Milan is one of the world’s fashion capitals and Milan style reflects the city’s reputation for elegance, quality, and luxury. When we talk about Milanese style, we’re referring to a polished, sophisticated way of dressing that combines tailored pieces, luxe fabrics, and impeccable accessories. Some key characteristics of Milanese style include:
Tailoring
One of the hallmarks of Milanese style is impeccable tailoring. Suits, dresses, coats and separates in Milan tend to feature structured silhouettes, clean lines, and pristine construction. Both men and women in Milan opt for tailored pieces over relaxed or oversized shapes. For women, that may mean a perfectly fitted sheath dress or pencil skirt. For men, a tailored suit is a wardrobe essential.
Luxe Fabrics
Milan is home to some of the finest mills and textile manufacturers in the world. As a result, Milanese style showcases sumptuous fabrics like silks, cashmeres, fine wools, and linens. These luxe materials are crafted into timeless pieces meant to last. Some iconic textures of Milanese style include prince of wales check wool, silk charmeuse, and buttery nappa leather.
Neutral Colors
Milanese style tends to favor a neutral color palette of blacks, grays, taupes, whites, and earth tones. Both clothing and accessories in subdued hues allow silhouettes, textures, and details to sing. That said, Milanese style isn’t afraid of strategic pops of color. A bold red bag or vibrant floral print may stand out against a neutral backdrop.
High-Quality Accessories
No Milanese outfit is complete without polished accessories to finish the look. Fine leather goods, statement jewelry, oversized sunglasses, and elegant footwear are among the accessories du jour. Luxury labels like Prada, Gucci, and Bottega Veneta cater to the Milanese appetite for impeccably made accessories.
A Touch of Sparkle
While overall Milanese style skews toward the refined side, a hint of sparkle is not uncommon. Sequins on a skirt, crystal embellishments on a bag, or a jewelry featuring diamonds are tasteful touches of shine. At night events, the dazzle factor may increase with sequined gowns and heavily jeweled accessories.
Brands That Define Milanese Style
A number of Italian fashion houses exemplify the codes of Milanese style in their designs:
- Prada – tailored suits, elegant dresses, polished separates, refined prints
- Bottega Veneta – buttery leathers, sculptural silhouettes, muted earth tones
- Missoni – refined knitwear, muted color palettes, hints of sparkle
- Giorgio Armani – structured silhouettes, exquisite fabrics, neutral palettes
- Marni – avant garde flourishes, bold prints, tactile fabrics
- Miu Miu – ladylike silhouettes, vintage details, quirky accessories
- Max Mara – impeccable outerwear, neutral palettes, luxe fabrics
- Versace – striking prints, bold colors, high-octane glamour
- Moschino – playful twists on classics, vibrant color, novelty touches
Key Garments for Women
Here are some of the wardrobe staples for achieving Milanese style:
| Garment | Description |
|---|---|
| Sheath dress | Knee-length, figure skimming, typically in a solid color or subtle print |
| Blazer | Sharp, structured blazer in a luxurious fabric like cashmere or silk |
| Trench coat | Belted trench coat, often in tan or black leather |
| Pointed flats | Pointed toe ballet flats, loafers or Oxfords |
| Tote bag | Leather, suede or logo tote bag for daytime |
| Clutch | Sleek envelope clutch for evening |
| Skinny trousers | Cigarette pants or stovepipe trousers in wool or cotton |
| Statement coat | Dramatic overcoat often in a vivid hue like red or pink |
Key Garments for Men
| Garment | Description |
|---|---|
| Suit | Sharply tailored two- or three-piece suit in a neutral hue |
| Button-down shirt | Crisply pressed button-down, often in pale blue or white |
| Overcoat | Wool or cashmere overcoat in charcoal, navy or black |
| Loafers | Penny or bit loafers, often with a sleek Italian silhouette |
| Aviator sunglasses | Bold aviator sunglasses with dark lenses |
| Leather belt | Thin leather belt in black or brown |
| Leather bag | Structured briefcase or messenger bag |
Milanese Style in Action
On the streets and catwalks of Milan, you can see Milanese style in action. Here are a few examples:
- A woman wearing an immaculately cut black dress in rich Italian wool crepe, topped with a fitted tweed blazer and patent leather pumps.
- A man in pinstripe flannel suit, white dress shirt, and a skinny tie, with a long wool overcoat draped over his shoulders.
- A cashmere turtleneck sweater tucked into slim cropped trousers and finished with suede loafers.
- A leather peacoat dress cinched with a skinny belt, worn over a jewel-tone turtleneck and slouchy suede boots.
- A sleek knee-length trench coat thrown over an all-black ensemble of skinny trousers, cashmere sweater, and leather gloves.
Where to Shop for Milanese Style
In Milan itself, the city’s elegant shopping districts are filled with boutiques carrying the latest Milanese fashions. The famed Quadrilatero d’Oro zone contains countless designer shops and luxury brands. Historic galleries like the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II also house sophisticated Italian and international labels. For lower priced options, department stores like Rinascente and boutique chains like Max Mara and Luisa Spagnoli offer Milanese style at more accessible price points. Local independent boutiques are also a good option for curated selections.
For those outside Italy, luxury department stores and online retailers that stock Italian designers are a key source. Top international outposts for Italian fashion include:
- Harrods, London
- Le Bon Marche, Paris
- Bergdorf Goodman, New York
- Holt Renfrew, Canada
- David Jones, Sydney
- Isetan, Tokyo
E-commerce sites like Net-a-Porter, Farfetch, Matches Fashion and Moda Operandi also allow access to Italian fashion worldwide. Individual brand websites are also an avenue for purchasing that perfect Prada pumps or Gucci bag.
How to Get the Look
Adopting Milanese style requires investing in quality pieces with refined silhouettes. Target Italian brands when possible for authenticity. However, contemporary designers and high street chains also offer great options at more approachable prices. When shopping, focus on:
- Fabrics – Seek out luxe materials when possible – wool, silk, linen, leather and cashmere will elevate basics.
- Neutral palette – Build a core wardrobe around black, gray, navy, tan, white and ecru.
- Fit – Tailoring and fit is key. Seek out structured garments versus relaxed or oversized.
- Finishing touches – Invest in shoes, bags and accessories to polish off a look.
- Statement outerwear – Make overcoats, trenches and statement coats the focus.
How to Wear Milanese Style
When putting together a Milanese inspired outfit, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose fitted silhouettes over loose or flowing shapes
- Pair luxe fabrics together – silk blouse with wool trousers, leather skirt and cashmere sweater
- Mix neutrals for an elegant palette – charcoal coat with navy dress
- Finish with polished shoes – oxfords, loafers, pumps or ankle boots
- Add pops of brightness with a vibrant scarf or pocket square
- Accessories elevate – add aviator sunglasses, a structured handbag or a statement cuff
Care Tips
Caring for luxe fabrics and finishes will extend the life of Milanese style pieces. Follow these tips:
- Read clothing labels and follow washing instructions
- Dry clean wool, silk, and cashmere pieces to maintain their shape and texture
- Store knits folded rather than on hangers to prevent stretching
- Steam garments rather than ironing to avoid damage
- Use wooden shoe trees in leather shoes when not worn to retain shape
- Stuff empty handbags with tissue paper to keep their structure
- Bring coats, jackets and suits to the dry cleaner for seasonal deep cleaning
Conclusion
Milanese style perfectly balances elegance, refinement, and just the right amount of flair. Investing in well-made staples, paying attention to fit and finish, and accessorizing with care allows anyone to incorporate a touch of Milan into their wardrobe. With its focus on quality and craftsmanship, Milanese style is built to stand the test of time.