With the deluge of fashion we see on the streets every fashion week, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the glitz and whimsy. Posing flamboyantly for the cameras, show-goers dressed in the latest designer wear certainly give us plenty of illusions, but often there’s practicality hiding in plain sight.
Amid all the glitz and glamour, a simple, shoppable outfit formula emerged in Milan this season: the humble skirt and sweater. Endorsed by chic Italian grandmas, including the iconic Mrs. Prada, the sweater-skirt combo is a stylish yet practical outfit for those tricky transitional seasons and beyond. Dressed up with colorful kitten heels or casually down with flat knee-high boots, the classic Italian combo feels fresh and elegant right now. Recreate the formula with our favorite street style looks below.
Vogue’s Milan Fashion Week street style highlights:
Cinematography: Phil Oh
Accepting the opposite
Opposites attract, with a knee-length skirt and oversized cardigan perfectly matched for a quirky and charming look, while high heels and a sharp bag ensure it doesn’t overwhelm the wearer’s style.
Cinematography: Phil Oh
Light white and layered knit combination
An elegant white midi skirt is perfect for autumn when paired with a chunky layered knit. Again, accessories balance the look, and ballet flats add just the right amount of lightness.
Cinematography: Phil Oh
Preppy with a feminine twist
A continuation of the preppy trend that began last spring, the polo knit is here to stay. Here, it’s paired with a full skirt and silver Mary Janes for a feminine feel.
Cinematography: Phil Oh
Wearing all black in unexpected ways
This all-black look feels very feminine thanks to the cut and silhouette: a cropped short-sleeved knit is paired with an ankle-length skirt and round-toe heels.
Cinematography: Phil Oh
How about some mulled wine? Try the Burgundy and Burnt Orange
Burgundy is one of our favorite fall colors, but here it stands out unexpectedly when paired with rusty orange. Pair this combo with neutral accessories and simple gold hoop earrings.
Cinematography: Phil Oh
Lace and cashmere go great together
To tone down the sexiness of a lace skirt, pair it with a crew-neck cashmere sweater and trendy shoes — even pink satin with pointy heels will look sophisticated rather than cloying.
Cinematography: Phil Oh
Take the Argyle
Only Prada can make every girl want a pair of argyle socks, which are worn here in a shockingly cool way with a slip skirt, heels and a simple trench coat.