Dorien and Ruth had never stood in front of a professional photographer’s lens before — at least not after a full restyling. That changed when they signed up for our pampering afternoon on World Cancer Day in Flanders. Our goal? To give them a day without thinking about cancer. Did it work? Just look at the radiant, confident photos. Get inspired by their three brand-new total looks from fashion partner Xandres, and pick up a few styling tricks from our stylist and makeup artist.

Who are Dorien and Ruth?

Dorien (on the left in the photo) is 47, from the Netherlands, and a manager in the healthcare sector. Shopping isn’t really her thing, posing for photos even less, and social media not at all. And yet she signed up. “My breast cancer treatment made me braver,” she said, “so I decided I should be brave enough to try a makeover too!”

Ruth (on the right) is 43, from Belgium, and works as a production planner in a large chemical company. She signed up not for herself, but for her two young sons. They understand their mom is ill — Ruth is receiving chemo for lymphoma — but to them it feels endless. Ruth wanted to show them she can still do fun things and look good in stylish outfits.

Look 1: a feminine power look for work

Dorien had always wanted to try a suit for work. But a classic two-piece wasn’t really her style. Instead, we highlighted her strength with a tough leather jacket and her softness with a flowing pink blouse, paired with trendy checked trousers. Sturdy ankle boots completed the look — along with a matching Liz scarf from our collection. Pure woman power!

Ruth was curious to see herself in a maxi dress. A brilliant idea — her height was perfect for it. We chose warm shades to complement her brown eyes, gave the checked dress extra edge with knee-high boots and a shiny roll-neck top. A colorful Marlene hat in brick, statement earrings, and Ruth was glowing.

Look 2: casual for time with kids or friends

Dorien has been faithful for years to jeans and a V-neck blouse. Great for casual occasions, but we elevated the look with a stunning statement coat (checks again, the season’s top trend) and white ankle boots. She was thrilled with the perfectly fitting jeans. The sweater color wasn’t one she’d normally pick, but after dozens of compliments, even she admitted: “Maybe it’s time to step away from all that black.” Her bordeaux Liz scarf proves it — much softer on her blue eyes than stark black.

For Ruth, we envisioned “the coolest mom at the school gate.” Her Xandres outfit featured comfy jeans, a cozy roll-neck sweater, and chunky sneakers. The cherry on top? A long faux-fur gilet. Bold, but so soft and warm. Maybe outside Ruth’s comfort zone, but she totally rocked it! “It feels like this scarf was made for this outfit,” she said with surprise.

Look 3: very chic for date night with her husband

Dorien herself suggested a festive dress. Last year, when she wore a black dress to a party, she joked to friends: “Yes, this really is me in a dress!” Not her usual style, but she went for it this time.

Black doesn’t necessarily slim. This petrol-green snakeskin print flattered her eyes and complexion much more. Mixing prints can be powerful too — just look at her matching Marlene hat! With a belt to accentuate her waist, suede heeled ankle boots, and dark tights to elongate her legs, she radiated confidence.

Ruth had lost weight during treatment and felt too thin, welcoming every extra kilo. This outfit balanced her figure perfectly. Instead of a traditional dress, we styled her in a shirt dress worn kimono-style over wide matching trousers. The luxurious print fabric worked wonders. We finished the look with a bordeaux Liz scarf tied as a turban, long earrings to highlight her neck, and croc-print heels she wore as easily as slippers.

Thanks to…

Anja for the beautiful photos, Sarah for spot-on styling, Claudia for the touch of natural makeup. Xandres for the outfits and shoes, Fleurfatale for the earrings — two Belgian labels close to our hearts (and yes, World Cancer Day coincidentally fell during Belgian Fashion Week). And of course, Dorien and Ruth themselves — for their courage, their enthusiasm, their energy, and their good vibes. Wishing you all the best, ladies!