Destination: Milan
The Fashion Mecca
The Vibe
It’s no secret that Milan is the fashion capital of the world. When you arrive, you’ll understand why. The Milanese have style baked into their DNA. While they make it look effortless, it’s clear that careful consideration is taken to put together each look. Like every metropolis, you’ll see a wide variety of styles, from runway-ready to alt-casual. The Milanese difference lies in each ensemble being well articulated and exuding strong personal style. You’ll see plenty of high-end designer labels on display – this is the home of a great many of them, after all. However, the Milanese have the gift of making the simplest pieces look luxe. The trick is ensuring garments are made with quality fabrics, suit the body well, are paired in an interesting way, and are thoughtfully accessorized.
What To Pack
Milan can be wildly hot in the summer, though winters are typically mild. Whatever the season, well-made and elevated basics will serve as an anchor. For example: a crisp button-down with interesting detail or featuring a surprising cut. Perhaps some high quality trousers secured with a lovely belt. Once you’ve built your base, accessorize lavishly. A statement jacket, if the weather is cool. A classic scarf for your neck, your hair, or tied to your bag. Plenty of jewelry to compliment your OOTD. A pretty watch. A gorgeous handbag. While plenty of Milanese women brave the cobblestones in stilettos, we recommend more practical footwear — an elegant ballet flat, stylish sneakers, or boots with a thicker heel.
SLEEVELESS BUTTON-DOWN | BREDA JANE WATCH | CASHMERE TURTLENECK
FAVORITE DAUGHTER TROUSER | HINGED BRACELET | RED SILK PANTS
VIVAIA MARY JANE | L’AGENCE CUFFED JEANS | FEIT SNEAKER
CAROLINE BAG | DEHANCHE BELT | TAILORED COAT
SIDNEY WOOL COAT | SIGNET RING | FRAME BLAZER
MAXMARA MIDI DRESS | INEZ BOOTS | JESSIE ZHAO SCARF
Local Inspiration
Socially-sourced street style
The father-son team behind the All Fashion Milano YouTube channel shoot gorgeous video of Milanese street style all year long. Sneak peak below.
Packing Playlist
To get you in the mood.
Shop Local
Every trip to Milan requires a stroll through the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the city’s second wonder just meters from the iconic Duomo. Here and in the surrounding quartier, you’ll find shops from the most iconic fashion houses – both “local” like Gucci and Prada, and otherwise, like Louis Vuitton and Dior. Even if these labels don’t appeal to you, a visit to the galleria is a must. The oldest “mall” in the world, it’s an architectural dream and a central place to stop for an aperitivo and people watching.
That being said, some of the most exciting shopping is happening outside of the Duomo district. A few shops worth dropping by include:
Antonioli – for of-the-moment pieces in a gorgeously designed space.
10 Corso Como – for an immerseive shopping experience featuring a well-curated selection of modern-leaning pieces, a book store, a café, and an art gallery.
Frip – for hip, understated pieces from France, England, and Scandinavia.
Plane Reads
A Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway
Italian Days, by Barbara Grizzuti Harrison
The Eight Mountains, by Paolo Cognetti
