Country Costumes: Netherlands (Lia)

There are four main details about the Dutch that come to mind when giving a summary the team. Conflict between the divas - with each other or their managers (Gullit vs Advocaat, Davids vs Hiddink, Van Nistelrooy vs Van Basten, Van Persie vs Sneijder), horrible penalty taking skills (Cocu's spooky ability to always hit the post), a permanently weak defense, and muscles/bones made of spun sugar (Van Basten, Van Persie, Robben, Vlaar to name just a few mainstays in the treatment room).

Look in the dictionary and you'll probably find a picture of Oranje under the definition of "(forever a) bridesmaid." We don't really like to count the number of times we've appeared in the World Cup finals (1974, 1978, 2010) and failed to win. Aside from being champions in Euro 1988, the Dutch side have little to show for their collective talents in terms of silverware.

There are of course at least two Dutch names that probably every football fan has heard of, the first being Johann Cruijff. Total football. Under manager Rinus Michels and led by Cruijff, the Dutch dazzled in 1974, defeating both Brazil and Argentina before falling to West Germany in the final. Anyone that's old enough to have watched that final still experienced the magic of Dutch football first-hand, with the Dutch scoring before a single German had touched the ball. The second name? Marco van Basten. His stunning volley against the Soviet Union is unforgettable.

Every tournament comes with two certainties. A stunning goal that's a contender for goal of the tournament, and tears. Van Persie's free kick against Côte d'Ivoire in 2006, Robben's goal against France in 2008, and Van Bronckhorst's long range shot against Uruguay in 2010 that silenced Jabulani critics for half a second are forever etched in my mind. I also remember the tears clearly, but of course they're not nearly as nice to discuss in this case. I've infused a tough edge to the traditional orange, represented by the clutch and heels, with a lion printed tee along with zipper detailed jeans, chained wrap bracelet, and a spiked headband. The drop earrings bring just a touch of delicacy and balance to the outfit.

Tee, Dorthy Perkins, £13;

Jeans, J Brand, £223;

Heels, Hervé Léger, £143;

Clutch, Givenchy, £795;

Bracelet, Pret a Beaute, £82;

Earrings, Macy's, £68

One True Look: Robin van Persie/Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

Disclaimer: I've been coerced into making this post by Kay. I am not responsible for any mental scarring that may have occurred upon seeing this Fendi bag.

We're continuing our One True Look series with two of our favourite Oranje boys, who are as different as, well, different can be. Think of clashing on Real Madrid-Barcelona or Arsenal-Tottenham levels. Ajacied meets Feyenoorder, inner city boy meets country boy, teetotaler meets functioning alcoholic, plaid meets bling bling (in the words of Per Mertesacker) - combinations that will always bring lots of drama. In this case, bringing together our favourite guido impersonator and our resident hipster truly does produce an, ahem, interesting combination for this outfit.

With Van Persie's penchant for not owning a single article of clothing that doesn't clash with everything else in his closet and Huntelaar's drunken farmboy antics, any outfit created with both of them in mind is bound to be just a bit out there, like a penguin in the desert.

The split between the styles of this set is rather clear - the oh-so-ironic "I like cats" sweatshirt a reference to Robin's Cheetah, and the eye-watering peacock bag bowing down to his preference for Ed Hardy tees and shoes and "dress" shirts that look like they've been attacked by kids armed with felt tip markers, while the beret, coloured skinnies, leather wrap bracelet, and converse all but scream "hipster (and therefore Klaas-Jan) alert!" Although the bag is of course the bane of any fashionista's existence, we feel you could rock this ensemble after two or three or five drinks. We've put a ring on the look with the stacked ring strangely reminiscent of Chinese finger traps.

Ring, Dorthy Perkins, £9;

Bag, Fendi, price unavailable;

Bracelet, Calypso St. Barth, £117;

Sweatshirt, Etsy, £16;

Skinny jeans, Ted Baker, £90;

Beret, Forever 21, £5;

Shoes, Converse, £68

Home and Away: Feyenoord

We all have midweek match days where we want to show support for our teams but can't quite just throw on a jersey and kick back on the couch like we do on weekends. Whether it be work or a special event keeping us from our baggy and undoubtedly comfy kits, we can still lend our support from afar by coordinating our outfits to match our team colours. While these outfits were chosen with Feyenoord in mind, they can be worn for any team whose colours include powder blue or red and white.


Away: A light blue top flowing over white trousers is the very definition of simplicity. Coupled with flats and a cream clutch, this outfit is bound to be perfectly comfortable and suitable for a casual event, or even just a day at the shops. Dark blue feathered earrings and bangles add a splash of excitement into an otherwise demure outfit.


Top, American Vintage, £38;
Feather earrings, Forever 21, £2.40;
Flats, Topshop, £23;
Pants, Alexander McQueen, £173;
Clutch, Kate Spade, £110;
Bangles, Laredoute, £7.60

Home: A (beaded) red dress and white pumps is a classic combination for any semi-formal dinner or work party. The gold earrings will add a touch of elegance to any outfit, while the silver bracelet and gold clutch flashing away at your wrist are sure to catch anyone's eye. The POW! necklace is nothing but a quirky bit of fun, a reminder of the whole host of strange noises you're bound to make while watching a live match.

Dress, Jane Norman, £27.50;
Pumps, Harrods, £200;
Necklace, Hannah Zakari, £7;
Bracelet, Flannels, £60;
Clutch, Oasis, £32;
Earrings, H&M, £4