Fashion Capital of the World: My Observations as a Personal Stylist in Milan
Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world. Just being there provides immense fashion inspiration! Whether your people watching while walking down the street or sitting in a cafe, everyone is oozing with style.
Travel is an integral part of my creative process. I think that’s part of what was so hard during the lockdown, I mean that and a zillion other pandemic related things…but truly, traveling and seeing how different people express themselves through their clothing fills my creative cup. I am an observer at heart. I watch what people are wearing, how it is put together, why something works on one person and not another, as well as what sorts of styles are repeatedly showing up.
It is similar to how I watch fashion shows, looking for the through lines that I think will carry over and become the trends for the next season. But in this case, when I’m watching real people not runway models, it’s kind of like reverse engineering it. Taking what I am seeing real people (albeit those in very cosmopolitan cities) wearing in their real lives and how they are interpreting the styles.
In some ways, it is my way of confirming the data… It allows me to see what trends are gaining traction and how they are translated into real life.
So after all of that fashion nerd babble, let’s get down to it. These are the style specifics that caught my eye and that I saw repeatedly while in Milan.
One thing to note: We visited Milan in February, so it was chilly. Most of these “street style” observations are for chilly weather, and I believe will still be going strong next fall.
Fashion Observations in Milan:
Sheer black tights and shorts/ skirts w boots
Sheer black tights were EVERYWHERE! And we just saw it on the streets with the Paris Fashion week crowds as well. Ten years ago, circa 2013 it was all about the black opaque tights and creating a long leg with the darker hose.
But in the past few years sheer black tights or stockings have made a huge comeback. And not just for fancy occasions. Sheer black is being paired with shorts and boots for an edgy but polished look.
A Big winter scarf draped long
There were a lot of scarves in Milan - blanket scarves, cashmere scarves, plaid scarves and solid scarves. The one thing they all had in common was how the wearer was wearing them.
Instead of fancy ways of tying their scarves, folks were opting for the most basic, easy way to sport a scarf and it looked totally chic. Most scarves were simply thrown over the neck and worn hanging long and open. And I immediately adopted it.
Long trench/ overcoat
While there were certainly people wearing short coats in Milan, I’d say there was an abundance of long and even extra long coats crowding the fashionable streets. Duster coats hitting from the calves to the ankles were seen on the subways, at the museums and in the shops.
Turtlenecks under button-up blouses
Turtlenecks have been popular the past few years, especially as a layering piece and a way to transition warmer weather dresses into the cooler months. In Milan I saw many women wearing a turtleneck under a button up blouse. It has a kind of 1970’s vibe but in a very current way.
Long pants/ jeans
Last year we talked about puddle pants here, and if the people in Milan are any indication, the super long pant trend is still going strong. Many, many, many pants were on the long side.
Short pants with loafers and socks
And then on the opposite front, there were short pants, mostly ankle length, worn with loafers or sneakers and socks. I am sure some of it was for function, but it definitely had an intentional, fashion-y feel to it.
Combat/ lug sole boots
I’m sure there is an element of practicality to wearing lug soles on cobblestone, city streets. And they also look damn good.With both the puddle pants and ankle pants, these shoes hit the mark.
If you want to see what I did in Milan, check out last weeks blog!