Milan is known worldwide as one of the fashion capitals, but every season it proves that it’s not just about the big runway shows—it’s the streets that truly tell the style story. This Spring/Summer 2025, Milan’s street style was on another level. The city’s fashion lovers showed up with outfits that combined classic elegance and daring creativity in ways that felt fresh and exciting.
From the moment I stepped onto those vibrant Milan streets, I knew I had to bring back some of these looks to New York. Why? Because these trends aren’t just about looking good—they’re about wearing confidence, versatility, and a certain effortless chic that works in any setting, whether it’s the fast-paced New York streets or a casual weekend brunch.
In this list, I’m diving deep into six standout trends that caught my eye and inspired me the most. We’re talking about everything from the soft, sophisticated tones of ecru outerwear to bold zebra prints that add a wild but elegant touch. There’s also the revival of ’80s business chic with a modern twist, the crisp and versatile button-down shirt, the comeback of oversized aviator sunglasses, and the surprisingly fresh white heels that elevate any outfit.
These styles aren’t just runway fantasies—they’re real, wearable, and perfectly suited for the diverse and dynamic fashion scene back home in New York. So, let’s jump in and explore why Milan’s elite street style is shaping the trends we’ll all be wearing soon.
1. Ecru Outerwear: The New Neutral Powerhouse
When you think of neutrals, black, white, and camel usually come to mind. But Milan’s fashion crowd flipped the script this season by championing ecru—an understated shade that lives somewhere between cream and beige, with a hint of soft gray. It’s like the perfect whisper of color that brings warmth without overpowering.
Why Ecru?
Ecru outerwear struck a perfect balance of elegance and minimalism. Whether it was in sleek cropped jackets, oversized blazers, or long flowing trench coats, this shade added a subtle richness to outfits that’s hard to achieve with harsher colors. The beauty of ecru lies in its incredible versatility. It’s the kind of shade that makes you look polished whether you’re heading to a casual brunch or an evening event.
Styling Tips From Milan
Milanese women paired ecru coats with tonal neutrals for a sophisticated “head-to-toe” look or used it as a canvas to highlight bold accessories like chunky gold jewelry or vibrant handbags. Imagine a soft ecru blazer over a crisp white tee with high-waisted jeans and a pair of loafers—a perfect day look that’s chic but effortless. At night, a long ecru trench with sleek leather pants and pointed boots transforms the outfit into something powerful and fashion-forward.
Why I’m Bringing It to New York
New York winters are brutal, but ecru outerwear offers a fresh alternative to the usual dark coats. It brightens up gloomy days and pairs beautifully with the city’s mix of casual and business styles. Plus, ecru’s “quiet luxury” vibe fits well with New Yorkers’ growing preference for timeless pieces that last beyond seasons.
2. Button-Down Shirts: Elevated Essentials
The button-down shirt is a classic for a reason, but Milan’s street style reinvented it this season with some seriously cool tweaks. From oversized fits to unexpected layering, this humble piece turned into a star of the show.
The Milan Twist
The usual button-down shirt got an upgrade with playfulness and texture. Some street stylers wore their shirts buttoned up to the collar, then left the bottom two buttons undone for a relaxed yet refined look. Others layered sheer or patterned shirts under chunky knit vests or blazers for added depth. And then there was the art of rolling up sleeves just enough to create that effortless “I woke up like this” vibe.
How Milan Makes It Work
Pairing button-downs with tailored trousers or midi skirts was a favorite combo, balancing sharp tailoring with casual ease. Some even chose unexpected fabrics like silk or linen blends to elevate the feel. Accessories were kept minimal but deliberate—a thin leather belt, statement earrings, or sleek ankle boots.
Why New Yorkers Will Love It
New Yorkers live for versatile staples that can transition from office meetings to evening meet-ups. Button-down shirts tick that box perfectly. With these Milan-inspired styling tips, you can add a modern edge to an old favorite, making it feel fresh without much effort.
3. Aviator Sunglasses: Bold and Oversized
Aviators are a timeless accessory, but Milan gave them a fresh twist this season—think oversized frames with thick acetate rims instead of the classic thin metal.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out?
The oversized aviators add instant drama and attitude to any look. The thick frames feel retro yet modern, offering better sun protection and making a bolder fashion statement. It’s the perfect balance between practicality and style.
How Milan Wore Them
In Milan, aviators appeared with everything from soft ecru coats to bold zebra prints. They were paired with polished, tailored outfits and casual streetwear alike. The message was clear: these sunglasses aren’t just for hiding from the sun—they’re a style declaration.
Why They Work for New York
New Yorkers know the importance of good sunglasses—not just for function but for the confidence boost they bring. These updated aviators elevate any look, whether you’re rushing between meetings or enjoying a weekend stroll in Central Park. Plus, their boldness fits perfectly with New York’s fearless fashion spirit.
4. ’80s Business Chic: Power Dressing Reimagined
The ‘80s power suit is back—but with a modern, Milanese twist. Think sharp tailoring combined with new textures and playful proportions.
What’s New About ‘80s Business Chic?
Milan brought the era’s iconic wide-leg trousers, oversized blazers, and structured shoulders back, but softened the looks with fluid fabrics and unexpected layering. Leather bomber jackets added a streetwear edge to otherwise traditional silhouettes. The color palette mixed neutral tones with pops of vibrant cherry red, a nod to ’80s boldness.
Styling Tips From the Milanese
Milan’s trendsetters layered blazers over chunky knitwear or tucked button-down shirts into high-waisted trousers. Accessories like gold chains, oversized belts, and pointed-toe pumps completed the look. It was all about combining authority with personality and a hint of rebellion.
Why I’m Bringing This Trend to NYC
New York is the city of hustle, and this power dressing trend speaks directly to that energy. But it’s not about stiff suits anymore—it’s about flexible, confident pieces that make you feel in control while letting your personality shine. This trend will inspire New Yorkers to own their power with style that’s both commanding and fun.
5. White Heels: The Unexpected Statement
White shoes aren’t new, but white heels? That was a standout surprise in Milan.
Why White Heels?
These heels added an unexpected freshness to many outfits. Whether paired with jeans, tailored pants, or dresses, white heels injected a crisp, modern vibe. They break the monotony of black or nude shoes and instantly make an outfit pop.
Milan’s Favorite Ways to Style Them
From casual to formal, white heels appeared everywhere. Street stylers paired them with classic denim and shearling coats for a laid-back but polished look. Others teamed them with flowing black dresses or printed skirts, using the shoes as a statement piece that balances bold prints or colors.
Why White Heels Will Work in NYC
New Yorkers love making a statement with footwear, and white heels are perfect for this. They add brightness in winter and spring and look just as good in summer’s lighter fabrics. They are the fresh neutral you didn’t know you needed and pair well with New York’s diverse fashion palette.
6. Zebra-Print Pieces: Wildly Chic
Animal prints have been trending on and off for years, but Milan brought zebra print back in a major way this season.
What’s Different About This Zebra Revival?
Instead of overwhelming outfits with head-to-toe prints, Milanese stylists used zebra patterns as bold accent pieces—coats, skirts, or bags—to add just the right amount of wild flair. The black-and-white print feels fresh because it’s graphic and clean, not chaotic.
Milan’s Zebra Styling Secrets
Milan’s fashion insiders paired zebra print with solid neutrals—ecru, black, or deep browns—to keep the look grounded. Accessories were kept minimal to allow the print to shine. Some mixed textures like leather and wool with zebra to create visual interest without clashing.
Why Zebra Print Belongs in New York
New York is all about fearless fashion, and zebra print fits right in. It’s a great way to add personality and edge to your look without going overboard. Zebra print accessories or statement pieces make a perfect bridge between classic and contemporary.
Final Thoughts
Milan’s Spring/Summer 2025 street style was nothing short of inspiring. It perfectly blended timeless elegance with bold, modern twists—proof that fashion doesn’t have to be one or the other. What I love most about the six trends I’m bringing back to New York is how adaptable and wearable they are. Whether you’re someone who prefers classic pieces with a twist or you’re all about making daring style statements, Milan’s fashion scene has something for you.
Take ecru outerwear, for example. It’s that fresh neutral that brightens up even the dullest winter day and pairs effortlessly with almost anything. It’s a subtle way to upgrade your coat game without screaming for attention. Then there are the updated button-down shirts—simple, versatile, and so easy to style for work or weekends. The oversized aviator sunglasses add a cool edge that’s perfect for the city’s fast pace and ever-changing moods.
The return of ’80s business chic speaks directly to the power and confidence New Yorkers need every day. Structured blazers and wide-leg trousers with modern touches give that classic power suit a new life—strong but approachable. White heels surprised me the most. They’re a fresh alternative to the usual black or nude shoes and instantly lift any outfit with their crisp, clean vibe.
And let’s not forget zebra print—wild, yet sophisticated. When worn thoughtfully, it adds personality without overwhelming, making it perfect for those who want to stand out just enough.
What excites me most is how these trends celebrate individuality while keeping things wearable and chic. New York’s energy and diversity will breathe new life into these styles, and I can’t wait to see them in action on the city streets. Milan’s fashion week proved that style is about confidence and creativity—and these trends are ready to inspire just that.