April 29, 2024

What is the Eclectic Grandpa Fashion Trend?

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Every coastal grandmother needs a fashionable mate. Enter the “eclectic grandpa,” a new style of dressing that incorporates vintage pieces, fun knits and a dose of your own personality. With the help of social media, “eclectic grandpa” is already dominating the 2024 trend forecast, and Gen Z and Boomers alike can rock this trend without actually having to be, well, a grandfather. If you’re looking to shake up your style, keep reading as we break down some of the key elements of this fast-growing trend.

Comfort is key

To truly master the eclectic grandpa aesthetic, keep in mind that comfort is key. Oversized cardigans and slouchy sweaters are an essential part of this trend. During the warmer months, stock up on sweater vests that can be worn by themselves or thrown over a t-shirt or button-down. For bottoms, baggy jeans or flowy trousers are great and can be styled in numerous ways. For a more sophisticated look, a good quality earth-toned or patterned loose-fitting blazer can tie the whole look together.

Embrace patterns

Put the eclectic in “eclectic grandpa” by embracing bold patterns. And when it comes to this trend, the funkier the pattern, the better! You also can’t go wrong with classic patterns such as argyle and houndstooth. If you’re really feeling brave, you can even play around with mixing patterns to create one cohesive look. Focus on earth tones such as brown, camel, or even colors like hunter green and mustard. If patterns aren’t your thing, don’t sweat it. Textured materials like corduroy give off a similar feel without being too loud.

It’s all about layers

Layering is a big part of this trend, and you may even have some staple layers lying around the house! Check your closet for a long button-down dress shirt—it can be plain or a pattern of your choosing—and pair it under a sweater for a classic look. For an effortlessly cool appearance, grab a plain t-shirt and layer it under a sweater vest. Scarves can also create a textured yet casual cozy vibe without adding too much weight.

Vintage-inspired accessories

No outfit is complete without accessories! And in this case, incorporating vintage-inspired pieces (whether they are truly vintage or just have a vintage feel) can really enhance the eclectic grandpa aesthetic. Chunky watches are a stylish way to play into the trend while still being practical. Retro-style sunglasses can showcase your inner eclectic grandpa while shielding your eyes from the sun. If you’re a hat wearer or are just having a bad hair day, feel free to throw on a trucker/rope hat as well. As far as shoes, you can’t go wrong with a classic loafer, but if you’re feeling more casual, a chunky sneaker will do!

Make it your own

Like most trends, you can put your own spin on the eclectic grandpa look to highlight your personal style. If you have a pair of earrings you wear every single day or a favorite statement belt, don’t be afraid to mix pieces in even if they are more modern. Keep in mind that trends are meant to be fun and not followed religiously, and part of the excitement of new trends is experimentation and finding what works best for you.