Broadly speaking, Italian fashion is a game of two opposing matriarchs. Let’s call them the sober, intellectual Miuccia Prada figure versus the glitzy, colourful Donatella Versace. 

Italian women learn to identify their style codes early on and rarely deviate from them. That makes them consistent and memorable, but they’re also constantly alert to small tweaks and adjustments that will keep them looking current, whether it’s a new-old shoe shape (court shoes are back, either kitten-heeled or higher) or a refresher colour.