10 Italian Styles I Saw During Milan Fashion Week

Fashion is a way of life in Milan. Style reverberates through the streets, like the echo of expertly cobbled heels clacking on the stone streets of Brera. When a work trip brought me to Milan Fashion Week, I jumped at the chance, determined to soak up an effortless sense of style via osmosis. I quickly learned just how much style is a part of daily life in Milan— I made the mistake of rolling out of bed in a loungewear set for my hotel’s continental buffet. Meanwhile, the staff was impeccably outfitted in tailored pieces, watches, and stiletto heels. It was hardly 6 a.m.

I spent a large part of my time in Milan people watching, observing the streets during fashion week and the styles I kept seeing. If you’re looking to emulate the meticulously carefree Italian style, wherever you are, you’re in luck—ahead, I’ve rounded up 10 styles I spotted from the runway to the streets in Milan during Fashion Week. I included many picks from Italian brands widely available in the U.S., as well as budget-friendly finds you can shop at Amazon, too.

Best Italian Fashion-inspired Wardrobe Essentials

A Black Top

Intimissimi Boat Neck Top

For fail-safe chic, nothing says moda like an all-black ensemble. The monochrome noir look is a default of fashion house designers and global creatives—basic is far from boring in Milan. This oh-so-soft, ultralight cashmere blend boatneck is the ultimate base layer. The flattering silhouette is a foundation for endless looks. The feather-light top packs down neatly, making it a clever choice when packing a limited wardrobe.

Sheer Tights

Calzedonia Diamond Tights

The Italian look is built on composition over content; the magic of an outfit lies in the elusive details. Tights, namely, give any outfit instant polish. It’s one of those stylistic choices you can’t quite put your finger on, but it refines the simplest looks.

On a particularly breezy Milan night, I dashed into a Calzedonia to buy a pair of tights and can already tell the impromptu purchase will be a staple of my fall capsule. These stretchy, comfortable tights are a smart travel wardrobe essential because they’ll extend the wearability of short hemlines through the fall season. And, because Milan is known to cycle through various seasons in a single afternoon, it was no surprise that plenty of locals wore tights to make their outfits more versatile for the changing weather.

Oversized Aviator Sunglasses

Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses

Bold, oversized shades were de rigueur in the streets of Milan this Fashion Week. There is a certain something about an outsized pair of shades that gives a larger-than-life flair to the wearer. Channeling a fresh-off-the-Vespa vibe, aviator frames were rife in Milan. Specifically, moto-chic styles in plastic frames and tinted, colored lenses. If you want to fit in with the stylish locals, opt for a pair of Ray-Bans, a brand that is steeped in Italian heritage.

Cape Sweater

Massimo Dutti Asymmetric Knit Cape

A single afternoon in Milan can cycle through sunshine and rain at the drop of a hat; locals equip themselves for the capricious weather by dressing in layers. Somewhere between a sweater and a scarf, a cape is a breezy and versatile piece ideally suited to the volatile forecasts of the city’s humid subtropical climate. The well-dressed women of Milan were cloaked in flowy ponchos and capes, the knitwear cousin of a hoodie (though decidedly more stylish and arguably more comfortable). I’m a fan of the selection of capes from Italian outfitter Massimo Dutti, in rich neutrals and a range of luxe knits, like this asymmetric knit cape that will be a versatile addition to your suitcase.

Knee-high Boots

Teaieui Knee-high Platform Lug Sole Boots

Sacrificing style for comfort? Not an option. The meandering layout of Milan predates cars, so expect to get your steps in on the narrow and winding roads. For the uninitiated, navigating the uneven streets in high heels is a balancing act. Instead, the it-shoe of Milan is a leather, knee-high boot with a flat sole. Supportive and stylish, your arches will thank you at the end of a long day of sightseeing in these boots—and they’ll be a breeze to match with just about any outfit in your luggage.

A Tailored Blazer

Ebossy Notch Lapel Boyfriend Blazer

As the epicenter of Italian industry, Milan is a working city. The Milano streets are peopled with sharply-dressed professionals rushing to their next appointment in immaculate suits. Even in the after-hours and at aperitiftailored professionalism underscores the city’s sense of style. Oversized blazers and double-breasting dominated, worn by locals who elude a tailored yet relaxed look. Blazers are not reserved for the office in Milan; they are wardrobe staples that carry outfits from day to night. Thrown over a slip dress or styled with denim, a blazer, like this plaid numberis a chic juxtaposition that adds an effortless Italian poise. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, packing a blazer is a Milan must.

A White Sneaker

Superga 2740 Platform Sneakers

For a more casual footwear option, Superga sneakers are an icon of Italian style. The brand has been making its signature canvas pairs for over a century, and the shoes are a cultural touchstone in their own right. While Superga’s heritage style features a thinner sole, I noticed stylish locals in Milan opted for this elevated twist on the classic kicks. The extra padding of the rubber platform sole is a welcome addition when navigating the streets of Milan, a city whose charms are best discovered on foot.

Dark Denim

Diesel Relaxed Jeans

The name of the game in Milan is casual elegance, the essence of which is captured by a dark pair of denim. A touch more casual than slacks, a relaxed-fit pair of dark jeans is a utilitarian powerhouse when packing for a trip to Italy. Locals across Milan were reaching for loose fits—gone are the days of squeezing into a high-waisted skinny jean. Italian denim brand Diesel has been a fixture on the scene since the 1970s, celebrated for its edgy and irreverent styles that defined Italian streetwear. These ultra-loose flare pants dramatically drape to make a statement without sacrificing comfort.

A Statement Belt

Fiorucci Round Leather Belt Black

In Milan, fashion is as much about fit as it is flair. Tailoring and construction are telltale indicators of quality, but not everyone can shell out for a custom couture ensemble. The next best thing to bespoke tailoring? A statement belt that gathers in all the right places. Accessorizing with a belt goes beyond aesthetic enrichment; belts are tools to bring structure and shape to any outfit. If you don’t have the time for a trip to the seamstress, a belt is your best friend to get the perfect fit. A secret weapon of stylists, a well-placed belt takes an outfit from off-the-rack to off-the-runway in a single cinch. This piece from the local cult brand Fiorucci will do more than hold up your trousers; it will define your silhouette and infuse your outfit with a sense of Italian elegance.

A Shoulder Bag

Gumhay Shoulder Handbag Leather

When traveling to Milan, as with any bustling city, it’s crucial to keep your belongings secure from the prying hands of pickpockets. You’ll want to opt for a handbag that keeps your things protected with a zippered closure. All over Milan, I spotted fashionistas embracing the return of the sleek shoulder bag. Tightly tucked under the arm, short-strap handbags are a sophisticated and street-savvy accessory. I’m especially into this option from Amazon; the dual closure has both a zipper and a flap for double the security.

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