Living Milanese Style
What it means to be Milanese and how we as expats can adopt a Milanese lifestyle.
If you do an image search for “Stile Milanese”, Google will show you a collage of elegant male models, expensive watches and chic women clinking prosecco glasses. However, wearing a designer jacket, drinking aperitvi and shopping in Milan does not make you Milanese. The real meaning of being Milanese is so much more than good looks and posh apparel.
To get to know someone it is important to understand their past. To define Milanese style, a quick look back into history will help us understand what it means to be Milanese.
A Look Back in Time

Before the 11th century, Milan was fought over by clans and tribes; the Visigoths, Huns, Ostrogoths, Lombards and the Franks. Later, in the 14th and 15th century the Duchy of Milan was ruled by the Visconti and Sforza until it was overthrown by the French, then the Spanish and subsequently the Austrians. The French and Austrians continued to fight over the territory throughout the 18th and 19th centuries until a monarchy and the Kingdom of Italy (1861) was established. Milan prospered, La Scala Opera House and Universities were built, as well as great monuments like the Central Station and even the Malpensa Airport. This prosperity had a cost; the elite lived well but the general public lived in poor conditions. Protests such as i Fatti di Maggio (The Days of May) ended in sorrow and tragedy. It was not until after WWII when Milano said, “Enough is enough.” Centuries of oppression and dictatorship came to an end when the monarchy was overthrown, and Mussolini and his cohorts were hung in Piazzale Loreto.
How Milan Became the Epicenter of Fashion
At this point you may be thinking, ‘what does this have to with being stylish and drinking aperitivi?’

After WWII, the European Recovery Program (ERP) was a program that would help Italian industrial development. By the 1950’s Italy became a leader in textile manufacturing. The extraordinary quality of the textiles and craftsmanship far exceeded anything the international buyers had seen in other markets. Northern Italy quickly became an industrial hub and Milan became the epicenter of fashion, thus creating a booming economy and flourishing social class.
The years that followed, from the 50’s to the 90’s, were the decades that truly formed and defined Milanese Style on a global level, not only through the Made in Italy fashion brands but also through art, design, cinema and architecture.
As this thriving culture emerged, it touched every aspect of life and the Milanese learned to enjoy it to the fullest.
So, if you want to “become Milanese” there are few guidelines to follow.
The 4 Golden Rules of Being Milanese
The identity of a true Milanese is exemplified by 4 golden rules:
Style, Elegance, Quality and Pleasure.

Ixos and other Made in Italy brands can be found at Scalo Milano Outlet & More
Style
Rule #1: Style and fashion have little to do with one another.
Although Milan is the center of fashion, a true Milanese never follows the trends. For clothing, a Milanese will look for what flatters their body type and represents their lifestyle. A trendy item will be added as a small detail or accessory.
In home décor the Milanese will choose a style which defines their personality. This could mean clean, sleek and minimalist or it could mean whimsical and artistic with a mix of heirloom antiques.

Designer brands like Kartell can be found at Scalo Milano Outlet & More
Unlike what you see in the movies, not every Italian drives a Ferrari. When choosing a vehicle, the Milanese is practical; parking in Milan is a rare commodity. The public transportation system is so good, one can easily live in Milan without a car.
Elegance
Rule #2: Elegance is a learned skill.
Only the ballerinas at La Scala are born elegant, the rest of us must learn the subtle skills of sophistication. Elegance is often associated with fashion style, but for the Milanese, it goes beyond a fitted suit. Milanese elegance applies to both men and women and is defined as graciousness. The elegant Milanese is diplomatic and polite and knows how to make a good first impression.
Fare bella figura, making a good impression, is not only about putting one’s self in good light, but it is also about making your counterpart look and feel good.
The art of elegance is sometimes interpreted as formality but when it is learned and mastered, it becomes second nature.
Quality
Rule #3 Excellent materials + Time + Detail = Quality.

Whether it be an item of clothing, a leather shoe, a simple plate of pasta, a machine or engine, Italian craftsmanship has earned a reputation for being of the best quality.
Quality starts with excellent raw materials and with time and dedication becomes something extraordinary. The Milanese has high standards and will measure the outcome against other similar experiences or products.
Quality is not magic; it is a result of hard work and creativity. Like anything of value, expect to pay extra for quality.
Pleasure
Rule #4 What you can’t do today, you do tomorrow.
The Milanese are hardworking, but they are also very pragmatic.
There is a saying in the Milanese dialect:
“A Milan quell che no se pò fa incoeu sel se fa doman.”
In Milan, what you can’t do today, you do tomorrow.
Meaning: do your job, do it well, but accept that you can’t do everything. Finish what you started tomorrow and enjoy your free time.

Rome is associated with the expression and film “La Dolce Vita”, Milan is coupled with the expression “Milano da bere” (Drink up Milan). Used as the slogan of a 1985 ad campaign for Amaro Ramazotti alcoholic bitter. It is meant to represent a culture of hard-working people who know how to live it up.
The Milanese aperitivo culture of going out for a drink after work is purely social. Once you are out of the office, you are out of the office.
So, while you are living in Milan, even though it may be temporary, observe and learn from your Milanese friends the subtleties of living Milanese style, a concept that is rooted in history and goes well beyond looking fashionable.
Main image: Shopping for Milanese Style in Milan / by Scalo Milano Outlet & More
Article by © Celia Abernethy Easy Milano
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