There's a reason Milan has longtime been referred to as one of the most influential fashion capitals of the world, and it's not just because some of the most important design houses were born there. Like the French, there's a certain innate sense that comes with dressing "Italian." But unlike the French, the approach is anything but pared-back or minimalistic. On the streets of Milan, more is always more; more color, more pattern, more innovative cuts and styling. No piece of clothing or accessory is too daring, too out there, too fashun. Perhaps that's why brands like Versace, Moschino, and Gucci reign supreme.
If there's any time to show your styling chops, it's Fashion Week. And despite the rain (lots and lots of it), show-goers brought their Italian-best: pom-pom-embellished denim and sweaters; loud, furry accents; and streetwear mixed with formalwear. The 70-plus images ahead from the streets of Milan aren't just a feast for the eyes — they'll also have you reconsidering your all-black wardrobe just yet.
Added to the definitive list of things that are "so Gucci?" Wearing a bag from the fall/winter 2016 collection the same week it debuted.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Ultra-frayed hems are one thing. Majorly frayed knee rips? Well, that's a whole new realm of DIY-esque magic we're ready to dive into.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
The latest version of Moschino cult-craze: a kitschy "Fashion Kills " cigarette pack phone case that's bound to make many appearances in street style shots.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Refinery29's very own Christene Barberich and Annie Georgia Greenberg show that even the coolest outfits can be made cooler with some practical footwear.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
The contrasting hems of Gilda Ambrosio's longline denim jacket and super-short mini make for a perfect balance. Having an equally-as-well-dressed significant other doesn't hurt either.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Hybrid pieces of clothing — like this puffer-vest-cum-leather-jacket — are always a guaranteed way to stand out.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Give your denim jacket a rest this spring and try a slightly thicker blazer (perhaps in a vintage-looking brocade) as your everyday topper.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Athleisure. Streetwear. Whatever you want to call it, the notion of wearing an oversized sweatshirt with tailored trousers or a silk bomber with jeans and a white tee isn't disappearing anytime soon.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Surprise, cheeky details get us every time.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Formalwear can work for daytime with the right styling: Pair a party dress with a white button-down and sneakers for an unexpected look that isn't as far-fetched as it may sound.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Forget peep-toe. Go peekaboo with a pair of cutout sandals or Mary Jane's.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
A play on patterns, textures, and colors, this outfit has a little bit of everything: leather, florals, feathers, even a rainbow — and it all somehow works in perfect sartorial harmony.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Establishing a specific color palette (like gold, navy, and black) can help clashing prints (plaid, diamonds) feel more unified.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
We're calling this the unofficial paparazzi shield. No photos, please.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Why carry a furry Fendi friend when you can wear one?
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Bow down for Bowie.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
With fancy socks already making their way back into our everyday wardrobes, why not take the style one step further with some knee-highs à la Taylor Swift?
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Let enamel pins and patches make your denim jacket feel more personal.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Break your style rut by adding jewel tones (like emerald green and golden yellow) to your neutral options.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
On days where you're not stuck carrying around all of your life belongings, a daytime clutch is a solid replacement.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Heeled booties guaranteed to stop traffic.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Gingham is one of those timeless prints that tend to resurface every spring, and we don't mind it one bit. A teddy coat and red grandma heels prevent these trousers from feeling too picnic-ready.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Don't you love how this moves?
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Look to Caroline Issa's polished look for an example of how to do business casual without feeling stuffy.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Leave it to Anna Dello Russo to make pajama dressing feel ultra-luxe (just look at that fur robe coat).
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
The literal meaning of Varsity Blues.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
If your plain old denim isn't cutting it, a pair with pom-poms on the hem might do just the trick.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Caution: groutfit crossing.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
We will always say "Aloha" to tropical prints in the middle of winter.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Two exemplary ways to do rainy-day style.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
You might need to be 6 feet tall to pull this off, but the extra-long sleeves and extra-long silhouette make this sweater a standout.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Remember: A bag's strap is just as important as the bag itself.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Lichtenstein, is that you?
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
A happily-ever-after to whichever lucky wearer got to rock these fresh-off-the-runway heels.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Don't ever let the rain rain on your sartorial parade.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
You've seen embellishments, patches, frays, and rips. But have you seen denim with bows?
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
How Rainbow Brite would do Milan Fashion Week.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Wear your stole like a Miss America sash.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
For an unexpected layering piece this spring, try a kimono or silk robe as a light jacket on warm days.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
A reminder that eggplant is also a neutral.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Toughen up a light floral frock and strappy heels with a tougher corduroy jacket.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Two words: statement necklace.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Also filed under things that are "so Gucci ": a full head-to-toe look designed by Alessandro Michele.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
When jeans look and feel like sweatpants…
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Because you can never go wrong with a classic black turtleneck. (Plus, the styling opportunities are endless.)
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
The kind of suit that suits us very well.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Do your strings hang low?
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Fried chicken bucket or handbag? You decide.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
A lesson in creative vintage dressing, courtesy of Jenny Walton.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
"Hello, it's me …"
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Don't feel like you need to pick between a T-shirt and a turtleneck. Instead, just wear both.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Simply put, this is fashion as art.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
More! Gucci!
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Winter whites work best when matched with darker staples, like a sweatshirt and boots.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Kill Bill, volume…3?
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Toughen up your pastels by pairing them with a bomber jacket.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
The No. 1 thing we'll miss about winter? All the technicolor faux fur.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Go on, embrace your inner high-fashion zebra.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Always wear your best statement heels with cropped pants. They deserve to be seen, after all.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Let your black coat stand out in the crowd by opting for one with an interesting texture or silhouette.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Berets are back. You heard it here first.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
One leather jacket, two totally different ways to wear it.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Best friends make for the best accessory.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Trade in your cat-eyes or oversized sunglasses for a pair of John Lennon-inspired shades.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Tassels take a plain black sweater to the next level.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
No coat looks more polished than one in a snakeskin print.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
More majorly frayed knee holes!
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
More tropical prints!
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
And more pom-poms too!
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Mini bags may not be the most practical things in the world, but they sure look cute.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Shake your tail feather(ed) coat.
Hello, our favorite $1 accessory.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Wear a shirtdress half-unbuttoned as a layering piece over jeans and a turtleneck.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Slip-ons: the high-fashion version of the flip-flop.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Hoods up to bad weather.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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