The 5 Biggest Trends From Milan Fashion Week

Models wears bloomers, texture and knee-length skirts on the Milan SS 26 runways.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics/Spotlight)

Jump to category:

1. Knee-Length Skirts
2. Single-Breasted Blazers
3. A Palette of Grey
4. Bloomer Shorts
5. Textured Treasures

published 30 September 2025

Between the inevitable glamour of Milan Fashion Week and the excitement of four new designers making their debut, this spring/summer 2026 season always promised to be one for the history books. We witnessed thoughtful reinterpretations of legacy labels and bold creative shifts that marked the start of new chapters for others.

With heavyweights such as Prada, Fendi, Bottega Veneta, and Jil Sander anchoring the schedule, the week was packed with show-stopping moments. Demna turned Gucci into a cinematic exploration of Italian stereotypes, whilst Versace transported us back to the unapologetic glamour and grit of the ’80s.

After studying the collections closely, I’ve distilled the standout themes into five key trends that will shape the season ahead. Some offer clever twists on beloved silhouettes, whilst others feel like a fresh departure entirely. Either way, these are the runway trends from Milan that are destined to define summer dressing.

1. Knee-Length Skirts

Model wears a knee-length skirt on the Fendi runway.

Style Notes: This season, knee-grazing hemlines edged out the micro-minis of recent years, signalling a swing towards polish and sophistication. Versace styled theirs with weighty leather bombers for a tough-luxe edge, whilst Jil Sander kept things sleek with neat knits. Whether paired with slinky sandals or sharp pointed pumps, this length emerged as one of the most directional shifts of the season.

Model wears a knee-length skirt on the Jil Sander runway.

Model wears a knee-length skirt on the Versace runway.

Shop the Trend:

H&M

Knee-Length Pencil Skirt

Style these with knee-high boots or wear them with a tall heel.

COS

Cotton Pencil Skirt

Honestly, this looks more expensive than it actually is.

Dries Van Noten

Pleated Cotton Midi Skirt

This dark taupe shade is so easy to slot into a capsule wardrobe.

2. Single-Breasted Blazers

Model wears a single breasted blazer on the Jil Sander runway.

Style Notes: The Milanese runways were all business this season, and the single-breasted blazer was the ultimate power player. A contrast to the bomber jackets dominating street style, these streamlined silhouettes—seen at Jil Sander, Fendi and MaxMara—were worn with pencil skirts, tailored shorts and straight-leg trousers, hinting at a sharper, more intentional take on summer tailoring.

Model wears a single breasted blazer on the Fendi runway.

Model wears a single breasted blazer on the MaxMara runway.

Shop the Trend:

COS

Slim Milano Single-Breasted Blazer

Layer this over a white tee or style it on its own.

Zara

Soft Single-Button Blazer

This soft beige shade is so easy to slot into a capsule wardrobe.

Max Mara

Linz Blazer

Style with the matching trousers or pair with straight-leg jeans.

3. A Palette of Grey

Model wears slate grey on the Max Mara runway.

Style Notes: Subtle yet striking, slate grey emerged as the new neutral of choice. At Bottega Veneta, it was softened when styled alongside warm beige tones, whilst Prada used it as a cool counterpoint to bolder hues. With its versatility and modern edge, this shade is well on its way to challenging black as the season’s most reliable base.

Model wears slate grey on the Bottega Veneta runway.

Model wears slate grey on the Prada runway.

Shop the Trend:

& Other Stories

Long Wool Coat

Layer this up with other grey pieces or pair it with a fresh palette.

H&M

Oversized Shirt

My new favourite neutral, I can really see this colour trend taking off next season.

COS

Relaxed Twill Wide-Leg Trousers

Mark my words: grey trousers will take over from black very soon.

4. Bloomer Shorts

Model wears bloomers on the Missoni runway.

Style Notes: Injecting a playful energy into summer wardrobes, voluminous bloomer shorts are back in rotation. Designers offered variations from ruched styles to breezier, billowy shapes, positioning them as a lively alternative to the pencil skirt. Lighthearted but statement-making, they embody Milan’s more playful spirit.

Model wears bloomers on the N 21 runway.

Model wears bloomers on the Prada runway.

Shop the Trend:

Free People

Sweet on You Bloomers

These also come in seven other shades.

Shushu/Tong

Ruffled Shorts

We'll be living in these pretty shorts throughout the height of next summer.

Reformation

Luna Linen Bloomer Short

Wear these with ballet flats or pair with a tall boot.

5. Textured Treasures

Model wears texture on the Bottega Veneta runway.

Style Notes: Whilst many shows leaned into slinky summer minimalism, others turned up the volume. Bottega Veneta introduced fluffy scarves and richly textured dresses, and Alberta Ferretti experimented with skirts finished in tactile tassels. This maximalist embrace of texture brought drama and depth, proving that summer dressing doesn’t always have to mean simplicity.

Model wears texture on the Antonio Marras runway.

Model wears texture on the Ferretti runway.

Shop the Trend:

Bottega Veneta

Fil Coupe Dress in White

Be quick! This is on its way to selling out.

H&M

Jacquard Weave Shift Dress

This breezy shift dress is easy to style up across the seasons.

Dries Van Noten

Fringed Skirt

This chic fringed skirt makes playful dressing that much easier

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Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer and has worked in the fashion industry since she graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. Natalie’s experience in the industry spans journalistic and styling roles that have seen her work for publications including British Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK.

With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Reporting on a daily basis, Natalie focuses on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.