieces I keep wearing over and over — items I can always fall back on and that last in terms of quality. Shopping can be self-care if you approach it that way.
