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:
Autograph
Leather Snakeskin Print Jacket
The monochrome hues will go with everything in your wardrobe.
RIXO
Mariah Leopard Mini Skirt
Jimmy Choo
Gloria Knee High Boot 85
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:
Marant Etoile
Gislene Checked Virgin Wool Coat
This is giving ‘frazzled English woman’.
I’d style mine exactly like this.
Weekend Max Mara
Virgin Wool-Cotton Houndstooth Trousers
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:
H&M
Double-Breasted Wool Blazer
Such a chic high-street find.
The Frankie Shop
Jane Coat
This sells out every year.
ASOS DESIGN
Cinch Waist Shirt With Shoulder Pads
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
Pleated Pinstripe Midi Skirt
ALIGNE
Bronte Pinstripe Shirt
This charcoal hue is calling to me.
Anthropologie
Pinstripe Hourglass Wool-Blend Coat
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:
Massimo Dutti
Suede Leather Trousers
Free People
We the Free Blair Vegan Suede Jacket
Don’t sleep on vegan suede.
Whistles
Hera Stretch Suede Boot
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:
Boden
Joanna Fitted Knitted Jacket
Waisted silhouettes are back for 2025.
River Island
Satin Maxi Skirt
So easy to dress up or down.
Manolo Blahnik
Carolyne Gala Val Suede Slingback Pumps
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:
Whistles
Black Clean Bonded Leather Jacket
This is a bestseller for good reason.
AllSaints
Ash Wide Leg Leather Trousers
Yes, to this entire outfit.
Tommy Hilfiger
Leather Cleat Chelsea Boots
Simple, sleek and easy to style.
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