Best of Fashion Week Street Style: Milan

Milan street style is a different kind of animal. If London is punk, New York is urban, Milan is eclectic meets sophisticated. I love how fashion week really gives fashion lovers an opportunity to delve into street style around the world. There’s so much to learn about style from the streets, and every year it just gets more and more exciting.

Italian women have long been heralded as one of the most stylish and elegant in the world. It’s high time we take notes from Milanese street style and adopt some of that “la dolce vita” into our personal style and wardrobe. Here are my top picks for the best in street style and top trends in Milan for fashion week Spring 2016:

Shoe Love

Italy is all about shoes, we all know that. The love for shoes runs long and deep in Italian culture and style, and Milan being the fashion capital of the country is the perfect stomping grounds for shoe lover from all over the world. Here are some snaps of some the most beautiful shoes this side of street style. Take note of the dominance of those bright blue shoe hues. Gorgeous!

Bold Color

It’s easy to just wear neutrals all year-round, but sometimes going bold on color will go a long way. Keep your bold hues rich and jewel-toned to maintain that sophisticated Milan flair.

Squad Goals

I saw a lot of stylish women in two’s and three’s in Milan. Whether fully coordinated in hues of camel and black, decked out in dreamy white flowing tops, or in complementary outerwear, these ladies know that when it comes to street style your whole squad can make an impact.

Back to Back

Italian women pride themselves in a unique sense of style that departs from mainstream trends. Make an outfit feel even more unique and individual when you add unpredictable elements to your look. Make them look twice with back detailing that shows that you think about the overall 360 effect of your outfit. From back cut-outs to playful patch designs to even a button down worn in a whole new way, when you put your back into it, your style reaches a whole new peak.

Italian Heritage

Missoni and Gucci are just two of the many illustrious fashion houses that call Italy their home. Get inspired by these heritage brands and sport some the signature Missoni colorful print or invest in some quality Italian leather to upgrade your ensemble of the day. Nothing like a beautiful piece of high quality Italian leather work to give your look an air of luxury.

Expect the Unexpected

If there is one takeaway from Italian street style that you should integrate into your own style, it’s this: always leave room for sartorial surprises. Ballgown in the daytime? Why not? Hiking boots with a mini shirt dress? Oh yes. A cascading train worn with jeans is always a good idea. It’s in these unexpected pairings that you can truly find your one-of-a-kind style sensibility.

Images from WMagazine and The Trendspotter

The Best of Paris Fashion Week Spring 2015 Street Style

Fashion month was a whirlwind of runways, celebrities, models, and jaw dropping designer collections. My favorite part of fashion month? The incredible street style, of course. As fashion folks flock to the fashion capitals (New York, Milan, London and Paris) to catch all the shows, their stellar style goes on full display on the streets. Fashion Week basically serves up heaps and heaps of wardrobe inspiration for all of us to take in. Here are my picks for the best of Paris Fashion Week Spring 2015 Street Style:

Leave it to fashion editor Joanna Hillman to show us the best way to style up a white tee and elevate it to truly epic and memorable street style.  Pants with a slight wide leg and a fringe jacket give this look a subtle yet very present 70s vibe. Trendy necklaces still show off her fashion savvy.

One can’t do a fashion week street style roundup without including  a look with the ubiquitous Chloe rounded crossbody bag. Her boxy and oversized bomber jacket goes together perfectly with 90s pieces like her denim pencil skirt and black leather mules.

Long silhouettes and a large, roomy top handle tote show you that pieces that are high in drama can and do look good when worn all at once. The key is to keep it simple, a long bright red sweater dress with a charcoal gray long cardi are streamlined items that when combined produce an impactful outfit.

A black jumpsuit can look basic and too simple. Give it some accessory flourish with a pair of bright bubblegum pink heels. Toting a striped black and white blazer gives it an even more contemporary and graphic pop.

Fringe, tribal print, and a substantial turtleneck are three microtrends that are encapsulated in this singular item. The colorblock mini bag gives this statement dress some much needed contrast from all the boho details.

The sneaker fashion revolution show no sign of stopping and slowing down this season. Polka dot denim and these chic maroon sneaks certainly improve an otherwise plain gray jumper.

Blanket coats/ponchos are another hot ticket item this fall. Wearing it with casual skinny denim and plimsolls make it look more youthful and appropriate for everyday dressing.

The coquettish lace and ribbons in this feminine frock and its accompanying vintage inspired tote is balanced by tough girl studded footwear.

A knit jumper that is oversized makes a powerful style declaration. Offset the voluminous sweater with sleek details like slinky leather leggings and equally slick leather boots.

No need to retire your love of pink as the season turns into fall. Try your hand at the “tied at the waist” trend and combine it with your penchant for some rosy color.

Classic Stan Smith sneaks go so well with a matching two-piece set. You can’t go wrong with the stylish duo of a cropped sweater and pencil skirt.

Over-the-knee boots are another footwear trend to watch and try. The best way to wear it? Let the boots be the center of attention and wear it with a sophisticated yet simple frock.

The 70s are back in a big way, and this look makes a pretty strong case for it. Denim bell-bottoms with a tucked in polka dot blouse, this is 70s style done right.

Perk up your neutrals by adding tropical prints into the mix. Layer your cropped tops from the summer over your fall closet staples like a crisp and tailored oxford shirt.

All white after Labor Day is not a fashion faux pas anymore. Bending or breaking the rules is the new sartorial standard, the only requirement now is standout style and chicness, and this look definitely achieves that. The coordinating menswear pant and boxy vest in an understated print anchor the white elements of this look effortlessly.

What’s your favorite look from this roundup? Let me know in the comments!

Images from Teen Vogue, PopSugar, and Harper’s Bazaar