Inspired by the eclectic and comfortable style reminiscent of our dear grandfathers, “grandpacore” is set to be a dominant trend in 2024. Considering we had ‘coastal grandma’ and ‘librariancore’ microtrends in circulation in the past 12 months, this natural progression shouldn’t come by surprise. Pinterest reported a 65% increase in “grandpacore” searches and a 60% increase in “grandpa style” searches on the previous year. Gaining popularity on platforms like TikTok, we’re experiencing a cultural amalgam of what we envision as a sharply dressed grandpa.
What is the grandpa core trend?
Grandpacore is a gender-neutral trend which encompasses various sub-styles, each representing a different facet of the nostalgic aesthetic. Picture the bookish grandpa donning a tweed blazer and pageboy hat, the cosy granddad in a slouchy sweater, or the weather-ready grandpa sporting a trusty windbreaker and old sneakers. The versatility within grandpacore allows for a mix-and-match approach, blending elements like polo shirts, printed jumpers, suede loafers, and knitted vests — individual pieces which have seen a steady rise in popularity.
Grandpacore style references
You don’t have to look far beyond the local garden centre cafe for inspiration but if you’re in need of some contemporary references, think Carlton from The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, Harry Styles, Tyler the Creator, and the off-duty style of Gigi Hadid and Zoë Kravitz. Last year, designers Louis Vuitton, Bally, and Versace sent utilitarian vests paired with slacks and tweed trousers down the runway; Emilia Wickstead and Ulla Johnson played up tartan prints in neutral hues; Loewe teamed oversized chunky fisherman sweaters with corduroy trousers, and Prada sported full tweed tailored suits.
Make friends with the menswear section
For those looking to embrace grandpacore, the menswear section is a treasure trove of oversized cable knits, faded wax jackets, old rugby shirts, and colourful knitted vests. The key is to choose high-quality fabrics such as wool, cashmere, and silk, ensuring that your grandpacore garments withstand the test of time when you unironically wear them in your later stages in life.
How to style grandpacore pieces
Channeling grandpacore is all about layering. Experiment with knitted vests or sweaters over pinstripe shirts or oversized blazers paired with argyle jumpers and baggy tailored trousers. For a more refined, feminine take, look to Miu Miu’s style codes and pair your oversized masculine pieces with tweed or tartan mini skirts or rotate in some ’70s eclecticism (read: coloured lens opticals, silk neck-tie scarves, etc.).
Grandpacore gives you the freedom to play with clashing colours and prints or mix and match head-to-toe neutrals. To keep it polished and refined for work, you can elevate it with jewellery, a slick bun or voluminous blowout, and some trade your loafers in for some patent ballet flats or slingback heels.
Blending timeless pieces, quality fabrics, and a mix-and-match styling philosophy, grandpacore offers a refreshing departure from more conventional fashion trends. It’s a celebration of individuality, nostalgia, and a playful approach to personal expression. Not to mention it’s comfortable and easy to source key pieces secondhand.
