Shades of grey

The "greige" colour invented by Giorgio Armani that skillfully combines grey and beige was spotted everywhere and in expensive materials: silk jacquard, cashmere and organza.  The brand showed off flowing jacket and trouser sets, trouser jumpsuits, and complex embroidery on dresses. 

Grey also played a central role in the collection of Antonio Marras, in prince of Wales suits, tartan and tennis stripes, always worn in a tailored style in both men and women's fashion (left). The same went for Ferragamo, who used grey in large double-buttoned coats, worn over long silk dresses (right). 

Just like its men's suits -- some contemporary, some in seventies style -- Gucci followed the same pattern for classic women's ensembles, with small jackets and knee-length skirts complemented by a pretty integral tunic emblazoned with the double GG.

Max Mara's collection highlighted flecked grey cardigans and dresses made from thick wool.

Belts

The next season's trend will be belts. Most looks at Max Mara's show involved belts, from coats and cardigans to a long woollen dress and both mini and long skirts. 

Emporio Armani's looks also featured Japanese Obi belts, or belts made from velour with geometric buckles.

At Gucci, the fashion house's symbolic horsebit was featured in a metallic belt (left). In Prada's collection, thin belts created unexpected volume on oversize coats (right). 

Matelasse

The matelasse style was also very visible on the podiums at Milan on coats, jackets and sometimes skirts.  Fendi featured a matelasse ensemble comprised of a flared skirt and small hyper-detailed golden ochre blouse that combined style and comfort. 

Emporio Armani showed off the trend in short matelasse jackets with herringbone patterns, brightened up with velour details. 

Max Mara produced a floor-length belted coat in matelasse style (left), and Moschino took the matelasse brief literally with a humorous interpretation, featuring models wearing large padded quilts as coats and pillows instead of hats (right).