Amid the flood of looks that we see on the streets each Fashion Week, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by flash and eccentricity. Showgoers, peacocking for the cameras and encouraged to arrive in the freshest designer wares, certainly offer us plenty of fantasy. But, more often than not, there’s also practicality hiding in plain sight.
This season, in Milan, among the glitz and glamour, a simple and shoppable outfit formula emerged: the humble skirt and sweater. Championed by chic Italian nonnas—the iconic Mrs. Prada included—the sweater and skirt combination makes for a stylish yet practical outfit for the tricky transitional season and beyond. Easy to dress up with a colorful kitten heel, or down with a flat, knee-high boot, the classic, and distinctly Italian pairing feels fresh and elegant for right now. Recreate the formula with some of our favorite street style looks, below.
Vogue’s Milan Fashion Week Street Style Standouts:
Photographed by Phil Oh
Embrace Opposites
Opposites attract in this quirky and compelling look, where a knee-length skirt pairs nicely with an oversized cardigan. High heels and a sharp bag keep the look from overwhelming the wearer.
Photographed by Phil Oh
Pair Light White with Layered Knits
An elegant white midi feels right for fall when paired with chunky, layered knits. Again, in this look the accessories offer balance—ballet flats add the right amount of levity.
Photographed by Phil Oh
Put a Feminine Twist on Preppy
A continuation of the preppy trend that started to emerge last spring, polo knits seem to be here to stay. Here we see the piece take on a feminine edge when paired with a full skirt and silver Mary Janes.
Photographed by Phil Oh
Wear All Black in Unexpected Shapes
This all black look feels extra ladylike thanks to the cut and silhouette—a cropped short-sleeve knit compliments an ankle-length skirt and round toe heels.
Photographed by Phil Oh
Mulled Wine, Anyone? Try Burgundy and Burnt Orange
Burgundy is one of our favorite colors for fall, and we love how it unexpectedly pops here with a rusty orange. Pair the combo with neutral accessories and simple, gold hoop earrings.
Photographed by Phil Oh
Lace and Cashmere Were Made for Each Other
Tone down the sexiness of a lace skirt by pairing it with a crewneck cashmere sweater and a fashion-forward shoe. Even in pink satin, these pointy heels feel make the look feel sleek rather than saccharine.
Photographed by Phil Oh
Get on Board with Argyle
Only Prada can make all the girls covet a pair of argyle socks, worn here in the most shockingly cool way: with a slip skirt, heels, and a simple trench.