How to Layer Like a Miu Miu Girl This Summer

When Miu Miu models sauntered down the runway in high socks and ballet flats back in 2022, it set the tone for years of fashion to come. Suddenly, every cool girl from the Lower East Side to Los Feliz was digging out her grade school knee-highs and shopping for vintage ballerinas. Similarly, Miu Miu’s micro-mini revolution, unleashed with an internet-breaking cut-off khaki skirt, is still influencing hemlines to this day. Not to mention the no pants movement—who knew sparkly Miu Miu panties could convince so many to wear so little? In terms of trend-setting, Miu Miu is already the brand of the 2020s, and we’re only halfway through.

Over the past three years, the fashion industry has watched Prada’s little sister grow up and come into her own. When Lyst anointed Miu Miu as the “Hottest Brand in the World” last year, the youthful spinoff officially surpassed many of its peers in terms of cultural relevancy. And while sales at Miu Miu remain lower than those of its elder sister brand, its off-the-charts, year-over-year growth proves that may not be true for much longer. Miu Miu’s revenue increased 89% last year, in comparison to Prada’s 12%, according to Vogue Business, and shows no signs of slowing down. The Miuccia Prada-led line’s viral status has real staying power: It’s currently sitting pretty at number two on the Lyst scale and has remained in the top ten three years running.

After all, it’s not easy to generate buzz with product alone, but creative director Miuccia Prada does it season after season. She pioneered the boxers-under-everything look, convinced us that cardigans are sexy, and even helped bring back the divisive boat shoe. These days, every It Girl is a Miu Miu Girl, and everyone else wants to be one.

Beyond inescapable designs (including those hot librarian glasses that were all over February Fashion Week) and a cadre of influential fashion girl fans (like Chloë Sevigny, Paloma Elsesser, and Alix Earle), there’s a certain magic to Miu Miu that goes beyond street style, sales spikes, and product virality. The brand remains the coolest girl in fashion despite its luxury bona fides, not because of them.

All you need are some socks and a pair of scissors to dress yourself like Lila Moss. A little ingenuity and a pair of tights can evoke Mia Goth’s ultra-layered look. And anyone can wear underwear out and about like Emma Corrin—you just need the bravery to do it. By turning even the most humble of accessories into a fashion statement, anyone can style themselves a Miu Miu girl—and that’s why fashion people everywhere love it.

The 2025 collections are no exception. Miu Miu’s past two runway shows have made it clear that swimsuits are the new going-out tops, freeing the bra strap is an inevitability, and apparently, tube tops are far more versatile than anyone ever dreamed. So, if you’re wondering how to dress yourself the Miuccia Prada way this summer, there’s more than enough inspiration to go around.

Behold—styling secrets, according to Miu Miu:

Put a Tube Top on It

If there’s anything this season’s Miu Miu assortment has taught us, it’s that tube tops deserve more fashion credit. Layer one over a t-shirt, button-down, or even swimsuit, and rake in the compliments. It’s unexpected, of course, but effortless as well. Make sure to respond, “What, this old thing?” for those inquiring about your top.

Swimwear as Ready-to-Wear

Swimsuits are just water-repellent bodysuits if you really think about it—and it’s time to put them to work this summer. Wearing beachwear off the beach is a lazy girl vacation hack as old as time, but that pearl of wisdom translates to city life, too. Pair your favorite one-piece with skirts, shorts, and even jeans this summer.

Be bold! Take that bikini top out and about—who says you can’t wear it to your dinner spot? In the famous words of Regina George, “those rules aren’t real.”

The More Belts, the Better

Belt layering—it’s a thing! Do like the Miu Miu girls do and meld metals, materials, and a bit of color for a textured look. Wear them low-slung over a skirt or cinched at the waist, but whatever your style, restraint is not your friend here. The more belts, the better.

Triple Layer Your Tanks

A styling hack right out of Abercrombie’s mid-aughts playbook, this tip might evoke nostalgia (or bring up embarrassing middle school memories), but rest assured, 2025’s tank layering is fresher, weirder, and more intentional than its predecessor. To avoid the lacy camisole look of 20 years ago, mix and match colors, fabrics, materials, and lengths. Layer by coverage: start with your longest tank, and then add on in order of increasing skimpiness.

To really channel the Miu Miu vibe, go for a varsity color story: stripes, navy, white, grey, red, and forest green.

The Messy Popped Collar

Intentionally rumpled styling is one of Miuccia Prada’s hallmarks. She loves a shirttail hanging out and a dangling, off-the-shoulder strap. Crisply popped collars just aren’t her thing. Instead, layer your favorite Peter Pan blouse or preppy polo under a tee, sweatshirt, or zip-up, and let one collar stay hidden.

It adds a little weird, a little messy, and a whole lot of quirk to any preppy look.

Your Bra Is Showing

Take a page out of Carrie Bradshaw and Patricia Field’s styling book, and let your bra be the star. Let your strap peak out from a white ribbed tank, or layer under a low-cut top. Just make sure it’s a complementary color or contrasting fabric, so your outfit is more intentionally provocative than hot mess. Those little details make all the difference.

Try a Weirdo Sock

Socks are an essential part of Miu Miu’s fashion oeuvre. Knee socks, thigh-highs, and even the humble tube sock have all had their runway moment in the spotlight. But this summer, it’s all about the cutout.

Toeless ribbed socks with sky-high heels, sandals over heel warmers, and arm socks to boot, the strange socks in Miu Miu’s SS25 collection are not for the faint of heart. But if you like getting freaky with your footwear, this is the trend for you.

Double Bag It

That’s right, your favorite chaotic commute trick is making its way to the catwalk. Bags on bags on bags (with charms!) made their high-fashion debut in February, but those of us who ride the subway to work have been doing it for years.

The best bag layering combines organized chaos, maximalism, and a wide range of shapes. Add a hobo bag under your favorite Y2K east-west style. Hang a handbag around your elbow while you balance a tote. Add a wristlet into the mix! Just don’t forget a cheerful bag charm or knotted scarf—more is more.

Read the original article on InStyle