1. Master the Art of the Color Clash
The first rule of Walter Van Beirendonck’s world is that there are no bad color combinations, only timid ones. His runway shows are explosions of acid green, electric blue, safety orange, and hot pink, often all in the same outfit. To channel this, you
need to unlearn the rules you’ve been taught about matching. The goal isn’t harmony; it’s energy. Start by pairing two colors you’d normally keep far apart—think turquoise trousers with a lemon-yellow jacket. Or, wear one searingly bright color from head to toe. The key is commitment. Don’t just add a pop of color. Become the pop of color. This isn’t about looking 'put together' in a conventional sense; it’s about creating visual friction and excitement. It’s the sartorial equivalent of a firework.
2. Say It With Your Chest (Literally)
Van Beirendonck has never been shy about using his clothes as a canvas for social and political commentary. Slogans like “Demand Beauty,” “Stop Terrorising Our World,” and “Finally Chesthair” have been emblazoned across his garments for decades. This isn’t about grabbing any old graphic tee. It’s about finding pieces that communicate your point of view. Think about what matters to you—be it environmentalism, social justice, or simply the absurd joy of being alive. Look for designers who use text in clever ways or find a vintage piece with a message that still resonates. The spirit here is to move beyond passive consumption and wear something with intention. Your torso is a billboard; use it to say something interesting, provocative, or wonderfully weird.
3. Embrace Your Inner Cartoon Character
Playfulness is central to Van Beirendonck’s aesthetic. He populates his collections with a universe of characters, from his iconic alien-like Puk-Puk to other wide-eyed creatures and fantastical beings. This translates into a wardrobe that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Look for prints that feature bold, illustrative graphics, abstract faces, or surreal patterns. Think less ditsy floral, more cosmic comic book. Incorporating this element is about finding joy in the absurd and connecting with a childlike sense of wonder. It could be a sweater with an oversized, stylized animal, a bag shaped like a UFO, or socks covered in cyclops eyes. It’s a reminder that fashion can be, and should be, fun. It’s an antidote to the self-seriousness that often plagues the industry.
4. Play with Proportion and Silhouette
A Van Beirendonck outfit is rarely just a t-shirt and jeans. The Belgian designer is a master of manipulating shape to create drama and tell a story. He uses oversized shoulders, ballooning trousers, sculptural headpieces, and layered elements that defy the natural contours of the body. You don't need to walk around in a giant inflatable suit to capture this spirit. Instead, experiment with one exaggerated element. Try a jacket with powerful, padded shoulders over a simple base. Pair a slim top with ultra-wide-leg pants. Or, play with layering unexpected pieces, like a harness over a button-down shirt or a sheer tunic over tailored trousers. The idea is to think of your body not as something to be flattered, but as an armature for a piece of wearable art. It's about consciously choosing a shape that feels powerful and interesting to you.
5. Mix Your Materials
Texture is a secret weapon in the Van Beirendonck arsenal. He famously combines high-tech, futuristic materials like PVC, nylon, and neoprene with traditional fabrics like wool and cotton. This textural friction adds another layer of depth and surprise to his work. To bring this into your own closet, seek out interesting material contrasts. Pair a slick, vinyl raincoat with a chunky, hand-knitted scarf. Wear a fuzzy fleece jacket with crisp technical trousers. Combine a delicate sheer shirt with rugged denim. This approach prevents an outfit from feeling flat. It creates a tactile experience for both the wearer and the viewer, making even a simple silhouette feel dynamic and considered. It’s about building a look that engages more than just the eye.
