Tamu McPherson, a Who What Wear editor in residence, has worn many hats throughout her career—editor, photographer, content creator, consultant, and stylist. She has collaborated with brands like Prada, Bulgari, Burberry, Mango, and Sézane, and founded All the Pretty Birds in 2008. Based in Milan since 2005, she has spent two decades immersed in Italian fashion culture.
“Italian women always show up impeccably,” McPherson shares, noting how deeply their style has influenced her own. While she draws inspiration from iconic figures like Miuccia Prada, she’s equally inspired by the everyday women she encounters in Milan. Reflecting on her time there, she highlights three key styling lessons she’s learned.
The first is the importance of perfect outerwear. When she initially moved from New York to Milan, her go-to coats didn’t quite measure up. She quickly realized that in Milan, details matter—especially proportions and how pieces align. A mismatched hemline that might go unnoticed elsewhere can feel out of place here. Italian women invest in a range of outerwear options tailored for different occasions, paying close attention to silhouette, fabric, and color. Over time, McPherson built a versatile wardrobe of coats and jackets suited for everything from city life to seaside escapes.
Her second lesson is to embrace winter white. While traditional fashion rules once discouraged wearing white after Labor Day, Milan’s stylish women confidently wear white throughout winter. Seeing this firsthand changed her perspective entirely. Now, winter white is a signature part of her wardrobe, and she continues to refresh it with modern pieces that feel crisp, elegant, and seasonally appropriate.
The third takeaway is mastering unexpected color combinations—particularly navy and black. Inspired by Miuccia Prada’s influential palettes, McPherson learned to appreciate the sophistication of pairing these two tones. Once considered unconventional, the combination now feels effortlessly chic and polished. Whether dressing for everyday outings or travel, she relies on this pairing to create refined, modern looks that reflect Milan’s understated elegance.