Can You Pull Off Gucci Trends? We're Betting Yes

Remember a time when Gucci wasn’t the center of every fashion-forward influencer’s sartorial universe? We don’t either. And luckily the brand just keeps on giving. For S/S 17, Creative Director Alessandro Michele is offering up fun, imaginative pieces that make us feel like Gucci girls while still leaving room for our style to feel, well, us. And if you’re loving what you’re seeing on the runway but aren’t quite sure you can pull off Gucci's signature maximalist aesthetic in real life, stop right there.

While you likely won’t be walking around in head-to-toe Gucci on any given day (a girl can dream!), you can easily incorporate the designer’s whimsical pieces into your existing wardrobe in smaller doses. Exhibit A: New York–based artist Phoebe Collings-James, who’s showing us how she’s styling Gucci’s latest collection into her spring looks. From incorporating eye-catching pops of pink to selecting the perfect embellished handbag, Collings-James has an It-girl’s knack for making cool pieces feel even cooler (and of course we’re taking notes).

Wondering how to incorporate Gucci’s best spring picks into your wardrobe? We’ve got tips.

Consider Summer Tailoring

Step aside, flowy bohemian pieces! If you’re set on being a Gucci girl, tailoring is the name of the game. For this chic menswear-inspired look, Collings-James particularly loves the tailoring—“the ’70s-style wide-leg trousers and pink silk shirt especially,” she notes.

To make this suit jacket work for a day of gallery-hopping or a visit to a local museum, Collings-James recommends swapping out your pumps for some worn-in high-top sneakers. “Though it may feel too formal for some, you could incorporate pieces of your personal style to make this appropriate for hanging out with friends in the city,” she says.

Opt for Oversize

This season, oversize silhouettes are a must-have, but we understand that the boxier cuts of the past haven’t always been so flattering. However, if worn the right way, an oversize sweater or jacket can be really sleek; all it takes is knowing how to balance out your proportions.

To keep the look from feeling too over-the-top, keep your accessories minimal and go with a statement-making bag. James took this look from the runway (where it was styled with PVC socks and heels) and styled it with her favorite Gucci sneakers. “I like to be comfortable, and I also like wearing fun clothes in the daytime, which most often means wearing them with sneakers,” she says. Hear, hear!

Play With Prints

It’s spring, so it feels appropriate to go for a look with a splash of color and a fun print. The secret to going loud with both at the same time is to stick to a two-tone palette. Here, James echoed the blue in the skirt’s print with a tie-dye blue jacket and then paired it with white frilly socks (a neutral) and piercing blue sneakers. “I would totally wear this to a meeting or a normal day hanging out in the city,” she says.

So how can you make this look your own? Don’t be afraid to test out colors. Collings-James’s look is a quite the statement-maker, but because the silhouettes are more traditional, you can have fun mixing and matching different hues.

Another way to play with prints this season is to experiment with illustrative motifs à la this Jayde Fish for Gucci graphic tee. Add even more personality to this already statement-making look by incorporating in your favorite accessories. James wore her own cherry necklace to complement the colors of the tee, a surefire way to make any outfit your own.

Ready to dive deeper into these Gucci trends? We’ve got you covered.