What Is A ‘Sciura Milanese’? Italy’s Viral Style Icon

LOADING ERROR LOADING

From the passeggiata to the art of aperitivo, many aspects of Italian culture capture imaginations around the world. One particularly inspiring figure is the “sciura Milanese.”

The archetype is so recognizable that there’s even an Instagram account dedicated to documenting these iconic women of Milan.

Advertisement

“‘Sciura’ is a word from the Milanese dialect that simply means ‘lady,’” Elisa Torello, founder of Elisa’s Italian School, told HuffPost. “It is pronounced ‘shoo-ra,’ with a rounded ‘u’ sound typical of the Milanese dialect. Traditionally, it was a respectful way to address a married or mature woman, especially someone of a certain social standing.”

People from Milan who speak the local dialect might say “sciura” to mean “lady” or the title of “Mrs.”/“Ms.” before a last name. But it also has another specific meaning.

“Today the regional word ‘sciura,’ often paired with the adjective ‘Milanese,’ is used in informal Italian as well, fueled by social media trends,” said Lucrezia Oddone of Learn Italian with Lucrezia. She explained that a “sciura Milanese” is an older woman, “usually aged 60+ ― but not exclusively, as this trend also embraces women in their 50s who live in the center of Milan ― who belongs to the upper middle class and has a very classic look.”

Advertisement

The team behind the blog Milanesi a Milano ― Ilaria Polo, Caterina Pacianti and Laura Stricchiola ― say these well-to-do Milanese women share a set of recognizable traits.

“The ‘sciura Milanese’ is a very specific cultural figure,” they explained in an email. “She is elegant, well-groomed and unmistakably Milanese in her taste. She often wears timeless luxury pieces ― structured handbags, important jewelry, tailored coats ― and moves through the city with quiet confidence. She is a regular at historic cafés in the city center, attends cultural events and embodies a certain idea of understated but recognizable sophistication.”

Getty Images/305pics/NurPhoto/Valentina Frugiuele Luxury handbags, scarves and other accessories are central to the sciura look.

Advertisement

This figure represents a visual identity, taste and lifestyle deeply tied to the city of Milan.

“The sciura Milan