7 Trends Spotted by Retailers During Milan Fashion Week
Milan’s spring 2026 runways delivered a clear message: femininity with sharp discipline. Lingerie details — lace, slips and sheer layers — were paired with precise tailoring, while embellishments added sparkle and fun. The return of ’90s micro-minis and short shorts injected youthful energy, balanced by sporty outerwear that kept things grounded. The result was a wardrobe that mixed allure with utility, a clear winning combination that resonated strongly with retailers.
1. Color
An explosion of color overall. Milan Fashion Week is bringing joy and energy to the collections.
Linda Fargo, senior vice president, fashion office and store presentation at Bergdorf Goodman: “Top trends that will impact our buys include unexpected colors, often blocked or used as a pop in accessories. Down-to-earth neutrals, chocolate and khaki grounded numerous collections.”
2. Lingerie
Transparency continues to be a living trend this season especially with the use of lace, organza and all the lingerie-inspired designs.
Marissa Galante Frank, fashion director at Bloomingdale’s: “Transparency was present on almost every runway. Organza, lace, chiffon and mesh was used by designers to create a range of soft yet powerful silhouettes.”
3. Femininity
The femininity and ladylike silhouettes enhanced the Italian elegance that helped define one of the strongest messages of the Milan season.
Maud Pupato, buying director for luxury womenswear, accessories and footwear at Printemps: “Feminine elegance: a true return to feminine beauty and sophistication through beautiful material, leather, mature color palette (Gucci, Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta, Sportmax, Fabiana Filippi).”
4. Embellishments
The embellishment trend that started during New York Fashion Week continued in the Italian capital with the use of fringe, feathers, sequins and beading techniques.
Roopal Patel, senior vice president, fashion director at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus:”Fringe was everywhere.”
Rickie De Sole vice president, fashion director at Nordstrom: “Embellishment, fringe and texture were the details added movement and personality.”
5. ’90s Minis and Short Shorts
Nineties’ minis and short shorts had designers leading with the legs.
Tiffany Hsu, chief buying and group fashion venture officer at Mytheresa: “Micro minis and short shorts dominated the runways, from Prada to Versace, underscoring a liberated, high-summer spirit.”
6. Tailoring
Power dressing for the board room with structure suits and big shoulder top coats sent a clear message to corporate dress codes.
Tiffany Hsu, chief buying and group fashion venture officer at Mytheresa:“Power shoulders continued their evolution, now appearing in softened yet commanding forms across tailoring, knits and leather.”
7. Sporty Outerwear
Nylon anoraks and all the utility outerwear kept the lifestyle vibing.
April Henning, president at Moda Operandi: “Casual outerwear including sporty anoraks, techy nylon blousons and utility jackets at Prada, Fendi Versace.”
