Just a few months into the year, we already have our first fashion trend – the ‘eclectic grandpa’. Meet the younger, quirkier version of ‘grandpa fashion’ that has gone viral, not only because of its comfortable look, but also because it is a canvas for self-expression and for embracing all your quirks and personality.
The ‘eclectic grandpa’ look adopts the style of the quirky yet elegant fashion of our grandfathers (emphasis on the quirky). Its expressive and bold elements blend with the practical fashion of our grandfathers with a more modern twist – a more eccentric grandpa, if you will.
Recently the world has been embracing knitwear, sweater vests, and baggy pants and styling them with ivy caps and vintage wristwatches. People have been more intent on expressing their personality through fashion, whether it be through neutral shirts, bold dresses, or colourful sweaters. Many of these fashion influences can be seen in celebrities like Harry Styles and Billie Eilish, who have curated a look that they specifically identify with and is a stage for their self-expression.
The ‘eclectic grandpa’ aesthetic basically ranges from chic cardigans to cosy sweaters to the timeless appeal of tweed blazers and sweater vests. This fashion aesthetic is a surprisingly unique blend of comfort and style and agreeably gender-neutral. Moreover, accessorising becomes almost essential in the ‘grandpacore’ aesthetic. Vintage loafers, chunky sneakers, and even a baseball cap are key elements to complete the ensemble.
Celebrities like Tyler, the Creator, Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Emma Chamberlain, Natalia Dyer, and Charlie Heaton have all recently been seen sporting this look.
But why is it suddenly trendy to dress like an eccentric old man? Apparently, not only is the style of ‘eclectic grandpa’ the appeal, but also the concept of it as a whole. The point of the trend is to dress yourself like somebody who has spent a lifetime curating a wardrobe and collecting unique accessories that resonate with them. However, this is quite the issue for the newer generation, since the elderly dress this way because of their careful curation of clothing that is more focused on longevity than due to purchasing cheap pieces. So how are teens and young adults seemingly supposed to build a similar wardrobe overnight?
One go-to option is thrift shops. What better place to find timely pieces and unique accessories that have lived a life before? However, a more sincere and sustainable way we can participate in this fashion trend is by changing our shopping habits. One thing we can learn from the elderly is how to curate a style through well-loved pieces that will last a lifetime, rather than opting for a cheap pair of shorts or a sweater vest that will wear out in a few months. We can consciously pick out things that we intend to wear often rather than contributing to consumerism. In this way, we can even pass down these special pieces to our own grandchildren one day.
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