Fashion month can be a whirlwind of new designs, a renaissance of classic silhouettes, and everything in between, making it easy to get overwhelmed by the load of stunning styles. As we admire the latest collections from Prada, Gucci, Fendi, and other dazzling designers walking down the runway, it’s just as important to check out what the fashion-goers are wearing and loving this season. With inspiration from the Swingin’ ’60s to the ongoing Y2K aesthetic, here are the memorable fashion trends we spotted at Milan Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2024.
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1. ’60s Headbands
For the days when you have second-day hair but don’t want to put it up in a ponytail, the humble headband is the way to go. While they’ve been around for thousands of years, they were thrust into the cultural zeitgeist in the ’60s, made famous by bombshell Brigitte Bardot in 1963. A resurgence in popularity throughout the ’90s and ’00s cemented it as a staple accessory, and it’s proving true once again. Typically made from nylon, they are often wide and stretchy, giving you a chance to show as much or as little forehead as you like. While black is the most common and popular choice, thanks to its versatility, you can also opt for something lighter, like gray, white, or cream. For the ultimate effortless style, backcomb the base of your hair for a bit of extra volume and push the fabric back, letting hair frame your face.
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2. Patent Pointy Toe Sling Back
If you thought the Y2K movement was on its way out, think again. The humble slingback heel has been making its way back into the mainstream for some time, and now they’re bigger than ever. While we’ve seen canvas, suede, and soft fabric variations of this footwear, this season, it’s all about shiny patent leather, complete with a high gloss finish. Despite the love for square toes dominating the scene, pointy toes are getting their time back in the spotlight, thanks to designers like Gucci, Altuzarra, and Saint Laurent. Sexy and stylish, you can wear these pretty much anywhere and look effortlessly sleek – be it a long coat, skirt, and sweater combination or a simple pair of jeans. We believe all closets require a pair of black high-shine shoes, but if you want to venture out of your comfort zone, why not try something bold like blue, emerald green, or wine red?
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3. Ruched Maxi Gown
Bridging the gap between casual and semi-formal, this season we’ve been inundated with ruched maxi gowns. Be it a twist in the center of the torso, gathered fabric along a row of buttons, or a fabric knot, this silhouette is hyper-flattering and works well with a series of events. And just because the gown is floor length, it doesn’t mean you can’t dress it up or down. For occasions that require something a bit dressy, add a pair of statement earrings, a pair of sky-high heels, and a stunning clutch bag. However, if you’ve been invited to a casual event and want to dress in a more laidback fashion, swap out your stilettos for sneakers or flats, and wear a chunky necklace and jacket for an informal feel.
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4. Statement Leather Coat
When temperatures are too cold to bear, and you need to venture outside, be sure to grab one of these statement leather coats on your way out. Not only are they a ridiculously warm and sensible choice for freezing conditions, but they’re just so cool. While we love mid-length coats that sit at the thigh or knee, nothing is quite as impactful as a coat that hits the floor. Patchwork patterns, snakeskin prints, and an array of colors are some of the amazing choices we saw on the streets of Milan this week, taking inspiration from the Mob Wife aesthetic, elements of the Cubist era, and the minimalist movement of the ’90s. Pair it with your warmest knee boots, a mini skirt, and a shirt, and watch the heads turn your way as you walk past.
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5. Blush Chiffon
Thanks to the likes of Prada, one of the hottest trends we’ve spotted this season is chiffon, primarily seen in soft shades like blush pink. This gentle fabric looks like a haze of mist dusted in pink marshmallows, making it the perfect choice for the days when you want to express a hyper-feminine aesthetic. Sheer shirts, skirts, and dresses were all the rage in Milan, worn with similar hues for a complimentary and holistic feel. While you can style these garments with similar shades, such as hot pink, white, and cream, we love seeing contrasting shades like green and blue, giving the delicate shade an edgy kick. And don’t be afraid to try colors typically considered fashion faux-pas, such as cherry red or a bolder shade of pink – rules are made to be broken, after all!
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Alexandra Feiam is an experienced fashion writer who holds a degree in journalism. She has an impressive portfolio and expertise working as the Editor at Power Retail and Commercial Content Editor at Newscorp. Ally has been writing for The TrendSpotter since 2018, and her work has been featured in notable publications such as The Herald Sun, Arirang TV South Korea, Kidspot, The House of Wellness, and The Daily Telegraph.
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