Styling a Colorblocked Outfit with the Thrifty Six: Inspired by Gucci

sallyinstpaul
2 hours ago
6 min read

I have recently been welcomed into a wonderful group of fashion and lifestyle bloggers that focuses on styling preloved clothing and accessories in themed monthly posts (third Monday of the month). I hope that this showcase of secondhand items and outfits provides some shopping and style inspiration for anyone who is interested in creating great looks in a way that is sustainable for our planet and our pocketbooks.

Today's topic is Inspired by Gucci...which is definitely putting the "challenge" into style challenge for me since I do not own any designer brands nor do I dress like I do! But I was hopeful that the 2025 Fall/Winter Gucci collection and runway show would give me some ideas. I found this article in Elle magazine describing the aesthetic of the collection and the looks featured by runway models, and this section about color combinations and jewelry provided a direction for my own interpretation:

2025 FW Gucci collection - Elle magazine

A further Google image search turned up this model's look on Pinterest, and I had the basic outline of an outfit figured out: a colorblocked look in green, purple, and orange with gold statement jewelry (as noted in the Elle article) substituting for the belt.

2025 FW Gucci collection outfit — Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/263531015665511272/

The model's slinky green pants went through the Sally Interpretation Machine and came out the other end as my green ankle pants (thrifted, Eloquii). I was pretty excited when I realized that this outfit got my pants to the 30 Wears goal! (Stay tuned for an upcoming post with outfits from my archives featuring these green pants.) I know a lot of people avoid colorful pants, but you might be surprised at how easy they are to style and to wear (and no, I can say as a plus size woman that I don't think they make me look "bigger" as so many women fear). I love the extra, unexpected punch that colorful pants bring to a look, and it's a great way to get more use from neutral tops and toppers.

My supply of warm weather purple items is quite limited - perhaps only to this one item - so I knew that my light purple cardigan would be my choice (retail, JCP, 8/2018). I had two tank tops to consider for the orange piece, and I went with this lighter "sandstone coral" one (seen recently in this SIA post) because it worked nicely with the lighter purple tone (retail, CJ Banks, 6/2020). I have to say, when I'd gathered up these items and put them on, I was not really feeling the combination! The colorblocking of 3 accent colors is perhaps the most challenging color formula for me, and even though the silhouettes of the pieces came together in an outfit that fits my style, the colors gave me pause. But I pushed on...because you can't judge an outfit until it's accessorized!

Fortunately, gold statement jewelry is up my alley, and I had fun putting together some pieces for this look. My layered necklace choices came first: short heavy chain link necklace (retail, Ann Taylor, 7/2014) + medium paper clip chain with Zork lantern (made by me) + long chain and tassel necklace (thrifted, 12/2019). Next were the extra large gold hoop earrings that came in a Boss's Bead Bag from Fire Mountain Gems (they could be wire wrapped with beads, etc., but I actually like them plain). Last I assembled some gold beaded bracelets to make a stack: 2 from Amazon, 3 made by me. {stretch bracelet tutorial} At first I took the model's outfit as a guide and added my green flats, but it didn't feel right, so I put on my tried-and-true tan leopard pointy-toed flats instead...and yes, there it is: the piece that magically pulled these disparate elements together into an outfit that actually feels like me! (retail, Nordstrom, 12/2014).

Here's the runway original and my interpretation side-by-side; my look is definitely not anything like a recreation of the Gucci outfit (which would be all wrong for me for so many reasons), but I think you can see how I took several elements from it and made it my own. Who knew that I could be happy with a 3 accent colorblocked outfit? My husband made me laugh when I asked him what he thought of my "inspired by Gucci" creation: he said it reminded him of Mardi Gras. And yeah, the purple, green, and gold here really do have a bit of that vibe - but I'm OK with it!

Two women in vibrant outfits stand side by side. Left: runway model in orange, purple, and teal. Right: woman in similar colors, smiling indoors.

I am also pleased that the total cost per wear (CPW) for the outfit was $4.33, which is below my goal of $5, even though the top, cardigan, short chunky necklace, and flats were purchased new. This is what happens when everything in the outfit is over 5 years old and has been successfully integrated into your wardrobe, I guess!

Now let's review the Inspired by Gucci outfits that my thrifty friends have styled...

The Thrifty Six:

Emma of Style Splash

"Although I'm not massively into designer brands, I can make an exception for Gucci. My budget might not allow for such high end splurges, but it's actually not that difficult to capture the Gucci aesthetic on a shoestring. Mixing luxurious fabrics, textures and prints is key. I've based my outfit on the A/W 2016 collection, which featured heritage prints, silk scarves, big sunglasses and top handle bags. My velvet jacket and pussybow blouse are both from charity shops. Everything else is years old."

Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade

“The horse-bit is Gucci’s most enduring and iconic emblem—a tribute to equestrian elegance that’s galloped through fashion since the 1950s.

This dress combines the legendary horse-bit with the unmistakable red and green colours of Gucci, set against black for maximum impact.

However, it’s definitely not a Gucci dress; I believe it dates back to the 90’s when it was very shoddily handmade by someone using this striking Gucci-inspired fabric.

I picked it up on eBay with raw edges around the neck, arms and hem; I’ve fixed it with black satin bias-binding and slightly re-tailor it for a perfect fit.

It may not be the real thing but it’s a great winter pinafore and it’s definitely a conversation piece…”

Jodie of Jodie's Touch of Style

"I had to Google 'Gucci Inspired' to figure out what to style, and what I found was super fun and eclectic. I wouldn't say my crew was as enthusiastic about the prompt, but I give them kudos for joining in. I did cheat because not everything was thrifted. But the headscarf, shoes, purse, and t-shirt were. But hey, I've had that jacket for over 15 years, so that counts for something."

Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style

“I knew immediately what I wanted to show for the Gucci-inspired theme. I just had to dig through the archives because I no longer have this skirt. Never worn it, bought it on Vinted. But the elastic waistband was so tight I looked like I was seven months pregnant...and that at my age, lol. But this skirt immediately reminded me of the Gucci print, even the color. If I still had the skirt, I would have styled it with dark green for this theme!”

Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge

“I also was befuddled by this prompt and had to Google search ‘Gucci inspired outfits’. What I found intrigued me. The brand is known for eclectic mixing of prints and patterns including dark florals, animal prints, and the classic Gucci stripes. The first outfit I styled included green striped trousers and black loafers until I realized that none of it was thrifted! So back to the drawing board I went and came up with this Gucci inspired combination of a satin leopard motif blouse layered beneath a strapless dark floral dress (both items were thrift store purchases). I added a homemade wrap crafted from two old scarfs in leopard print and stripes and accessorized with striped tights, tall black boots, a wide black belt, a tan messenger hat, and leopard earrings found at a flea market. While it's not my current style aesthetic, I am pleased with my work on this one!”

Next month's topic is Nancy's choice...and I'm sure it will be a lot of fun to interpret!

In the meantime, visit these lovely bloggers for the details of their thrifted Inspired by Gucci outfits and more style inspiration:

Are you a fan of designer clothing or accessories? Have you ever owned anything by Gucci or a knock-off version? Does "Gucci style" bring up any ideas for you? Would you wear accent color pants? Do you ever keep clothing in your closet for 5 years or more?

Blogs I link up with are listed here.