Fact: These 7 Trends From Milan Fashion Week Need Your Immediate Attention

In the marathon that is fashion month, Milan is often considered to be something of a water break—a time to rest-up before the grand finale in Paris. But that wasn't the case this season. Rather, in my eyes at least, Milan could very well have been the finish line, full of celebrity sightings, designer debuts, and enough buzz-worthy runway trends to keep us talking about the city's shows long after the F/W 22 season ends. 

Unlike the last few seasons, which have been predominantly ruled by Y2K-inspired musings and oversize suiting, the F/W 22 selection that was displayed in Milan last week felt entirely fresh and unexpected. Many of the vibrant, saturated garments we saw reign supreme at the spring shows were this time replaced with dark, grungier alternatives, most notably at Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, Blumarine, and Trussardi. Meanwhile, seemingly forgotten trends like animal print, bomber jackets, and over-the-knee boots all returned to the spotlight, as seen at Roberto Cavalli, Prada, and Bottega Veneta (now with Matthieu Blazy at the helm), respectively. And those are just the highlights.

Ahead are seven trends from Milan Fashion Week that demand your immediate attention. 

After a number of high-profile sightings on the likes of Kim Kardashian, Hailey Bieber, and Rihanna, I had a feeling that bomber jackets, which ruled the fashion scene in the late 2010s, would make an appearance on the runways this season. I didn't, however, expect them to be as present as they were. Spotted at Prada, Tod's, Versace, Ports 1961, and others, the pilot-style silhouette is about to be everywhere.

Never ever did I think I'd be writing that something as simple and basic as a tank top could be one of the most prominent takeaways from Milan Fashion Week. And yet the small-but-mighty staple made an appearance at some of the week's biggest shows, including Bottega Veneta and Prada.  

From subtle snakeskin boots at Missoni to head-to-toe leopard print at Roberto Cavalli, the F/W 22 runways proved that animal prints aren't tired these days, but rather, a fresh addition to any fall wardrobe this year. Start slow with a pair of shoes or a statement bag. Or, if you'd rather dive right in, perhaps some leopard-print tights. Why not?

I'm dedicating this season's incognito trend to everyone who's thrown on a big coat, balaclava, and oversize sunnies on a Sunday morning for a much-needed coffee and pastry. Displayed via identity-shielding hoods and gloves, spy-inspired turtlenecks, and all-black ensembles, this trend will have everyone in sight asking, "Who is that?" and "Where can we get their outfit?"

It's been a few seasons since over-the-knee boots have made a major appearance on the runways, and for a while, that was okay with the fashion scene. Clogs, platforms, and knee-high boots were all anyone wanted to wear, with no room for the extra-tall boots in our collections. But after seeing the silhouette at countless shows in Milan—including at Bottega Veneta, Moschino, Etro, and MM6 Maison Margiela—it's clearly time to rethink our decision to put over-the-knee boots on hiatus. 

In contrast to some of the more delicate trends showcased in Milan, a rougher, more edgy style proved to be equally enthralling. Present at Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, Diesel, Versace, and Blumarine, the tough-exterior trend—which has already been worn by celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo, Megan Fox, and Kourtney Kardashian—is defined by leather, black lipstick, and hosiery. 

Sheer fashion wasn't exactly the newest fad to hit the runways in Milan, though, this season's selection did take an even more head-on approach to the translucent trend than anything displayed in the past. Starting at Fendi, Bella Hadid opened the show in a '50s-esque, see-through slip dress, paired with a furry shawl, knit gloves, and a pair of delicate pumps. Underneath, her mint-colored lingerie intentionally peeked through. Later in the week, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons sent models down the runway in gauzy dresses and skirts, paired with tank tops and bombers, while GCDS and Del Core didn't hold back at all, styling their sheer dresses with hardly anything underneath. No, this trend isn't for the faint of heart, but it's certainly a move worth testing out this fall. 

Next: Believe It or Not, Moon Boots Are the Official *It* Shoes of Fashion Month