For a fashion icon famous for her love of slip dresses and floaty Zimmerman-style pieces, Sarah Ellen sure has done an about-turn with her style aesthetic of late.

While in Milan and Paris for the recent Autumn/Winter 2018 ready-to-wear runway shows, sharp tailoring – particularly of the pantsuit variety – was both her go-to look and a lesson for us all in smart European vacay packing.

Keeping to a palette of cream, brown, black neutrals with the occasional pop of colour – like a marigold yellow roll-neck knit, emerald green bag or bold checked pant – was enough embellishment to offer a talking point.

The favourite piece in her fashion show travel wardrobe? Given this shoot she did was in partnership with accessories brand FURLA, it was the Metropolis Seta bag ($549, SHOP NOW) with woven silk scarf detailing – a brand new bag style for the brand.

“I could dress it up with some heels or dress it down with a good pair of jeans, so it made life easier,” she told GRAZIA. Much like our next attempt at packing now we’ve been inspired by her oversized suit styling of late.

GALLERY: Sarah Ellen’S MILAN STYLE