This year we’re already seeing a trend take over the world – the eclectic grandpa trend. Also known as ‘grandpa-core,’ this trend is characterized by clothing items such as checkered blazers, multi-coloured half-sleeve sweaters, beige or khaki trousers and collared shirts layered with sweaters. Though this may seem like a pretty surface-level description of the trend. There are more details that we need to consider, especially if you want to recreate the look or play into it a little more.
So, let’s delve a little deeper, shall we? The trend is rooted in vintage workwear, which means that comfort and cosiness are paramount here. In March 2022, the world saw the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic take over the internet, and as 2023 came in, we very slowly started seeing a transition towards the Eclectic Grandpa look. Ultimately, in the latter half of the year, influencers began going from lighter-coloured, linen pants to beige, heavy-duty denim pants or from white cotton, breezy shirts to sweater vests and pairing multiple colours together.
So, think along the lines of footwear that might seem boring aesthetically but is actually super comfortable (I have a feeling we might also see a revival of dad sneakers this year BTW), cardigans that are fluffy, thick and cosy (doesn’t matter if the colours clash with your pants) and the inclusion of lots of natural and archetypically masculine colours such as browns, greens, beiges, navy blues and rust oranges.
At the same time, don’t be afraid to keep things playful. Add that pop of colour you might otherwise think would never work with the rest of the outfit.
Other than this, consider wearing caps that you may have seen older gentlemen in your family wear. Because let’s be honest, our Nanus had some really peculiar monkey caps in their closet.
The coastal grandmother trend and the eclectic grandpa trend are two of the most favourite styles I’ve witnessed in the last three years. Hope to see more of it.
