5 Looks from Milan Fashion Week 2012 (Fall/Winter)

While international fashion shows such as those conducted during Milan Fashion Week are certainly inspiring and can give a great idea of what the hottest trends will be in upcoming seasons, high fashion is definitely not an everyday look that all of us are able (or or want to) achieve. 

I’ve featured some Milan trends in this post and paired them with a suggestion of how these looks can be incorporated into more accessible everyday outfits.

1. Sheer Fabrics 

It’s easy for the sheer trend to turn into a best-kept-in-the-bedroom look if you’re not careful, so one of my favorite options is to try is a chiffon maxi skirt with plenty of gauzy layers. Skirts in this style look great with strappy sandals and girly details. Pair with a drapey t-shirt to keep with the romantic look, and add a belt to enhance your shape. Sexy, on-trend, and covered up 😉

2. Hats, Hats, and More Hats 

This was a hard look for me to channel in just one outfit because hats this year were incredibly popular and incredibly diverse. A good rule of thumb would be to just aim for a type of hat that you don’t usually wear and form an outfit around it. The structured and military-inspired looks on Max Mara runways had a definite charm to them. It seemed like a good place to start to me. Try a tailored button-up jacket.

3. Velvet Goldmine

Unique colored and patterned velvet designs were everywhere from Bottega Veneta to Gucci last week. The theme was fearlessness about pairing a glamorous fabric like velvet with more experimental colors and styles. Try pairing some luxurious velvet with brights and some edgy details to translate this runway look into your wardrobe.

Two more looks after the jump! 

4. Animal Prints and Fur

Fur and leopard were the buzz words at Milan Fashion Week, but other prints such as zebra and tiger were present as well. Even more interestingly, designers crafted fur pieces in bold and unnatural colors such as blue, purple, red, and orange. Don’t be afraid to pair a totally-in fur vest or other fur accessory with bright colors or even with other animal prints.

5. “Death Eater” Dresses

I believe that the technical term in the industry for this dark and stormy style is “Gothic,” but I will forever associate it with Rowling’s Death Eaters since this fashion post from last year. Gothic is probably a more apt name as it has a connotation not only of mysterious black fashions, but also of the dramatic styles associated with the Gothic era of art in Europe. A black lace frock is the perfect canvas on which to create a Gothic masterpiece. Add some staunch Victorian-era details such as jewelry, and you’ll give any gargoyle a run for his money!


I hope these looks have inspired to to bring a little bit of Milan’s high-fashion into your everyday ensembles! Click here for 5 more looks!

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