Chill but structured: a look inside the down-to-earth Dutch lifestyle

From cycling politicians to courthouse weddings, the down-to-earth Dutch lifestyle shows up in places you might not expect. In the latest episode of MAG Going Dutch, hosts Luba and Salomé unpack what down-to-earth really means with design student Eline.

Eline, who studies at Minerva, describes herself as flexible and relaxed, but still organised. Plans can shift, she says, but she prefers not to be late and likes to keep things in order. That balance, calm but structured, quickly becomes the thread of the episode.

One of the clearest examples, Eline argues, is how Dutch weddings are often celebrated. Instead of extravagant ceremonies, many couples simply visit the courthouse and host a party afterwards. There is little emphasis on spectacle. The focus is on the experience rather than the performance. It reflects a broader aspect of the  down-to-earth Dutch lifestyle: being grounded, practical and not overly concerned with appearances.

Fashion offers another lens. Luba and Salomé note how Dutch high school students often dress almost identically: jeans, trainers, North Face jackets. Eline laughs, recognising the pattern. Practicality tends to win over experimentation, especially outside big cities. In villages, she explains, dressing similarly can make social belonging easier. In cities like Groningen, however, international influences are visible, and students at art school bring more colour and individuality.

The climate plays a role too. With rain, wind and year-round cycling, functionality matters. Long winter coats that feel like “wearing a duvet” are not a fashion statement but survival gear. The Netherlands may not be a global fashion capital, but it is efficient.

That same practicality extends to politics. Seeing government officials cycle to work feels normal in the Netherlands, yet surprising to newcomers. According to Eline, relatability matters. Leaders are expected to remain grounded and approachable. The idea is simple: act normal, and that is already “crazy enough”.

Work-life balance is another cornerstone of down-to-earth Dutch lifestyle. Cafés are full on weekday afternoons, and weekends are treated as sacred downtime. Eline believes Dutch people work hard, but they work to live, not the other way around. Free time is valued, holidays are prioritised, and even ambitious students must remind themselves to take breaks.

Thrifting and second-hand culture add another layer. While not universally popular, especially outside urban centres, many young people embrace it. It aligns with a practical mindset: reuse, repurpose, avoid excess. But Eline points out that styles still cluster socially. In smaller communities, blending in can feel safer than standing out.

In the rapid-fire round, Eline chooses going out over staying in, names Minerva as her favourite place in Groningen, admits to loving Nasty Gal, and selects ‘Shape of You’ as her go-to karaoke song. What makes her laugh most? Strange, unexpected comments from friends, the kind that catch you off guard.