MOVE over ‘coastal grandma’, this vintage-esque style is the hottest new trend on Instagram and TikTok.
Fashionistas are taking taken a leaf out of their grandad’s book… or should we say wardrobe!
It’s all about embracing a retro and quirky style, mixing and matching patterns, and going big on layering.
This comfort-driven trend has seen a surge in terms related to the viral fashion trend on Pinterest.
Like most fashion trends, what goes around comes around, and now those sweater vests, striped shirts and brightly coloured socks from your grandad’s wardrobe are officially cool!
Here’s how our fashion experts are adopting the trend…
Emily Regan, 24, Fashion Assistant
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- Coat, £69.99, Bershka – BUY NOW
- Blazer, £54.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- Trousers, £49.99, Zara – BUY NOW
- Bag, £65, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
- Shirt, £22.99, Zara – BUY NOW
- Loafers, £110, Boden – BUY NOW
Turn’s out I am so here for the grandpa-core era. I really love the light-heartedness of it all… anything goes!
While I’m not completely channeling the aesthetic every day, it’s definitely pushed me to have more fun and experiment with different outfit combinations.
I’ve tried to consciously put together pieces that I can wear with the clothes I already own in my rather neutral wardrobe, and that’ll last beyond this current trend.
These loafers from Boden are giving me old-school Gucci vibes – but without the super-expensive price tag!
Pastels are also predicted to be big this season, so I’ve added a pop of colour with these trousers from Zara and gorgeous bag from M&S.
Mix and match tweedy checks and silk stripes with this shirt and blazer combo, and tie it all together with this dreamy trench.
Clemmie Fieldsend, 33, Fashion Editor
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- Bag, £27.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- Jacket, £165, & Other Stories – BUY NOW
- Jumper, £34, Next – BUY NOW
- Jeans, £55, Autograph at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
- Loafers, £59.99. Office – BUY NOW
- Shirt, £25.99, Zara – BUY NOW
The thing I love most about the eclectic grandpa trend is the comfort.
Layering cosy textures, loose silhouettes and sensible footwear ticks all my style boxes.
I’m not one for bold patterns or bright colours, so my way of wearing the trend is all about the feels – ie, textures.
I love this chunky cable-knit from Next, with its deep V neckline, which makes it brilliant for layering on top of a shirt or cotton white T-shirt.
Thrown together with a “farbour” – that’s faux Barbour – like this style from & Other Stories, and a loafer, it makes for such a versatile look. I’d wear this both to work and for a walk to a country pub.
Abby McHale, 29, Deputy Fashion Editor
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- Jeans, £95, Aligne – BUY NOW
- Socks, £3.90, Uniqlo – BUY NOW
- Blouse, £34.99, Monki – BUY NOW
- Jumper, £19.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- Trainers, £90, Adidas – BUY NOW
- Cap, £15, Adanola – BUY NOW
The look I’ve created is giving sunny grandpa in Florida vibes, with the red socks, baseball cap and dark blue jeans.
I love a big collar at the moment, so I’m wearing this blouse from Monki underneath the jumper so you can just see the collar peeking out.
And the red socks give an extra fun pop of colour against the green trainers.
What I love about all these pieces is that, worn together, they really channel the grandpa-core TikTok trend, but separately they are great wardrobe staples that can be worn season after season.
Tracey Lea Sayer, 52, Fashion Director
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- Trainers, £80, Adidas – BUY NOW
- White T-shirt, £30, COS – BUY NOW
- Side stripe trousers, £40, River Island – BUY NOW
- Vest, £195, Ganni – BUY NOW
- Socks, £8.99, Adanola – BUY NOW
- Aviator glasses, £35, & Other Stories – BUY NOW
- Jacket, £135, & Other Stories – BUY NOW
Some of the lads I went to school with are likely grandads now, plus with the eighties and nineties trends that have been sweeping fashion, beauty and all things cultural recently, it’s no surprise that ‘eclectic grandpa’ is trending on social media.
Anyone who went to the Hacienda back in the day will already know the kind of outfit that fits in perfectly with the trend – a smiley face tank, some trackie bottoms and a pair of old-skool Adidas trainers!
Millennials and Gen Z are loving eclectic grandpa, but can I pull it off at the age of 52 when, technically, I could have grandkids too?
Well, yes, actually!
Most middle-aged mums I know love a wide-leg track pant, which you can pick from all the high-street big-hitters. The elasticated waist makes them comfy and practical as well as stylish
Team them with a white T-shirt, a fun tank and a cropped trench to smarten the whole look up.
Then just add cool sunnies, Sorted, mate!