THE ART OF STYLE CURATION: STEPHANIE BROEK ON INTUITION, ICONS & THE PERFECT "MESSY" UNIFORM

If you’ve ever looked at someone and thought, how does this look so effortless? — chances are they’re not following a strict formula. They’re following a feeling.

That’s exactly how Stephanie Broek approaches getting dressed. The Vogue Netherlands editor describes her style in three words — simple, chic, messy — and somehow, that combo makes total sense the moment she explains it. From vintage fashion history treasures (hello, Margiela-era Hermès) to being a proud Vestiaire Collective addict, Stephanie’s closet is curated with instinct, sharp taste, and just the right amount of “I didn’t try (but I did).”

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Stephanie talked with Le List style philosophy, wardrobe staples, trend fatigue, and the one thing that always completes the look: attitude.

Style Inspiration & Philosophy

How would you describe your personal style in three words, and how has it evolved over time?

“Simple, chic, messy.”

Short, sharp, and surprisingly spot-on. The “messy” isn’t chaos — it’s that relaxed edge that keeps classic pieces from feeling too polished.

Who or what has been the most significant influence on your approach to fashion?

“All of the above, honestly.”

Stephanie draws inspiration from art, travel, culture, and — importantly — people-watching. She tells us she once debated studying fashion vs. anthropology, because she’s always been fascinated by how different cultures express identity. And in true fashion-editor fashion, she pulls out a quote that sums it up perfectly: Gabrielle Chanel’s idea that fashion is in the air. You can’t always pinpoint what inspires you — it’s everything.

When curating an outfit, do you rely on intuition, or is it a more deliberate process?

“Intuition. I’m a mood dresser.”

Stephanie doesn’t plan outfits ahead — not even during fashion week. She packs her favorite pieces and decides in the morning. If it doesn’t match how she feels, she won’t wear it. Simple as that.

@stephaniebroek

Being an Editor at Vogue Netherlands

How has working as an editor shaped your personal style?

Being immersed in fashion daily has made Stephanie more critical in the best way. Writing about the industry sharpened her eye for craftsmanship and fabric quality, and she’s had the chance to see (and sometimes touch) truly exceptional pieces. Visiting ateliers and fashion houses changed how she shops: she’s better at spotting lasting quality and less likely to buy something that won’t hold up over time.

Does your role expose you to designers or trends that impact how you approach fashion?

Yes, and it goes deeper than just seeing collections online. Meeting designers and hearing concepts straight from the source adds depth that a runway image can’t. Seeing pieces up close, understanding the intention, the references, the work behind it - it changes how you value clothing.

What’s the most exciting part of curating stories for Vogue — and does that overlap with your wardrobe?

Vogue works months ahead, so while it’s October, the team is already building the March issue and working on Spring/Summer 2026. And that future-thinking inevitably spills into her closet.

Stephanie says she subconsciously starts editing her wardrobe for the season ahead, collecting ideas and noting what she wants to add — especially vintage. (She also casually admits: “I’m a huge Vestiaire Collective addict.” Same.)

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Favorite Pieces & Wardrobe Staples

Do you have a sentimental piece with a story?

Yes — and it’s a serious one:

A grey Hermès suit from Martin Margiela’s era at the Maison. It was an investment, but she’s worn it countless times. Owning a piece of fashion history that still feels relevant today? That’s the dream.

If you could only splurge on one category — shoes, bags, or clothing?

Stephanie refuses to choose just one and honestly… fair. Her splurge hierarchy: bags, shoes, and coats.

Her logic is perfect: in the Netherlands, you wear a coat nine months of the year, so the price per wear makes sense. Bags and shoes also work overtime — they’re the finishing touch that makes a look feel complete.

If you could only wear five pieces for a month, what would they be?

Stephanie’s five-piece uniform (aka the closet fantasy):

• Jeans

• A long black wool La Collection skirt (or jeans, depending on the day)

• A V-neck knit (currently loving a black one from Rhea)

• Chanel Cambon ballerinas

• An Hermès Birkin 40

“The uniform I never get tired of.” And honestly, that’s the goal: a formula you love so much you don’t need to “reinvent” yourself every morning.

@stephaniebroek

Shopping & Styling Tips

What’s your number-one tip for defining personal style?

Start with questions not Pinterest boards.

What do you feel best in?

Not the items you think you should wear — the ones you can’t wait to wear again once they’re washed. Then look for patterns: Do your favorite pants share a silhouette? Do your coats have a similar shape? That repetition is your blueprint. Build a daily uniform from it, and getting dressed becomes easier and more fun.

And her best reminder: if your uniform is sweatpants, that’s valid too.She even has a black pair from the Uniqlo C men’s line that she dresses up with the right shoes and knit — and no one clocks them as sweatpants.

How do you balance trends with timeless staples?

Stephanie keeps the base classic and adds one statement piece to update it — like:

• a vintage Gucci leopard coat, or

• the Etro velvet bag she recently bought

These pieces refresh a timeless wardrobe without replacing it. She might store them away when she’s over them… but she knows she’ll fall back in love a few seasons later.

Any rule for looking effortlessly cool?

Stephanie’s “secret” is not a hack — it’s a vibe: attitude.

The way you wear something matters. She loves jeans a little too big for a slouchy silhouette, or a white tee slightly oversized. If you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows — and that’s what reads as “effortless.”

@stephaniebroek

Industry Perspectives

Designers and brands that consistently inspire you?

Her forever list includes:

Chanel, Hermès, Martin Margiela, John Galliano, Pieter Mulier at Alaïa, Miuccia Prada, The Row — and recently, Hodakova.

With social media redefining ‘cool,’ how do you stay authentic?

Stephanie has a personal rule: If she sees too many people wearing something she was considering, she pivots. Because algorithms nudge us toward the same aesthetics, she tries to work against that by actively seeking new sources of inspiration. Basically: don’t let the feed dress you.

A Bit of Fun

If you could swap wardrobes with anyone for a day?

Two icons, no hesitation:

• Carolyn Bessette Kennedy — timeless neutrals, Manolos, Birkins… perfection.

• Mary-Kate Olsen — because that vintage archive must be unreal.

A trend you secretly love but haven’t tried yet — and one you wish would disappear?

Stephanie’s current obsession: the zebra + leopard mix from Khaite’s Resort 2026 lookbook.

And trends she wants gone? None. She’s firmly in the camp of: wear what you love.

If we had to sum up Stephanie’s approach to style curation, it’s this: Build a uniform that feels like you then let mood, quality, and a little “mess” do the rest.