Fashion is cyclical. That's arguably the most quoted phrase in style circles, and probably one of the least satisfying ones. The idea that fashion exists on a hamster wheel — destined to keep hitting the same spot over and over again — doesn't inspire a ton of confidence that style can be novel, too. But sometimes, retro and revolutionary can go hand-in-hand; take Gucci's latest collection by Alessandro Michele. One of its biggest criticisms is that it's just an amalgamation of Gucci's greatest hits from yore. But the way that it's repackaged is part of what makes it so exciting. Even though the specific look of this chapter of Gucci has become iconic, it's all about the styling, which is to say that you don't need a trust fund in order to buy in on it. You just need access to a great thrift shop.Stylist Brandy Kraft got bitten by the Gucci bug, and realized that her local vintage stores were a repository of lookalike pieces. Says Brandy, "The Gucci show was HUGELY vintage inspired. We're going back to the original source here, people!" Click through to see the proof, and glean a few thrifting tips from Kraft in the process.
Special thanks to Awoke Vintage and Mirthfor lending space for this shoot.
Those (real!) floral brooches were one of Gucci's most iconic styling touches.
"Gucci used a lot of actual flowers in its show. I love this idea. You can pick up a beautiful single rose at your local bodega or corner store. True, they won't last too long but should definitely stay fresh long enough for you to enjoy them for an evening out."
Vintage Dress, $95, purchased at Le Grand Strip; Vintage Sweater, $90, purchased at Le Grand Strip; Vintage Rings, available at Marteau.
"They can work to add delicacy to an already feminine look, or they can soften the harsh lines of a lapel."
Vintage Dress, $95, purchased at Le Grand Strip; Vintage Sweater, $90, purchased at Le Grand Strip; Vintage Rings, available at Marteau.
"Pair with the longest earrings you can find."
Vintage Dress, $95, purchased at Le Grand Strip; Vintage Sweater, $90, purchased at Le Grand Strip; Vintage Rings, available at Marteau.
Gucci's sheer frocks reminded us of '80s prom dresses.
"Sheer was all over the runway, especially when it came in floor-length dresses and skirts. We added a turban (made from thrifted material) for fun and chopped a pair of vintage gloves to complete the look. Fingerless gloves are also a trend on the rise, so get out those scissors!"
Vintage Dress, $280, purchased at Just Say Native; stylist's own gloves and shoes.
"Make this look wearable by adding in a slip underneath and pair it with your go-to ankle boot."
Vintage Dress, $280, purchased at Just Say Native; Vintage Rings, available at Marteau; stylist's own gloves.
"When it comes to vintage costume jewelry, the bigger the better."
Vintage Dress, $280, purchased at Just Say Native; Vintage Rings, available at Marteau; stylist's own gloves.
Vests! Gucci brought them back, and they're a dime-a-dozen at thrift stores. That pussybow, too, is such a huge spring trend.
"Sheer. Floral. Pussybows! Combine all three to hit the jackpot."
Vintage Blouse, $45, purchased from Awoke; Vintage Vest, $30, purchased from Stella Dallas; Vintage Skirt, $58, purchased from Mirth; Vintage Sunglasses, $5.99, purchased from Salvation Army; Vintage Shoes, $12.99, purchased from Salvation Army; Vintage Rings, available at Marteau.
"Big, chunky vintage frames complete the look. There are plenty of affordable deadstock versions you can get for under $10."
Vintage Blouse, $45, purchased from Awoke; Vintage Vest, $30, purchased from Stella Dallas; Vintage Sunglasses, $5.99, purchased from Salvation Army.
Those silky tropical prints helped us zoom in on items at thrift shops.
"Go for prints that feel old-world 'exotic' — look for flowers and birds. You can't go wrong with those."
Vintage Coat, $498, purchased from Thriftwares; Vintage Top, $4.99, purchased from Salvation Army; Vintage Rings, available at Marteau; Vintage Bag, $38 from Mirth; stylist's own pants.
"Find a bold print that suits you and wear with a wide-leg pant."
Vintage Coat, $498, purchased from Thriftwares; Vintage Top, $4.99, purchased from Salvation Army; Vintage Rings, available at Marteau; Vintage Bag, $38 from Mirth; Vintage Shoes, $12.99, purchased from Salvation Army; stylist's own pants.
Gucci mixed wallpaper floral prints with gorgeous geometric patterns.
"Mixing bold patterns is okay! Pair a floral vintage blouse with a pleated midi-skirt no matter what the patterns are — just have fun with it!"
Vintage Top, $45, purchased from Awoke; Vintage Skirt, $6.99, purchased from Salvation Army; Vintage Shoes, $128, purchased from Thriftwares; Vintage Rings, available at Marteau; Vintage Sunglasses, $140, purchased at Le Grand Strip.
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