Granted, I may be writing this on a grey day in London and not fresh from gallivanting around the streets of Milan this fashion week, but scouring through a round up of the Italian city’s Autumn/Winter 2024 shows has given me enough inspiration to pretend I really was there. Let’s pretend for a moment that instead of drinking a builders tea in a chunky knit we’re sat a stone’s throw from Milan cathedral, soaking up the sun and debriefing over an espresso. It’s time to talk runway trends, and I’ve been meticuolously studying the shows (albeit from afar), and taking notes on all the recurring themes, colours, prints and fabrics on the runways to bring you the best of the best. The creme de la creme, the cherry on the gelato. So let’s dive in.
On the streets of Milan we saw the rise and rise of what I’m going to affectionately refer to as “Gucci red” (sorry Valentino pink), and if you thought the Milanese loved ballet flats as much as we do, think again (pointed heels are forever the street style set’s look du jour). But what were the highlights on the runways?
Well, brands were on the same page when it came to longer hemlines and clever layering (and if you’re looking for new workwear inspiration, simply Google “Bottega Veneta autumn/winter 2024”). But all showed different interpretations of what I’m calling “dressy minimalism.” Translation: pared-back, anti-trend pieces that will live forever in your wardrobe, or in the case of Dolce and Gabbana, Tom Ford and Gucci, the kind of underwear you probably already own, but hadn’t thought of putting on display. Whatever your style, keep scrolling to see and shop the top seven runway trends of Milan Fashion Week’s autumn/winter 2024 season. There’s a lot you’re going to want to save for later.
1. Chic Cardigans
(Image credit: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Style Notes: If this isn’t proof that a three piece knit is anything but old-fashioned, I don’t know what is. Bravo, Ferragamo, you’ve elevated brown knitwear to cool new heights.
(Image credit:  Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Style Notes: Nothing says “cardigans are a key piece” quite like Gucci showing a look that makes the knit the star of the show. Who needs trousers when your jumper looks this good?
(Image credit: Pietro D’Aprano/Getty Images))
Style Notes: Long gone are the pop culture motifs and wacky colours, a new era of Moschino has arrived. Don’t mind me, I’m just mentally bookmarking this entire look for future reference.
Shop the Trend:
& Daughter
Ada Geelong Crewneck Cardigan in Camel
I want one of these cardigans in every colour.
COS
Wool Crew-Neck Cardigan
Khaite
Scarlet Cashmere Cardigan
Day Birger Et Mikkelsen
Denzel Wool-Blend Cardigan
The collar and the colour are just so cute.
2. Chocolate Brown
(Image credit: Pietro D’Aprano/Getty Images))
Style Notes: There’s something inherently delicious about Alberta Feretti’s Jaffa cake colour palette, especially for autumn. Nothing lifts deep, cocoa browns quite like a bright pop of colour like orange.
(Image credit: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Style Notes: If you’re going to try a new colour trend, it might as well be head-to-toe brown. It’s classy, expensive, and always looks polishedâ€â€a case in point, Bottega’s sweeping maxi dress.
(Image credit: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Style Notes: Consider this Ermanno Scervino a masterclass in how to layer fifty shades of brown.
Shop the Trend:
Just add a knee-high boot or a strappy flat sandal.
Jigsaw
Italian Wool Maxi Coat
Easily one of the best wool coats on the market.
Bottega Veneta
Gemelli Medium Intrecciato Leather Shoulder Bag
Top of my dream bag wish list.
Massimo Dutti
Buckled Cage Sandals
I’m obsessed with wearing cage sandals and socks right now.
3. Underwear as Outerwear
(Image credit: Estrop/Getty Images)
Style Notes: If any brand is going to make a lingerie a ready-to-wear trend, it’s going to be Dolce and Gabbana. The duo that gave us corsets, suspenders and lace is now presenting lighter, sheerer, “soft as a whisper” layers that wouldn’t look out of place in bed.
(Image credit: Estrop/Getty Images)
Style Notes: Alberta Feretti just reminded me how versatile camisole tops and dresses really are. It’s about time I had on in my wardrobe for a myriad of evening outfits.
(Image credit: Estrop/Getty Images)
Style Notes: If slips and lace aren’t your thing, Tom Ford showed how clever cut-outs can create a nude illusion without actually having to bear all.
Shop the Trend:
Simone Pérèle
Comete Underwired Lace Bodysuit
Wear under jeans and a blazer.
Marjolaine
Womens Marjolaine Black Silk Lace-Trim Baccarat Shorts | Harrods Uk
I love the thought of wearing these with an oversized shirt and flat sandals in the summer.
Whistles
Lucy Seam Detail Lace Shirt
This looks so good with blue denim.
Wolford
X Mugler Flock Shaping Paneled Stirrup Leggings
Cover up on top, and show a little skin on the bottom.
4. Ladylike Lengths
(Image credit: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Style Notes: Let’s settle the dispute between mini and maxi skirts. The answer is taking the middle ground, the midi. The pencil skirt trend continues (as seen here at Bottega), and we’re here for any trend that doesn’t require us to bear our legs before the weather reaches at least 25 degrees.
(Image credit: Estrop/Getty Images)
Style Notes: I love midi length skirts and dresses with tall boots, and this double leather pairing from Fendi is on my outfit moodboard for the end of the year.
(Image credit: Estrop/Getty Images)
Style Notes: Dressing like the cast of Mad Men was not high on our 2024 Bingo list, but now we’ve seen it the Prada way, we’re here for it (especially with these cute flats).
Shop the Trend:
Zara
ZW Collection Midi Pencil Skirt
Is it just me, or is Zara looking so chic right now?
COS
The Wool-Blend Midi Skirt
Mango
Satin Check Midi Skirt
This was designed to be worn with glossy slingbacks.
Lisa Yang
Asta Brushed Cashmere Midi Skirt
How to combine the brown and midi skirt trend in one.
5. Sheer Delights
(Image credit: Estrop/Getty Images)
Style Notes: Blumarine are known for pushing the limits of ready-to-wear, so as much as this ethereal lace dress is absolutely stunning, it’s also not likely to be the first thing you throw on in the morning. It does however remind us just how pretty a simple, white slip dress can be, and sheer pieces like this can always be worn over a pair of floaty trousers to runway effect.
(Image credit: Estrop/Getty Images)
Style Notes: And here’s how to wear sheer pieces according to Fendi; so the first thing you buy after a sheer skirt should be a pair of opaque tights.
(Image credit: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Style Notes: This level of “undressed-dressed” could only be pulled off so elegantly by Sportmax. Everything from the corsetry to the delicate fabric is a walking work of art.
Shop the Trend:
Reformation
Will Oversized Sheer Shirt Es
I cannot get enough of this.
Paloma Wool
Fox Sheer Silk Asymmetric Ruffle Dress
Maniere de Voir
Éternelle Mock Neck Sheer Midaxi Dress
Wear over a bandeau top, dress, or leggings.
No notes, just this whole outfit.
6. Cape Crusaders
(Image credit: Victor Boyko/Getty Images)
Style Notes: Easy, elegant and understated, it’s been a while since the cape had a moment in the sun, but the Milan runways have committed to the wrap around in a big, big way.
(Image credit: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Style Notes: Let’s return to Ferragamo to see how capes can be styled for the office, for dinner and any occasion that requires this level of “put-together” polish.
(Image credit: Pietro D’Aprano/Getty Images)
Style Notes: If you want to see capes in action, check out the Jil Sander AW’24 collection. There’s quilted capes, pleated capes, velvet capes, and of course, this bubblegum pink moment.
Shop the Trend:
Purdey
Belted Leather-Trimmed Wool and Cashmere-Blend Cape and Scarf
This is the kind of piece you can wear for a lifetime.
Allora
Chelsea Wool Cashmere Cape
This is flying out of stock, so you might want to act quickly.
Bernadette
Dillion Floral-Appliquéd Silk Crepe De Chine Cape
An evening cape! I’m obsessed!
Nanushka
Kamin Brand-Embroidered Wool and Silk-Blend Cape
The perfect piece to throw on over a casual fit.
7. Shaggy Coats
(Image credit: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Style Notes: It might seem counterintuitive to discuss some a cold-weather trend in the run up to spring, but if this week’s weather is anything to go buy, we’ve got a little bit more time to dream about wearing Marni’s arctic-ready faux fur coat.
(Image credit:  Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Style Notes: Unlike last year’s ultra-fluffy longline furs and 2022’s shearling teddy, 2024 is all about the shaggy, retro jacket that couldn’t look any less like real fur if it tried. Think bright colours, exaggerated shapes, and plenty of wild texture.
(Image credit: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Style Notes: The bigger really is the better, and this loop knit-esque coat from Jil Sander is truly unforgettable.
Shop the Trend:
Raey
Shawl-Collar Giant Faux-Fur Monster Coat
This comes in candy pink too!
Stradivarius
Stradivarius Oversized Faux Fur Coat in Beige
This could have stepped straight out of the Seventies.
Free People
Stargazer Fur Jacket
Such a fun coat that I want one in every colour.
Weekday
Lilith Waisted Faux Fur Jacket
A coat that looks like it cost four figures but comes in under £90? Sign us up.
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