Milan Fashion Week 2025 has drawn to a close, leaving behind a clear vision of the style direction for Spring/Summer 2026. Aimee Yan gives you five key trends spotted on the runways
Reworking the familiar
Reworking the familiar was a key narrative. Prada’s juxtaposition of workwear waistbands with evening wear tulle skirts embodied this dialogue. Diesel reinvented denim and leather through prints and dyeing, softening rawness with a polished finish while reshaping shoulders into rounded forms. Moschino spliced together unexpected fabrics, even crafting skirts from mirrored panels. Across collections, familiar elements were reshuffled to feel fresh, a highlight for anyone who enjoys fashion’s playful experimentation that references the past.
Decorative details
In contrast to recent seasons of minimalism, decoration returned to the spotlight. Many brands began with clean, pared-back silhouettes, then enriched them with ornamental touches. Max Mara’s folded textures shimmered like gilded leaves, Ferragamo cinched streamlined tailoring with fringe belts, and Fendi embroidered sequinned blossoms that bloomed under sheer layers.
Earthy neutrals with a softer edge
This season’s palettes leaned into refined, understated tones. Max Mara showed muted coffee and silver-grey, Tod’s offered warm camel and creamy whites, while Fendi opened with pearlescent coats, slit skirts, and deep brown shirt suits. Together, these shades created a natural spectrum, subtle yet enriched with depth.
Structure meets softness
Designers explored the balance between rigidity and fluidity. Boss paired minimalist suiting and translucent shirts, creating tension between discipline and ease. Sportmax layered precise beige tailoring and trenches with matching sheer shirts and trousers. Tod’s combined supple leather with plush knitwear, putting strength and softness can coexist in one look.
Weightless layers and transparency
A recurring theme was lightness, designers embraced fabrics that seemed to float with movement. Max Mara’s organza hems rippled like sea anemones; Fendi layered pleats with floral gauze; Prada draped sheer skirts that hovered effortlessly. These pieces shifting with light and motion. Dolce & Gabbana paired pyjama sets with airy lace and mesh underpinnings, balancing languid ease with sensuality.
Also see: Highlights of London Fashion Week 2025
