There were many trends Milan Fashion Week's top designers didn't agree on: Some were still exploring the 1980s (Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini), others went back to the '70s (Marni), and some delved a few decades further to channel 1950s pinups (Prada). The eclecticism of Gucci's granny-takes-a-trip charge still rumbles on—both inside and outside of this trendsetting house—but there were also plenty of palette cleansers on the agenda. See Salvatore Ferragamo for neutral, grown-up pieces or Bottega Veneta for ultimate power dressing.
There's one key thing that the Milano fashion crowd can be united upon, and that is bucking the current mood for oversize, super-baggy streetwear, and moving towards more flattering, slimming and traditionally sculpted lines instead. Many of the runway shows were a celebration of real women, so this is not body-con for only the most honed and toned. Instead, these visionaries noted the power and brilliance of a woman's natural curves and used clever pattern-cutting skills to create the kind of sheath dresses and waist-nipping skirts and trousers that celebrate femininity in all its unashamed feather-trimmed, shimmying glory.
If you've been feeling that fashion's current mood really isn't in line with your personal style, then things are looking up. Keep reading to see and shop the ultra-flattering pieces MFW designers have to offer.
Style Notes: You can always rely on Miuccia Prada to make a sassy dress even sassier without ever veering into trashy territory. Her entire collection revolved around a City of Women (the title of a Fellini film), and her seductresses knew how to work their womanly charms whether clad in a felted wool twinset and marabou-trimmed hooded coat or something more overt, like this red dress.
Style Notes: From the wild and adventurous (GG parasol and nose ring, anyone?) to the basic (that Gucci tee was reinvented yet again), this show had it all. We loved this simple midi shape with its not-so-simple embellishment: It taps into the body-skimming silhouette but it does it with plenty of personality.
Style Notes: Figure-hugging lines don't have to be attention-grabbing. See Max Mara's ultra-chic take on the idea in a full head-to-toe camel ensemble. This is how to look expensive.
Style Notes: Dolce & Gabbana cast a host of influencers and real women to feature alongside the models on their runway this season, and much of the new famiglia chose to wear the brand's signature pencil dresses. The difference being in 2017 that these more sensual shapes are best worn casually—like with mismatched accessories or a big denim jacket as pictured here.
Style Notes: The ruched, waist-enhancing skirt would suit the most coquettish of sasspots, but Marni's madcap way of styling it with a layered bra and clashing top, plus an anorak, gives this piece a new, sporty lease of life.
Style Notes: This jacket was so snugly fitted (and looked so good) we'd be quite happy to ditch our bomber jackets right away. Also—expect Fendi's F-stamped belt to be a cult item next season.
Next up, the best street style looks from Milan Fashion Week.
Opening Image: Getty Images
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