The Ultimate Prada Edit

From Vintage to New

Last week, I wrote about Miuccia Prada’s lasting influence on fashion. If you haven’t seen it, here’s a link; it’s a good primer for today’s post. This past week was spent down the Prada rabbit hole, searching for new, pre-owned, and vintage offerings. The world of Prada is unique. Each collection is distinct, yet there’s always a common thread throughout the seasons, years, and decades. The house that Miuccia Prada built is her invention, reflected in her own sartorial choices. What struck me most during my deep dive into Prada this week is that none of it looks dated; even twenty years on, it still looks like what the coolest woman in the room would be wearing. This post is too long to read in your email, please click the title to read it in its entirety.

She would wear a suede coat over her beloved cashmere crewneck sweater, paired with an A-line skirt, accessorize with patterned or embroidered slides, and top it all off with a statement earring.

There is nothing this coat can’t do. It’s a true collector’s item from the Prada Spring 2014 Collection. It’s perfect for the weather we’re having now. For day, yes day, why not be extra during the day? Pair it with black pants, a sweater, and wedge oxfords. It works equally as well over a black dress or skirt, longer than the coat, as on the runway. Add standout heels with black hose, and don’t forget the perfect crocodile bag.

Speaking of crocodile, here are four real crocodile bags. Yes, you’ve arrived if you’re carrying one of these. Are they expensive? Yes! But there isn’t a slew of them out there, unlike some luxury bags that cost ten times the amount. I’m crazy about the shape of the vintage black bag at the upper left. Next to it is a rich brown crocodile bag, simple and classic with a chic mauve satin lining. Here’s the black bag again from the previous look, and last is a slim top-handle bag in a glorious shade of taupe.

Taking a page from Miuccia Prada’s playbook, a trusty cashmere crewneck sweater with an A-line skirt and, of course, killer shoes is a great go-to look. The pink embroidered skirt is in the stores now, though practically sold out. A more budget-friendly option is the brocade Prada skirt from 2018, new with tags, and under $300 for a lucky size 42. I’ve been in love with these satin pumps since they debuted on the Spring 2024 collection runway. The shape and color are flawless.

If you’re an XS, the resale world is your oyster! Here are treasures just for you!! From the top left, a silk-printed blouse. I love the more extended collar. A collectible dress from the iconic Fall 2012 collection. I’ve searched for these pants from the pivotal Spring 1996 Collection for years. If only I could fit into them. This is a great dress to own. Hemmed a few inches, it would work for day or evening. Love this very Miuccia skirt. This silk dress is a steal and a wardrobe treasure for that tricky cocktail category. Who wouldn’t want a black pleated leather skirt? From Prada you know the leather is the best. This collectible skirt is from the Spring 2011 Collection. Last, another pair of pants I’d kill for, from Fall 2012.

Two more for you lucky extra-smalls out there. A lime green silk satin skirt from 2019. This lace shirt is what I call an outfit enabler and is good to have to add some spice.

Can we just take a moment to appreciate the ultra-chic necklace game that Ms Prada has mastered? Her jewelry is beyond beautiful. It’s no wonder she loves crew necks with that necklace collection. For our purposes, never underestimate the power of a statement necklace!

The Spring 1996 Collection is one of my all-time favorites. The codes it laid down are still key to the house today. Here, I’ve mixed new and old, starting with a polo and anorak from Spring 2025. I love these new loafers with the round buckle that was on so many Prada shoes from the mid-'90s. These are my favorite sandals of all time (also in white here). I had three versions of them in the nineties and wore them all into the ground. I was thrilled to see they reissued them, though not so thrilled that the price more than tripled. Anyway, they’re worth it! And those pants again!

The sunglasses at the top I own and love. They’re very flattering with timeless appeal. Two jackets I regret are not in my size. The pink jacket is from Fall 2015, another of my all-time favorite Prada collections, as seen in the lead photo. The geometric-patterned jacket is also from the important Fall 2012 collection discussed earlier. I would love these beaded mules for entertaining at home. This oversized Cleo bag I tried on in the Prada store on Madison Avenue and fell in love with it. I was in the process of buying my apartment at the time, which prevented me from pulling the trigger. I’m tempted again. I was taken by these new Prada loafers. I love the nerd chic vibes with the added appeal of the gold accents.

Miuccia Prada probably has the best coat collection on earth. Here are some past and present favorites. This vintage, metallic blue leather trench makes a statement. I’ve written about my love of this Spring ‘25 leopard coat before. Suffice it to say I’m crazy about it and would wear it with everything from jeans to an evening dress and everything in between. The leather belts at the waist and sleeves are everything on this trench; simple and effective. This ostrich-trimmed coat would add spice to whatever you pair it with. Do not mess with the women wearing this exquisite black leather coat.

A little black dress is like money in the bank, you just gotta have it! I never imagined the resale market was so flush with amazing LBDs. Here, are eight fantastic Prada dresses looking for homes. This wide V-neck dress is the only new one of the bunch and is on sale! This structured wool shift is from 2012. Next is a more shaped wool shift, and last in the top row is a sculptural, off-the-shoulder wool dress. In the bottom row, we have soft dresses. From left, this is a universally flattering shape, next, a simple V-tank dress with subtle details. Lace insets and a full skirt make this dress special, and it’s under $400. Last is a racey silk chiffon dress embroidered with black mohair.

Set off the black dresses with sculptural heels in a vibrant color. From left: green satin slingbacks, red satin sandals, and the Prada shoe of the season in green. Opera-length gloves were all over the Fall ’25 runways. I would pair these red gloves with any of the sleeveless black dresses. Pro tip: Don’t buy gloves from the designers, they just go to a glove manufacturer and jack up the price. Go directly to the glove maker. This recommendation comes from a family business that has been making gloves in England for three generations.

Here are four very different forever bags with that distinct Prada look. From top left: the saffiano leather Promenade Bag. I love this nylon and rope bucket bag for spring/summer. It’s nice to have a top-handle structured bag of substance like this black bag in pebble leather. Last, the Cleo bag has been updated with new hardware here in white, and also available in black.

To see the entire Prada edit click here. Let me know what you think of the edit and if you would like to see more of this. There are fantastic pieces out there, it just takes a tremendous amount of time and patience to unearth them.

Thanks as always for reading and if you haven’t already please subscribe, that’s what keeps me going!

xxx Jolain