Milan has always been, in fashion terms, an iconoclastic mix of classic cinematic Italian glamour with the brooding cutting edge of brands such as Prada and Fendi. Of all the fashion capitals, Milan's raison d’être is pure femininity with a capital F. Not girlishness, not frou-frou—but bold, fierce, fully fledged femme fatale. Powerful meets sexy with just the right dose of charm.

The Rules:
1.  Clean blocks of intense color.
2.  Impeccable tailoring and figure-hugging cuts.
3.  Bold jewelry that borders on art.
4.  Texture, texture, texture—most notably fur.
5.  The most luxe fabrics imaginable.
6.  Gleaming metallic accents. Fun fact: the word stiletto translates to the Italian word for dagger!

The Mantra:
Channel your fiercest sophistication, be loud without being vulgar, and be as unashamedly expensive as possible. Forget being cool or hip—Milan rises above it. For bags, opt for something sculptural. Ready-to-wear should be structured and perfectly fitted—nothing loose or casual. Skirts and dresses rule, and pants should be cropped or wide (and never plain). Leopard print is less rock-and-roll and more grown-up and unapologetic. The finishing touch? Luxe statement jewelry worthy of Iris Apfel.  La Dolce Vita indeed.