Edward Berthelot
Photo: Getty Images
Foc Kan
Christian Vierig
Photo: Getty Images
Arnold Jerocki
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Stephane Cardinale – Corbis
Granted, I may be writing this on a grey day in London rather than fresh from gallivanting around the streets of Milan this fashion month, but poring through a roundup of the city’s A/W ’24 shows has given me enough inspiration to pretend I was there. Let’s imagine for a moment that instead of drinking a builder’s tea in a chunky knit, we’re sat a stone’s throw from the Duomo di Milano, soaking up the sun and debriefing over an espresso. It’s time to talk runway trends, and I’ve been meticulously studying the shows (albeit from afar), taking notes on all the recurring themes, colours, prints and fabrics to bring you the best of the best, the cherry on top of the gelato if you will. So let’s dive in.
Outside of the shows we saw a lot of what I’m going to affectionately refer to as “Gucci red” (sorry, “Valentino pink”), and if you thought the Milanese loved ballet flats as much as we do, think again (pointed-toe heels are the street style set’s ride or die footwear). But what were the highlights on the runways? Well, designers were on the same page when it came to longer hemlines and clever layering (if you’re looking for new workwear inspiration, simply Google “Bottega Veneta autumn/winter 2024”), but all showed different interpretations of what I’m calling “dressy minimalism”—translation: pared-back, anti-trend pieces that will live forever in your wardrobe. Or in the case of Dolce & Gabbana, Tom Ford and Gucci, the kind of underwear you probably already own but hadn’t thought of putting on display. Whatever your style, keep scrolling to see and shop the top seven runway trends from Milan Fashion Week’s A/W ’24 season. There’s a lot you’re going to want to save for later.
1. Chic Cardigans
Style Notes: If this isn’t proof that a three-piece knit is anything but old-fashioned, I don’t know what is. Bravo, Ferragamo; you’ve elevated brown knitwear to cool new heights.
Nothing says “cardigans are a key piece” quite like Gucci showing a look that makes the knit the star of the show. Who needs trousers when your jumper looks this good?
Long gone are the pop culture motifs and wacky colours; a new era of Moschino has arrived. Don’t mind me, I’m just mentally bookmarking this entire look for future reference.
Shop the Trend:
& Daughter
Ada Geelong Crewneck Cardigan
£335
I want one of these cardigans in every colour.
COS
Wool Crew-Neck Cardigan
£85
A true wardrobe staple.
Khaite
Scarlet Cashmere Cardigan
£1750
The queen of cardigans.
Day Birger Et Mikkelsen
Denzel Wool-Blend Cardigan
£230
The collar and the colour are just so cute.
2. Chocolate Brown
Style Notes: There’s something inherently delicious about Alberta Feretti’s Jaffa Cake colour palette, especially for autumn. Nothing lifts deep, cocoa browns quite like a bright pop of colour like orange.
If you’re going to try a new colour trend, it might as well be head-to-toe brown. It’s classy, expensive and always looks polished—Bottega’s sweeping maxi dress is a case in point.
This Ermanno Scervino look is a masterclass in how to layer fifty shades of brown.
Shop the Trend:
Arket
Rib Wrap Dress
£119
Just add knee-high boots or strappy flat sandals.
Jigsaw
Italian Wool Maxi Coat
£450
Easily one of the best wool coats on the market.
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Bottega Veneta
Gemelli Medium Intrecciato Leather Shoulder Bag in Brown
£2870
Top of my dream-bag wish list.
Massimo Dutti
Buckled Cage Sandals
£129
I’m obsessed with wearing cage sandals and socks right now.
3. Underwear as Outerwear
Style Notes: If any brand is going to make lingerie a ready-to-wear trend, it’s Dolce & Gabbana. The duo that gave us corsets, suspenders and lace is now presenting lighter, sheerer, “soft as a whisper” layers that wouldn’t look out of place in bed.
Alberta Feretti just reminded me how versatile camisole tops and dresses really are. It’s about time I had one of each in my wardrobe for myriad evening outfits.
If slips and lace aren’t your thing, Tom Ford showed how clever cut-outs can create a nude illusion without actually having to bare it all.
Shop the Trend:
Simone Pérèle
Comete Underwired Lace Bodysuit
£95
Wear under jeans and a blazer.
Marjolaine
Black Silk Lace-Trim Baccarat Shorts
£175
I love the thought of wearing these with an oversized button-down and flat sandals in the summer.
Whistles
Lucy Seam Detail Lace Shirt
£119£79
This looks so good with blue denim.
Wolford x Mugler
Flock Shaping Paneled Stirrup Leggings
£401£160
Cover up on top and show a little skin on the bottom.
4. Ladylike Lengths
Style Notes: Let’s settle the dispute between mini and maxi skirts. The answer is to take the middle ground with the midi. The pencil skirt trend continues (as seen here at Bottega), and we’re here for any trend that doesn’t require us to bare our legs before the weather reaches at least 25ºC.
I love midi-length skirts and dresses with tall boots, and this double leather pairing from Fendi is on my outfit mood board for the end of the year.
Dressing like the cast of Mad Men was not high on our 2024 bingo list, but now we’ve seen it the Prada way, we’re here for it (especially with these cute flats).
Shop the Trend:
Zara
Midi Pencil Skirt
£50
Is it just me, or is Zara looking so chic right now?
COS Atelier
The Wool-Blend Midi Skirt
£180
Such a strong co-ord.
Mango
Satin Check Midi Skirt
£50
This was designed to be worn with glossy slingbacks.
Lisa Yang
Asta Brushed Cashmere Midi Skirt
£730
How to combine the brown and midi skirt trends in one.
5. Sheer Delights
Style Notes: Blumarine is known for pushing the limits of ready-to-wear, so as much as this ethereal lace dress is absolutely stunning, it’s also not likely to be the first thing you throw on in the morning. It does, however, remind us just how pretty a simple white slip dress can be, and sheer pieces like this can always be worn over a pair of floaty trousers to runway effect.
And here’s how to wear sheer pieces according to Fendi. The first thing you buy after a sheer skirt should be a pair of opaque tights.
This level of “undressed dressing” could only be pulled off so elegantly by Sportmax. Everything from the corsetry to the delicate fabric is a walking work of art.
Shop the Trend:
Reformation
Will Oversized Sheer Shirt
£128
I cannot get enough of this.
Paloma Wool
Fox Sheer Silk Asymmetric Ruffle Dress
£355
Such a dreamy dress.
Maniere de Voir
Éternelle Mock Neck Sheer Midaxi Dress in Beige
£70
Wear over a bandeau top, dress or leggings.
COS
Sheer Silk Trousers
£135
No notes, just this whole outfit.
6. Cape Crusaders
Style Notes: Easy, elegant and understated, it’s been a while since the cape had a moment in the sun, but the Milan runways have committed to the wrap around in a big, big way.
Let’s return to Ferragamo to see how capes can be styled for the office, dinner and any occasion that requires this level of put-together polish.
If you want to see capes in action, check out the Jil Sander A/W ’24 collection. There’s quilted capes, pleated capes, velvet capes and of course, this bubblegum pink moment.
Shop the Trend:
Purdey
Belted Leather-Trimmed Wool and Cashmere-Blend Cape and Scarf
£3295
This is the kind of piece you can wear for a lifetime.
Allora
Chelsea Wool Cashmere Cape
£680
This is flying out of stock, so you might want to act quickly.
Bernadette
Dillion Floral-Appliquéd Silk Crepe De Chine Cape
£560
An evening cape! I’m obsessed!
Nanushka
Kamin Brand-Embroidered Wool and Silk-Blend Cape
£445
The perfect piece to throw on over a casual outfit.
7. Shaggy Coats
Style Notes: It might seem counterintuitive to discuss a cold-weather trend in the run-up to spring, but if this week’s weather in the UK is anything to go by, we’ve got a little bit more time to dream about wearing Marni’s arctic-ready faux-fur coat.
Unlike last year’s ultra-fluffy longline furs and 2022’s shearling teddy, 2024 is all about the shaggy, retro-style jacket that couldn’t look any less like real fur if it tried. Think bright colours, exaggerated shapes and plenty of wild texture.
The bigger the better, and this loop-knit-esque coat from Jil Sander is truly unforgettable.
Shop the Trend:
Raey
Shawl-Collar Giant Faux-Fur Monster Coat
£1500
This comes in candy pink too!
Stradivarius
Oversized Faux Fur Coat in Beige
£90
This one could have stepped straight out of the ’70s.
Free People
Stargazer Fur Jacket
£158
Such a fun style that I want in every colour.
Weekday
Lilith Waisted Faux Fur Jacket
£89
A coat that looks like it cost four figures but comes in under £90? Sign us up.
