okaybee

I have to say, I love Milan fashion week. There’s something so vibrant about it. Milan brings the flair to fashion week. However, this year, while still showing a love for all things opulent, Milan was a more understated version of itself. Still sexy and sassy, but with a refined edge. Lots to love and lots to look forward to wearing next season.

1. Belted Coats

The absolute fastest way to make a coat flattering is to belt it. Emmanuelle Alt is a big fan of this trick as am I. It adds shape to your waist and can make a generic coat a little more special. You can either buy a coat that comes with a tie or you can add any variety of belts to your coat collection to instantly, and cheaply, update them. Win win.

2. Sport Luxe

Sport Luxe is definitely looking to be a big trend next season as we saw in London. Sporty sandals, trainers, tennis whites, stripes – it’s fairly simple to add to your wardrobe for a sporty update. I am especially loving the leather Fendi leather dress with the white and orange details. Such a fantastic take on the trend.

3. All About Leather

Leather was all over the runway. A Barbie pink dress at Moschino, buttery caramels at Prada, biker reds at Philipp Plein. Leather doesn’t need to be restricted to black leather jackets. It’s time to have fun with it and embrace colour. I love the pairing of the sleeveless studded cream biker jacket, with the white 50’s style skirt at Phillipp Plein. Such a fresh take on the look.

4. Show Some Leg

So far, including New York and London, this trend is the reigning champion. The trend you definitely need to look out for next season. In fact, you can embrace this trend soon. Pair your skirt with a thigh high slit with boots and a long sleeve top for a autumn take on the trend. You may find that it’s an easier trend to wear than you originally think.

5. Bringing Back Boho

The bohemian vibe was strong in Milan. Kaftans, boho prints, long floaty maxi dresses in lace with suede waistcoats. It was all there. Sienna Miller and other boho fans will have plenty to choose from next season with Etro, Roberto Cavalli, Missoni and Alberta Ferretti all embracing the boho vibes. Easy to wear, classic festival attire will inescapable next season.

6. Opulence

This is what Milan is all about. The extravagant, opulent, over the top. It’s what we expect from Milan. Lace at Emilio Pucci, metallics at Roberto Cavalli, cobalt blue dramatic ruffles at Emporio Armani. However, no one does opulent as well as Dolce & Gabanna. Bright reds, bejewelled dresses and boots, intricate lace, detailed corsets, crowns heavy with jewels, florals and slinky black dresses. It was a total feast for the eyes – and wearable when done right.

7. Seeing Stripes

I’m trying to put into words how much I adore the blue and white striped trouser suit from Emporio Armani, and I just can’t, I love it! Stripes were ever present on the Milan runways showing up as transparent strips, graphic cut outs, and bold colour blocking. Not for the faint of heart, after all, horizontal stripes are hardly the most flattering, but it’s not impossible to pull off this look.

8. Plumage

Feathers made a few appearances at Milan fashion week and this is definitely a trend I can get behind. I am still on the hunt for the perfect feathered skirt and dress. Next season may be my season to find my elusive skirt and dress if the Milan runway is anything to go by. That powder blue dress from Fendi is perfect in every way – the subtle ombre, the colour, the cut and style. Gorgeous.

9. Suit It Up

Call it Armani’s influence but there was a lot of work wear appropriate clothing on the Milan runways. Beautiful suits, sharp skirt and cardigan combos, which were anything but dated, and smart midi coats. As I am starting a new job where I need to get a whole new work wardrobe, this trend is especially interesting to me now!

10. Khaki and Cream

I am loving this neutrals trend that appeared in Milan. Subtle, understated and elegant. Its a great trend to wear now and transition you into next season. Sportmax and Bottega Veneta are favourites of mine leading this trend, see the first three pictures below. The neutral colour palette combined with the front ties is a look that I definitely want to replicate.

Milan, in it’s slightly less overtly sexy version of itself, has given us lots of gorgeous trends to look forward to next season. The end of Milan fashion week always brings a twinge of sadness as it means that there is only Paris fashion week left. As always, keep a look out for my Paris trend report which I am working on currently, and take a look at my New York and London fashion reports if you missed them.

Hope you’re having a great weekend!

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