Women in Milan and Paris Proved These 6 Items Will Always Make You Look Elevated

At fashion month, we got a preview of the trends that are set to be big for spring 2026—as well as how style is unfolding on the street style scene and the key buys of the season. In Milan and Paris, we always see a sense of elevated style alongside directional items, and this season was no exception. Attendees at the S/S 26 shows set the tone for how looks will unfold in the coming months, and showcased some key ways to pull off polished, elevated style.

Pieces such as sleek column skirts and half-zip knits were key players, as well as classic accessories such as leather ballerina flats and wayfarer sunglasses. 2025 has been marked by sophisticated style and we saw plenty of evidence of that during fashion month.. Ahead, see the top street style looks from Milan and Paris that tapped into elevated style and the key items to shop to execute it in your wardrobe.

Women In Milan and Paris Proved These 6 Items Will Always Make You Look Elevated

1. Column Skirts

Style Notes: Following on from the ‘office siren’ aesthetic we saw earlier on this year, column skirts are trending majorly at the moment. Sleek, polished, and easy to style, this longer and more fitted skirt style was spotted all over spring/summer 2026 fashion month, both on and off the runways. The key to making it look modern? Pair them with easy knits and laid-back kitten heels in neutral hues for an effortlessly chic look.

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2. Half-Zip Knitwear

Style Notes: If there was one outerwear trend that dominated last season, it was the funnel-neck jacket. And now, fashion people are emulating this sleek trend with their knitwear as well. Enter the half-zip sweater, a much softer version of the funnel silhouette that can be worn fully zipped or halfway zipped to create a collar, like the name suggests.

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3. Dark Denim

Style Notes: By the time winter comes around. I usually set aside my light-wash jeans for darker indigo and black hues, and fashion people have proven just how elegant it looks. These deeper washes are not only easier to style for more formal events, but their similarity to black tailored trousers means you can get away with them in the office as well.

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4. Cardigan

Style Notes: Want to make your cardigans feel ‘2026’? Take a cue from stylish dressers and wear them as a top with trousers, skirts, and jeans alike. Stick to neutral hues that feel elevated but won’t date in your wardrobes in the years to come.

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5. Ballet Flats

Style Notes: If there’s one shoe that trends in every season, it’s a ballet flat. Neat, easy to style, and most importantly, comfortable, ballet flats can be taken from day to night with ease. Not to mention, they’ll help to soften up your edgier fashion items.

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6. Sleek Sunglasses

Style Notes: There’s not a single outfit that a pair of chic sunglasses won’t improve. Not only do they give you that ‘off-duty’ model look, but they’re also an investment that you’ll get wear out of no matter the time of year.

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