I miei amori, what a week! Milan will always have a special place in my heart. From the food, architecture and the people, to the fashion. It’s a city with style like no other. For a place that’s home to the likes of Prada, Versace and Dolce & Gabbana, we of course always expect big things when it comes to propelling new trends into the fashion spotlight. But Italy’s fashion capital has outdone itself for the Spring/Summer 2025 season. 

There were so many standout moments, from Dolce & Gabbana transforming a cast of its runway models into Madonna in her Blond Ambition era and the great late Roberto Cavalli’s mastery for creating glamour honoured in the most stylish way, to a mind-bending algorithm-rejecting display at Prada. Plus supermodels Gigi Hadid, Irina Shayk and Joan Smalls made appearances on the runway. But, more than just making fashion headlines and adding some pretty impressive moments into the style zeitgeist, this Milan Fashion Week got us all excited about the clothes. And we’re not eager on waiting until next year to try out these new styles. Let’s break down the seven key trends to know (and shop) now.

READ: 7 TRENDS TO KNOW FROM LFW SS25

If you find so-called utility dressing sometimes a little snooze, you’re not alone. But MFW SS25 proved that it’s not just about practicality, versatile neutrals and an excess of belts, buttons and pockets. At Ferragamo, models walked the runway in crinkled trench coats with belts tied below the hips to switch up the classic silhouette. Cropped jackets were made more interesting with the addition of semi cut-off sections across the midriff, worn with matching wrap skirts featuring belt ties at the waist. 

Max Mara’s Ian Griffiths proved once again he understood the assignment, adding softly tapered waists, stand collars (I predict these will be everywhere next season) and occasionally flared cuffs to his always masterful soft tailoring. And at Gucci and Versace, boxy leather jackets with smart collars gave a subtle ‘70s edge to layered looks.

We saw contradictions everywhere this season at MFW. From vintage-inspired silhouettes in colours and textures that made them feel contemporary, to casual looks jazzed up with an excess of sparkles. But perhaps my favourite contrast came in the form of clashing colours everywhere from Prada to Versace. Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons played tangerine orange, fuchsia pink and sunny yellow off against a neutral palette while Donatella Versace paired cornflower blue with chestnut brown and the resulting ‘70s-esque looks were divine. It was all about the beauty of intricate brightly hued prints over at Etro, green and orange contrasted with navy and burgundy denim.

The balletcore trend was very demure, very mindful, but this SS25 season we saw its cooler big sister make an appearance on the runway. Bright tights seemed to be everywhere. Rib knitted leggings in vibrant hues added a playful touch to outfits at Prada, while at Versace, opaque pink versions gave floral prints and satin ensembles a sophisticated feel. Ferragamo leaned into the ballet references by pairing fiery orange skin-tight leggings with a leotard and white ribbon lace-up flats. No matter how you style, they’re an easy way to incorporate a little fun into your outfits and will keep you warm while waiting for summer.

I have to admit, I thought the short shorts trend was one that would come and go in a heartbeat. But this itty-bitty styling phenomenon was still going strong on the runways at MFW and (finally, it seems) I can see why. Belted brown leather short shorts gave a cool-girl-gone-smart edge to shirting at Gucci and high-waisted hot pants teamed with Max Mara’ armoury of neutral softly tailored styles like a dream. Short shorts are shaping up to be much more versatile than I first thought. I’m loving them underneath sheer shirts and they also work great with the aforementioned bright tights.

Is it party season already? It sure felt like it in Milan. There was glistening sparkles and dazzling looks on just about every runway. A sequin dress scattered with crystal-trimmed circular mirrors caught everyone’s eye at Prada, draped crystal necklaces made ripped skinny jeans feel glamorous at MM6 Maison Margiela, and the sparkles on offer at Roberto Cavalli quite literally took my breath away. Meanwhile at Gucci, fringed sparkle details were used to put a lively spin on classic tailored coats and bags.

MFW wasn’t all celebratory dressing. So far this SS25 season, there’s been an undisputed practicality in the air, with collections rooted in pieces brands can envisage we’ll actually want to wear. And so fashion has shifted its focus and is reintroducing us to an age-old favourite – the shift dress. It’s back in full force this season with a mix of mini and knee-length variations, plus graphic prints and embellishments. However you choose to wear yours, there’s no denying we could all use one in our wardrobe.

To me, pencil skirts are a cheat code for easily looking put together so I’m glad they’re popping up on the runway again. It’s not a surprise that Max Mara takes the win here for me. The label sent a slew of pencil skirts down the runway in sophisticated neutrals, from a figure-hugging rib knitted version to styles with soft gathering and subtle side splits that were all about making smart dressing feel super comfortable.

And that rounds up my trend report from Milan Fashion Week SS25. Which styles are you most excited to try?

Be sure to check out my MFW Vlog

READ MORE FASHION WEEK CONTENT:

MFW OUTFIT DIARY

MY 5 TAKEAWAYS FROM GUCCI SS25

MY 5 TAKEAWAYS FROM PRADA SS25

7 TRENDS TO KNOW FROM LFW SS25

7 TRENDS TO KNOW FROM NYFW SS25

xoxo, Tamara

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