From knee-length boots to well-fitted jackets, these are the outfits I’m looking at.
Fashion is a way of life in Milan. Style echoes through the streets, like the sound of well-made heels clicking on the stone streets of Brera. When a work trip brought me to Milan Fashion Week, I seized the opportunity, eager to absorb an effortless sense of style by osmosis. I soon realized how deeply style is woven into everyday life in Milan—I made the mistake of getting out of bed in aloungewear setfor the continental breakfast at my hotel. Meanwhile, the staff was perfectly dressed in tailored attire, watches, and high heels. It was barely 6 a.m.
I spent a significant amount of time in Milan observing people and the streets during fashion week, noticing the various styles that kept appearing. If you’re aiming to replicate the effortlessly stylish Italian look, no matter where you are, you’re in luck—below, I’ve gathered 10 styles I saw on the runway and in the streets of Milan during Fashion Week. I’ve included several selections from well-known Italian brands that are easily accessible in the U.S., as well as affordable options available on Amazon.
Must-Have Items for an Italian Style-Inspired Closet
- Versatile top layer: Ebossy Notch Lapel Boyfriend Blazer, $45
- 42 percent off: Teaieui High-Top Platform Boots with Thick Soles, $46 (originally $80)
- Celeb-loved shoe: Superga 2740 Platform Sneakers, $80
- Effortlessly stylish: Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses, $207
- Sleek black top: Intimissimi Boat Neck Top, $65
Related: A European Personal Shopper Shared 15 Fall Fashion Trends I’m Missing in My Travel Clothes—and They Begin at $22
A Black Top
Intimissimi Boat Neck Top
$65 at intimissimi.com
For secure style, nothing saysmodalike a full black outfit. The monochrome dark style is a standard choice for fashion house designers and international artists—simple doesn’t mean uninteresting in Milan. This incredibly soft, ultra-lightcashmere blend boatneckis the perfect foundational layer. The stylish shape serves as a starting point for countless outfits. The ultra-light top compresses easily, making it a smart option for those with a minimalist wardrobe.
ANRABESS Women’s Boat-Neck Long-Sleeve Top
$20 $9 at Amazon.com |
Spicy Sandia Women’s Boat Neck Long Sleeve Sweater
$33 at Amazon.com |
Sheer Tights
Calzedonia Diamond Tights
$22 at calzedonia.com
The Italian style emphasizes arrangement rather than substance; the charm of an ensemble comes from subtle, hard-to-define elements. Stockings, specifically, add immediate sophistication to any outfit. It’s a fashion decision that’s hard to pinpoint, yet it elevates even the most basic outfits.
On a notably windy evening in Milan, I hurried into a Calzedonia to purchase apair of tightsand I can already see the spontaneous purchase becoming a key part of my fall capsule. These flexible, cozy tights are a clever addition to a travel wardrobe since they’ll help keep short hemlines wearable throughout the fall. Plus, considering Milan experiences multiple seasons in a single day, it wasn’t surprising to see many locals wearing tights to make their outfits more adaptable to the shifting weather.
Silkies Women’s Compression Tights
$18 at Amazon.com |
Hanes Women’s EcoSmart Diamond Pattern Control Top Tights
$10 $9 at Amazon.com |
Oversized Aviator Sunglasses
Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses
$207 at Amazon
Large, bold sunglasses were the must-have accessory on the streets of Milan during this Fashion Week. There’s an undeniable appeal to wearing a pair of oversized shades that adds a dramatic, larger-than-life touch. Embodying a new-from-the-Vespa look,aviator frameswere common in Milan. Particularly, moto-chic designs with plastic frames and tinted, colored lenses. To blend in with the fashionable residents, choose a pair of Ray-Bans, a brand that has deep roots in Italian tradition.
SOJOS Retro Aviator Sunglasses
$20 $15 at Amazon.com |
YDAOWKN Retro Aviator Sunglasses
$15 $12 at Amazon.com |
Cape Sweater
Massimo Dutti Unbalanced Knit Cape
$160 at massimodutti.com
A single afternoon in Milan can switch from sunshine to rain in an instant; locals prepare for the unpredictable weather by wearing multiple layers. Between a sweater and a scarf, a cape is a light and adaptable garment that’s perfect for Milan’s ever-changing weather in its humid subtropical climate. The fashion-forward women of Milan were wrapped in flowing ponchos and capes, which are like the knit version of a hoodie (but much more elegant and likely more comfortable). I really like the range of capes offered by Italian brand Massimo Dutti, available in rich neutral tones and various luxurious knits, such as this oneasymmetric knit capethat will serve as a flexible item to include in your luggage.
PULI Women’s Oversized Front-Opening Shawl
$39 at Amazon.com |
Good Morning Women’s Wool Pashmina Scarf
$43 $35 at Amazon.com |
Knee-high Boots
Teaieui High-Top Platform Boots with Thick Soles
$80
$46 at Amazon
Putting style aside for comfort? Not a choice. The twisting layout of Milan was established before cars, so be ready to walk on the narrow and winding streets. For those not used to it, walking on the uneven roads in high heels is like a tightrope walk. Instead, the must-have shoe in Milan isa leather, knee-high bootfeaturing a flat sole. Comfortable and fashionable, your feet will appreciate you after a long day of exploring in these boots—and they’ll easily pair with nearly any outfit in your suitcase.
Choiran Black Knee-Length Boots
$60 $43 at Amazon.com |
DREAM PAIRS Women’s Knee-Length Boots
$58 at Amazon.com |
A Tailored Blazer
Ebossy Notch Lapel Boyfriend Blazer
$45 at Amazon
As the heart of Italian industry, Milan is a city that thrives on work. The streets of Milano are filled with well-dressed professionals hurrying to their next meeting in pristine suits. Even during the late hours and ataperitivo, polished professionalism highlights the city’s fashion sense. Large blazers and double-breasted styles were prominent, worn by residents who achieve a refined yet casual appearance. Blazers are not only for the workplace in Milan; they are essential pieces that transition outfits from daytime to evening. Draped over a slip dress or paired with jeans, a blazer, likethis plaid number, is a stylish contrast that brings a relaxed Italian elegance. Whether traveling for work or leisure, carrying a blazer is a must in Milan.
Prettygarden Women’s Winter Corduroy Blazer
$50 at Amazon.com |
Mina Self Plaid Houndstooth Blazer Jacket
$60 $46 at Amazon.com |
A White Sneaker
Superga 2740 Platform Sneakers
$80 at Amazon
For a more relaxed shoe choice,Superga sneakersare a symbol of Italian fashion. The company has been producing its iconic canvas shoes for more than 100 years, and the footwear has become a cultural reference point. Although Superga’s traditional design has a thinner sole, I observed fashionable residents in Milan choosing this modern variation of the classic shoes. The added cushioning from the rubber platform sole is a helpful feature when exploring the streets of Milan, a city best experienced by walking.
Reebok Women’s Court Advance Footwear
$65 $60 at Amazon.com |
Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt Everyday
$110 $90 at Amazon.com |
Dark Denim
Diesel Relaxed Jeans
$250 at Nordstrom
The style in Milan is all about effortless sophistication, which is perfectly embodied by a pair of dark denim. Slightly more casual than trousers, relaxed-fit dark jeans are a practical must-have when preparing for a trip to Italy. Residents throughout Milan have been opting for looser fits—those days of tight high-waisted jeans are over. The Italian denim brand Diesel has been a staple in the area since the 1970s, known for its bold and unconventional styles that helped shape Italian street fashion. Theseultra-loose flare pantsdrastically drape to make a bold impression without giving up on comfort.
Levi’s Strauss & Co. Signature Gold Women’s Classic High-Waisted Loose Fit Jeans
Buy at Amazon.com |
Lee Women’s Instantly Slims Classic Relaxed Fit Monroe Straight Leg Jeans
$43 $28 at Amazon.com |
A Statement Belt
Fiorucci Circular Leather Belt in Black
$330
$99 at fiorucci.com
In Milan, fashion is equally about fit and style. The craftsmanship and construction are clear signs of quality, but not everyone can afford a custom-made high-fashion outfit. The best alternative to tailored clothing? Astatement beltthat accumulates in the ideal spots. Adorning with a belt extends beyond just visual appeal; belts serve as instruments to add structure and form to any ensemble. If you don’t have time for a visit to the tailor, a belt is your greatest ally in achieving the ideal fit. A hidden asset for fashion experts, a strategically positioned belt transforms an outfit from store-bought to runway-ready with one adjustment. This item from the local cult label Fiorucci will do more than support your pants; it will outline your figure and add a touch of Italian sophistication to your look.
WHIPPY Leather Belt
$12 at Amazon.com |
JASGOOD Western Belt
$8 at Amazon.com |
A Shoulder Bag
Gumhay Shoulder Handbag Leather
$22 at Amazon
When visiting Milan, like any busy city, it’s important to keep your possessions safe from the theft attempts of pickpockets. You should choose a handbag that offers protection with a zipper. Throughout Milan, I noticed stylish individuals embracing the resurgence of the slim shoulder bag. These short-strap handbags are neatly tucked under the arm, making them a refined and trendy accessory. I’m particularly fond ofthis option from Amazon; the dual closure features both a zipper and a flap for enhanced security.
Liziblloy Shoulder Bag
$22 at Amazon.com |
Montana West Medium Handbag
$23 $21 at Amazon.com |
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