(By Grace Owen/Style Editor)

For the past two months I have been studying in Florence Italy and traveling around to European cities and countries. On top of the adventures and memories I’ve made I have been able to experience first hand European fashion from those around me. I’ve stared in awe on the streets of Milan and Paris at women who strut confidently looking effortless and elegant all at once. And as the weather gets cooler the fashion only gets better - layering season with so many possibilities. As a general theme I’ve observed a lot of neutral toned outfits that are usually all cream, black, or shades of brown. It seems with winter fashion the coats are everything in the great creation of the outfit with a runner up of leather boots. Speaking of leather, Europeans love a good leather piece whether it be a bag, shoes, or coat. Lastly, many vintage accessories like jewelry, scarfs, and handbags. If you want to step into European chic look no further with the help of these pieces!

Staple Sneaker

I’ve been seeing this brand and other similar shoe styles all over. Worn with a dress and light jacket. With jeans, a sweater, and coat. You can dress it up or down! I’ve seen a lot of cream/white sneakers but another neutral like black would work as well.

Sweater Dresses

Floral dresses have cycled out into the cozier sweater dresses this season. This dress would be perfect with something like the shoes above and a long coat on top. Wear it during the day as you're running around and/or keep it on during the evening to dinner with friends.

Trench Coats

If I could sum up European style with just one item it would be this coat. Everyone has to have a good trench in their closet. The thicker material keeps you warm and you are destined to stay stylish. It completes the outfit and looks especially great when worn with similar toned items. All cream colors have been really big this year!

Leather Boot

We have a great sneaker but just as importantly we need a great boot. Leather boots ranging in all hight sizes, heel or no heel, black, brown, or white, are a necessity. Mostly I’ve been seeing a lot of brown mid calf boots, some are straight like the ones above and some have rolls of texture with a looser fit.

Shearling Lined Leather Jacket

As previously mentioned coats are everything to an outfit here! A coat like this lined leather one above is another popular daytime look. Worn over jeans and a turtleneck sweater with some cool sunnies and your favorite day bag.

Suits

On the warmer days when no coat is needed chances are you will see a lot of women in this oversized suit look. It always looks so classy and like a true boss business woman on the go! A shoulder bag like the one above is a great addition to the suit complete with some loafers or sneakers.

Moccasins

We all know leather loafers have been a favorite shoe for the season and while I have been seeing a lot of them out here I have equally been seeing leather moccasins. This cream pair would go perfectly with the suit above. The little heel gives you some height or you could opt for some without.

Leather Bag

Leather, leather, leather! Faux preferably but one cannot help being in the leather capital of the world and not having a leather bag. The bag above is strictly similar to the bags sold by Italian street vendors and worn by many. It is the perfect medium sized bag and fits all that you need. Black and brown are most common but I’ve also seen a lot of reds, purple, and deep greens.

Designer Accessories

Whether it be vintage or straight out of the store it seems smaller designer accessories add the finishing touch to many amazing outfits. Namely vintage sunglasses like these Gucci ones above. But also in things like headscarves, bracelets, or bags.

Oversized Scarfs

I’ve been seeing these oversized scarfs everywhere! Usually in a fun checkered pattern like the one we have here or in a more solid neutral tone. Not only do you look super cool it also keeps you cozy. It looks great with any coat but especially with the longer trenches we saw earlier.