When you think of Belgium, images of medieval streets, decadent chocolates, and intricate lace may come to mind. But for a traveler who adores both culture and style, Belgium offers so much more: a tapestry of architecture, gastronomy, and effortless European chic. I recently spent several days weaving my way through its cobblestone lanes, sipping espresso in sun-dappled squares, and—naturally—curating outfits that felt just as timeless as the cities themselves.
If you’re planning your own Belgian getaway, here’s my guide to making the most of it—while looking every bit the part.
1. Start in Brussels: The Beating Heart of Belgium
Brussels is often the entry point for visitors, thanks to its international airport and central location. While some see it as just a transit hub, the city is brimming with personality. Start at the Grand Place, where gilded guildhalls glisten in the sunlight and every photo feels like a magazine spread. It’s the perfect spot to debut a tailored blazer over relaxed trousers—easy to walk in, but polished enough to blend with the elegant backdrop.
And here’s where I’ll let you in on my secret: nothing completes a city look like a subtle sparkle. I wore my Austen & Blake diamond stud earrings while exploring here, and they caught the light in a way that made even my casual coffee stops feel special. In a city where historic beauty meets modern flair, having jewelry that bridges classic and contemporary makes all the difference.
2. Packing Smart Without Losing Style
Belgium’s cities are walkable, which means you’ll spend hours on your feet. A capsule wardrobe works wonders: think midi skirts that swish elegantly, lightweight knits, and comfortable yet stylish shoes. Neutrals are your best friend here, and you can bring each look to life with accessories.
Jewelry is a traveler’s best-kept secret for switching up outfits without adding bulk to your luggage. Austen & Blake pieces, especially their delicate gold chains and minimalist rings, were my go-to. They paired beautifully with everything from my morning market outfits to my evening bistro dresses. A little sparkle goes a long way in photographs, too—especially against the pastel facades of Ghent or the warm bricks of Antwerp.
3. Ghent: The Fairytale City with an Edge
Ghent feels like a dream from the moment you arrive. Gothic spires, canals reflecting clouds, and bicycles zipping past locals with baskets of fresh bread. It’s less touristy than Bruges, which makes it feel more authentic—perfect for wandering with no real agenda.
For a day here, I recommend a flowing midi dress layered with a denim jacket for cooler mornings. I kept my accessories minimal: a slim leather crossbody and my Austen & Blake tennis bracelet, which added just the right amount of sophistication for my lunch at a canal-side café. In Belgium, style is never about overdoing it—it’s about those thoughtful, refined touches that make your outfit feel intentional.
4. Antwerp: Where Fashion Meets History
If Brussels is political and Ghent is romantic, Antwerp is undeniably chic. It’s the fashion capital of Belgium, home to avant-garde designers and concept stores that make you want to completely reinvent your wardrobe. The city itself is a mix of medieval architecture and ultra-modern boutiques, so your look should strike that balance.
I opted for tailored trousers, a silk blouse, and statement earrings from Austen & Blake. Their craftsmanship has that same attention to detail you see in Antwerp’s design scene. Walking down the Meir shopping street, I blended right in with the stylish locals, but my jewelry still earned compliments—from a barista, a museum guide, and even a fellow traveler on the tram.
5. Café Culture and Sweet Indulgences
It would be criminal to visit Belgium without indulging in its food scene. Waffles in Brussels, speculoos in Ghent, chocolates everywhere. The cafés here have an old-world charm that’s perfect for slowing down between sightseeing stops.
When I sat in a sunlit corner of a Brussels café with my cappuccino, I realized just how much small details enhance the travel experience. My Austen & Blake pendant necklace, worn over a simple cream knit, caught the reflection from the window and made even a candid photo feel styled. That’s the beauty of packing a few key accessories—they make the everyday moments photo-ready without feeling staged.
6. Markets, Museums, and Street Style
Belgium’s flea markets are treasure troves for vintage lovers. In Brussels, the Jeu de Balle market offers everything from antique postcards to Art Deco candlesticks. I paired my market-day look—linen trousers, striped tee, straw tote—with a pair of Austen & Blake hoop earrings. They gave a polished touch to my otherwise casual look, which was perfect since I went straight from the market to the Magritte Museum without needing to change.
Museums here are not only rich in art but also in architectural beauty. Wearing versatile jewelry means you’re always ready for whatever the day brings, whether that’s bargaining for vintage glassware or standing in awe of a Rubens painting.
7. Bruges: The Postcard-Perfect Stop
Bruges might be the most photographed city in Belgium, and for good reason. Its canals, horse-drawn carriages, and stepped-gable houses feel frozen in time. It’s the perfect place to slow your pace, rent a bike, and take in the scenery.
For cycling around Bruges, I went for a relaxed linen dress and low sandals, with my Austen & Blake stackable rings adding just enough shimmer. Rings are such an easy travel accessory—they don’t weigh you down, yet they instantly elevate your hands in those coffee-and-croissant photos we all love.
8. Evening Outfits That Work Everywhere
Belgian evenings are casual but refined. You might start with a pre-dinner drink on a terrace and end with live jazz in a dimly lit bar. A slip dress layered with a cardigan works in almost any city, and here’s where a statement jewelry piece really shines.
I wore my Austen & Blake sapphire pendant for one such evening in Ghent, and it was the perfect conversation starter. Locals appreciate craftsmanship, and when your accessories tell a story of elegance, people notice. Plus, the deep blue stone mirrored the evening sky, which felt wonderfully poetic.
9. Practical Travel Tips for Belgium
Footwear: Choose stylish sneakers or low block heels for daytime. Streets are often cobbled, and comfort is key.
Weather: Layers are essential. Light scarves and cardigans can dress up an outfit instantly.
Language: A few words in French or Dutch go a long way. Locals appreciate the effort.
Shopping: Beyond the big fashion names, Belgium is full of artisan jewelers—though I always come back to Austen & Blake for their consistent quality and timeless designs.
Photography: Early mornings mean fewer crowds and softer light—ideal for both sightseeing and outfit shots.
10. Why Jewelry Matters When You Travel
Travel isn’t just about seeing places; it’s about how you feel in them. The right outfit can make you feel more confident, and the right accessories can make that outfit unforgettable. In Belgium, where the atmosphere is a blend of heritage and contemporary life, Austen & Blake jewelry felt like the perfect travel companion. Their designs are versatile enough for exploring cobblestone alleys, elegant enough for fine dining, and timeless enough to remind me of my trip long after I’m home.
Whether it was a subtle pair of diamond studs in Brussels, a tennis bracelet glinting in Ghent, or a sapphire pendant catching the last light in Antwerp, each piece became part of my Belgian story. And isn’t that what travel style is all about—taking a little piece of the journey with you?
Belgium has a way of making you slow down, savor moments, and appreciate beauty in both grand cathedrals and tiny details. With thoughtful planning, a wardrobe that travels well, and jewelry that tells its own quiet story, you can experience this country not just as a tourist, but as someone who truly belongs—even if only for a while.
And if there’s one takeaway from my trip, it’s this: your memories will live in your photos, your journal, and—if you choose wisely—in the jewelry you wear. For me, Austen & Blake will forever be entwined with the golden squares of Brussels, the calm waters of Bruges, and the vibrant streets of Antwerp.
