WORDS BY HOLLY MARGERRISON
It’s fair to say that Lizzy van der Ligt is the dreamer that made ‘it’ happen. Ever wondered what it would be like to pack up and move to the City of Light? To study abroad in the fashion capital — and then to document it all online?
No, this is not the Netflix story of ‘Emily in Paris’ but instead about its real-life predecessor, Lizzy van der Ligt. The Amsterdam-based stylist is a shining example for so many aspiring fashion aficionados. In her third year of studies at Acadamie Artemis in the Netherlands, she did an internship in Paris and began documenting her day-to-day adventures on a personal blog.
Now a vlogger, stylist, mum, author and an icon for so many — it seems there’s very little the Dutch influencer can’t do. It’s been ten years since she launched her blog, and Lizzy continues to make her mark with her brand Le Cafe Noir Studio, her book ‘Ibiza Stories’ and an adorable daughter named Jagger (who often features on her YouTube).
It’s all systems go for Lizzy, whose buzz has hardly worn off in the last decade. Luckily, the busy blogger has found the time to give us a masterclass in cosy knits. Lizzy provides answers to our most pressing questions, such as what her favorite sweater is this season, and how she is adding some color to her closet this winter.
Why did you choose these FARFETCH items?
I chose these items because they are real must-haves for me this season. For example, a big knit in an off-white color. I am going for a completely white look this winter and to make it my own I chose this sweater from Isabel Marant Étoile. It’s really warm and pairs well with white pants, like I demonstrate here, but also looks great with jeans. Isabel Marant used to be one of my favourite designers and now I am completely crazy about everything she makes again.
I also chose a bag and hat from Jacquemus. A bucket hat is perfect for the cold, rainy Dutch weather here in Amsterdam. I love things that I can put on my head. They are also very useful for a bad hair day.
What are you looking for when you buy a sweater? And do you have a favorite?
I think a sweater should be comfortable, warm and it definitely should not be itchy. I hate itchy sweaters that shed those tiny fibers and end up being stuck to your eyelashes all day long. I also think it’s very important that a sweater lasts for a long time. I'd rather invest in a good sweater than buy three sweaters of poor quality where the fabric deteriorates after wearing it just once.
For the winter, I am always looking for a lovely knitted variant. One that you won’t want to take off all season long. I often opt for sweaters from Isabel Marant because they add a little something extra — this is often in the silhouette. Big and chunky, yet elegant. That’s how I chose this sweater, it’s wonderfully warm and coarsely knitted, but still very sophisticated.
What are your tips to make sure you can wear your favorite sweater all year round?
To be able to wear sweaters year-round, one of my tips is to wear them in the autumn and spring and layer just a body warmer over the top. I also love a coarse knitted sweater with a skirt underneath and bare legs. That combination always works, but there is only a short time frame for it here in the Netherlands. It’s perfect for wearing in the sun in Spain, for example.
The winter months are usually very grey and dark. Do you have any tips for adding more color to your closet?
I really like color myself, so I don’t have a lack of it in my wardrobe, but if you think it’s still a little scary, you can start with just a touch of color. You can use the small pink Jacquemus bag in the picture for example. You can pair it with a grey look, but still welcome in some color.
Which item can't be missed from your closet this winter?
This winter, everything that’s remotely snuggly cannot be missing in your wardrobe — think big knits, teddy fabrics and more fluffy things. P.S. especially since we’re finally allowed to cuddle with each other again.