There have been many distinctions of interpreting fashions and tailoring them to one’s own style. But perhaps what comes to mind the most in Milan is Oscar de la Renta’s saying that “Fashion is about dressing to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself”.

For truly, style is merely a portrayal of your inner self and its story, as fashion is akin to a season that evolves over fleeting moments of time. It could not be better fitted for one of the four fashion capitals of the world, Milan, where a departure from the annual New York Fashion Week via a well networked chance visit to Milan Fashion Week gave me a more delectable taste of the way Milanese dressed on a daily rhythm.

Waltzing from show to show through the Quadrilatero d’Oro golden fashion rectangle gave me bountiful of inspiration. While most venture the boisterous via Montenapoleone of Versaces and Valentinos to the pedestrian via della Spiga with Dolce & Gabbana boutiques, I also sliced through the side streets like the home of Armani and Trussardi at via Sant’Andrea or corso Venezia and via Manzoni outlining the square with some regular fare or hoity boutiques alike.

Beginning with womenswear, following with accessories and finally menswear, comes a three part series of what my eyes consumed in the name of impeccable, kill-worthy Milanese style.

Officially Orchid

Not surprisingly, Milan’s fashionistas sported the hue of the year, often from head to toe in a 70s retro suit with matching heels, or varying hues of lilac and violet for another trend of dramatic half tones.

Yellow

Surprisingly, a trend of yesteryears seemed to be resurfacing. Yellows seemed to dominate at least one piece of multiple layers: a dress, a shawl, an overcoat, or shoes. Perhaps a hopeful ray of sunshine in a city smothered with smog and drenched in rain?

Fur

Faux or real, the inclusion of a fur lining on lapels, necklines, collars, or entire bodices, seemed to very much be in vogue. After all, it was still chilly, and Milan loves to feel haute.

Prints

Milan seemed to be a city of solid colors. Women layered, but did so in monotones. Until I noticed a world of prints, from trending plaid to psychedelic blazers to funky sequined lip motifs on a boisterously cut and fluffed top. Finally, a dash of color to brighten the gloomy days.

Printed Outerwear

And besides innerwear, I noticed several colored, embroidered, embossed and woven outerwear pieces too, making winter a salivating sight for the eyes. A snake print bomber was luscious favorite, as was a floral coat with alternating suede stripes.

Layers

And a trend for an astonishing number of layers could only be attributed to the weather. Some worked, others didn’t. A pleated blue skirt length coat was far from flattering, while a leopard lined military jacket atop plaid and intermixed with a mud cardigan were quite jarring. Playing with blacks and whites worked well for several women, especially the shiny, PVC blazers, or the sandy blinged golden coat that complemented adjacent florals.

In Milan, people clearly dress to kill. Not a corner of the Quadrilatero d’Oro goes without jaw dropping awe or eyeball popping (and sunglasses bouncing) envy.