New York Fashion Week is known for its celebrity sightings, and London for its experimental dressing, but when it comes to sleek street style inspiration that will put you ahead of the upcoming seasonal trends, then Milan will always be my first port of call.
While most of the talk will inevitably be focused on what's on the spring/summer 2026 runways (which we'll share our thoughts on soon), I spent the weekend browsing through all the sleek outfits that were spotted on the streets as well, in hopes to pick out the trends that I’ll be adding to my wardrobe for the autumn/winter season.
With the perfect blend of fashion-forward chicness and timeless elegance, I know that I can always rely on Italian street style to provide me with outfit ideas that effortlessly combine form and function. This year in particular, I spotted seven key trends that I'll be wearing from now on and well into the winter season.
From bright pops of colour to boost your mood to bold silhouettes that will add a touch of refinement to your outfits, keep scrolling to discover the seven street style trends I spotted at Milan’s spring/summer 2026 fashion week.
7 Street-Style Trends That Dominated Milan Fashion Week
1. Animal Print
Style Notes: It seems like animal print is always trending these days, but the truth is that fashion people just can’t get enough of it. There’s just something about it that looks so stylish, and it all lies in the fact that the pattern is interesting enough to elevate an outfit, whilst the monochrome hues will still allow it to be paired with everything you own.
Shop the Trend:
The monochrome hues will go with everything in your wardrobe.
I want the matching jacket as well.
Dreamy.
2. Check
Style Notes: If you’ve already started your autumn shopping, you’ve most likely noticed that checks are everywhere this season. And the streets of Milan are no different. I spotted this ‘dark academia’-inspired print on loads of chic dressers in the form of everything from houndstooth trousers to plaid flannel shirts.
Shop the Trend:
This is giving 'frazzled English woman'.
I'd style mine exactly like this.
Houndstooth is synonymous with autumn.
3. Exaggerated Shoulder Pads
Style Notes: I first spotted these dramatic silhouettes on last year’s runways when looking for autumn coat inspirations, and the Milan fashion set is taking it to a new level for autumn 2025 with even more exaggerated shoulder styles. Whether you opt for a blazer, shirt, or dress, this ‘80s power dressing’ aesthetic is sure to make you look put-together and intentional.
Shop the Trend:
Such a chic high-street find.
This sells out every year.
So cool.
4. Pinstripe
Style Notes: Pinstripes are not a new trend in any way; however, 2025 has seen a revival of the print in the form of styles that go way beyond your typical work blazer. I’m particularly interested in investing in a midi skirt in this elegant print, much like the Miu Miu iteration below.
Shop the Trend:
Miu Miu stripes were everywhere this fashion month.
This charcoal hue is calling to me.
So sleek.
5. Chocolate Suede
Style Notes: It should be clear by now that chocolate brown suede has the hearts of fashion people and celebrities alike. However, this fashion week, I also spotted the luxe fabrication in the form of trousers and trenches, as well as your classic boots, loafers, and handbags. I’ll personally be investing in real suede for the season, but the high street also has plenty of expensive-looking vegan options depending on your preference.
Shop the Trend:
How chic are these?
Don't sleep on vegan suede.
Opt for head-to-toe brown hues.
6. Tomato Red
Style Notes: It's probably not a surprise to fashion lovers that red is trending yet again this season. In fact, it’s been “trending” for so long that you may as well just count it as a neutral these days. For autumn 2025, stylish dressers are turning to even brighter, more coral-toned tomato reds that are sure to make a statement.
Shop the Trend:
Waisted silhouettes are back for 2025.
So easy to dress up or down.
Shoes are the easiest way to inject colour into your outfit.
7. Minimalist Leather
Style Notes: The more pared-back dressers among us will be pleased to know that minimalist leather separates were spotted all over the streets of Milan this weekend. Avoiding more dramatic patent finishes and instead opting for more matte fabrications in simple silhouettes, the Milan fashion proved that less is always more.
Shop the Trend:
This is a bestseller for good reason.
Yes, to this entire outfit.
Simple, sleek and easy to style.
-
Here's Every Winter 2025 Trend Taylor and Gigi Just Wore With Their Chic Black Coats in NYCJust two best friends with the same taste in coats.
-
In a World of Shrinking Size Inclusivity, Eloquii Stands Larger Than EverWelcome to the Eloquiissance.
-
I Just Got Back From New York, London, Milan, and Paris—5 Chic Packing Staples That Worked in Every CityWhat to pack for a long trip, according to a seasoned fashion-month attendee.
-
5 2026 Color Trends I'm Already Stealing From Louise Trotter's Bottega Veneta DebutButter yellow! Navy! Pops of green!
-
Everyone With Good Taste Will Be Wearing These Shoes Come Spring 2026Your guide to the fashion month footwear you should have on your radar.
-
15 Winter 2025 Items Our Editors Are *Actually* Going to WearGet the best for the colder season.
-
10 Trends Set to Define Spring 2026 FashionExplore our deep dive into the top trends from the runways.
-
Whether I'm in New York or Paris, I Never Regret Wearing These 5 Elegant OutfitsMeet my favorite looks from fashion week.
