5 ethical outfits, february '25

I recently went through all my very old outfit photos, which brought back memories in more ways than one. The outfit cringe was obvious, but also the lengths we went to for a couple of good shots seemed like something from another era. During the golden days of fashion blogging, a successful outfit post required a full-blown professional-style photoshoot, with flattering lighting, the right lens, an appealing background and possibly some outfit changes. As a young student living at home, my parents’ driveway wasn’t going to cut it so I was always scouting houses and walls around town which could serve as a potential backdrop, keeping in mind when the light would hit them best. Despite our best efforts, my blog never really took off, and looking back at those outfits and shoots, I can see why: I was trying too hard, yet at the same time not quite hard enough.

Today I’m much more comfortable in my clothes, and on top of that the “rules” for outfit photos have changed. I feel people now prefer something relatable, quick and real, rather than a full editorial with a randomly acquired bouquet of tulips in the middle of Le Marais. My most recent outfit post was a lot of fun to make - just my phone wedged in a shoe on top of my ironing board - but it took a lot of time and still felt a bit stale. Then, a few weeks ago I remembered those old times when I stood in front of other people’s houses and I realised: I now live in a pretty charming terraced house that works well enough. So now, whenever I feel like it, I just stand on my own doorstep while my boyfriend takes three full minutes to snap some photos from the sidewalk. If that isn’t a full circle moment, I don’t know what is.

Anyways, here are some things I wore last month. Felt cute, won’t delete later.

A touch of folklore

This black cashmere turtleneck is without a doubt my most-worn top in colder seasons, but while she works hard, she’s hardly a main character. The vintage embroidered waistcoat - usually the star of my summer wardrobe - works surprisingly well with it. I like how it softens the contrast between the black top and coloured bottoms, while adding a distinct point of visual interest. You’ll be seeing this combo again.

I’m wearing

Uniqlo cashmere roll neck (not ethical, Vinted)

Vintage embroidered waistcoat (Vinted)

Kuyichi Lisette flare (sold out)

Black suede ankle boots (not ethical, super old)

ana luisa Paris earrings

2015 calling

The Dicker boots and the white slim jeans might have earned me some cool girl points 10 years ago, but I still stand by them in the year 2025. I’ll never not be partial to a winter white or a brown suede ankle boot, and I like how they make this knit pop. I find that the periwinkle either gets washed out or clashes with most of my blue denims, so white jeans are the way to go if I still want to keep the effortless feel. Not my most groundbreaking outfit and not the one that feels most like me, but I felt good in it nonetheless.

I’m wearing

Sézane knit (old collection)

MUD Jeans SimpleChique straight jeans (discontinued)

Isabel Marant camel Dicker boots (not ethical, Vinted)

ana luisa Tia mini earrings

Woodstock

After weeks of grey, rainy weather, we were unexpectedly graced with one day of perfect spring bliss, so out came the botanical print. I love a floral that reads “secret garden” rather than “nan’s tea towel”, and this vintage gem does the trick. My colleague called me Woodstock when I showed up to work in this, so this is now officially my favourite thing I wore this month.

i’m wearing

Vintage floral blouse (Vinted)

Kuyichi Lisette flare (discontinued)

Isabel Marant camel Dicker boots (not ethical, Vinted)

Vintage denim jacket (Think Twice)

ana luisa Paris earrings

The chunkiest of knits

What does one wear going to MoMu, Antwerp’s fashion museum? I’d argue, something so impractical you can hardly wear it anyplace else. This jumper looks inconspicuous, yet it’s by far the most impractical thing I own. First of all, it’s mad hot to wear, hence the cropped trousers to at least allow some ventilation in through the ankle area. It’s also very prone to pilling - so much so that it needs a gentle trim after every wear. And finally, it’s a nightmare to wash and takes days to fully dry. Why do I own this, might you ask? I knit it myself so I love it like a child.

I’m wearing

Wool And The Gang Dreamin’ jumper in Lipstick Red

Kings of Indigo Leila jeans in eco recycled blue

O My Bag Luna bag (discontinued)

Black suede ankle boots (not ethical, super old)

ana luisa Tia mini earrings

Penny Lane

Does this coat make me look like Father Christmas’ wife? If so, kindly move on and just let me live in my seventies delusion. I was looking for a truly warm alternative to my practical puffer jacket that would better suit my love for vintage, and a penny lane style coat was going to be it. Vinted was full of options, and while there were more supple and shorter options that fit the casual hippie vibe better, this thick longline shearling number was going to serve me best.

The jumper was another Vinted find. Dirt cheap and from a fast fashion brand, but it pairs nicely with many things I own and love, and is a practical and easy way to add some fun to my work wardrobe as well.