The 17 Styles You Need to Pull Off the ‘Eclectic Grandpa’ Trend Like a Pro
In case you’re not on TikTok, you may not be aware that the “eclectic grandpa” look is trending right now. Not familiar? Think Katherine Hepburn — the legendary actress was a trailblazer in the “grandpa chic” aesthetic, embodying the iconic style decades before influencers caught on. Picture oversized menswear silhouettes infused with tweed textures and fair isle prints for a nostalgic twist. Preppy perfection! Mastering this look is all about layering oversized pieces and teaming them with retro-inspired or vintage items. If you can’t raid your grandfather’s closet, I’ve curated 17 essential items to kick-start your grandpa-core wardrobe. Related: 17 of the Best Designer Lookalikes on Amazon to Get Celeb Style for Less One of my favorite pastimes is scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and my primary news sources (Us, of course) to see what A-list celebrities are wearing to inspire my next outfit. I’ll save and screenshot each piece I love, and then
In case you’re not on TikTok, you may not be aware that the “eclectic grandpa” look is trending right now. Not familiar? Think Katherine Hepburn — the legendary actress was a trailblazer in the “grandpa chic” aesthetic, embodying the iconic style decades before influencers caught on. Picture oversized menswear silhouettes infused with tweed textures and fair isle prints for a nostalgic twist. Preppy perfection! Mastering this look is all about layering oversized pieces and teaming them with retro-inspired or vintage items.
If you can’t raid your grandfather’s closet, I’ve curated 17 essential items to kick-start your grandpa-core wardrobe.
1. Top Hat: Read all about it! Wearing a newsboy cap will top off any outfit in distinguished fashion.
2. Rally: Like to sport your team? Wearing your favorite ball cap has been a staple in menswear since before grandpa was born. If you don’t have a team, you can’t go wrong with the Yankees.
3. Suit Up: When in doubt, throw on an oversized blazer — it’s a signature move.
4. Essential Buy: Fair isle is the pattern you need, and this cozy gray turtleneck is serving up all the vintage vibes.
5. Old Timer: Nothing quite says “classic grandpa” like an Argyle sweater, and this one doesn’t disappoint. With its flattering V-neck and the fact that it’s currently marked down to just $17.99, it’s a steal.
6. Solid Staple: You need something to build on, which is why I suggest some basic white tees to add to your collection.
7. Add ASAP: For those colder months, get this cashmere tee — because even grandpas get chilly.
8. Cozy Cable: Think Mr. Rogers and add a button-down cable cardigan to your arsenal of sweaters.
9. Fundamental: Wear a white button-down shirt under a vest or on its own for a crisp, clean style.
10. Casual-Like: Add some color to your wardrobe while keeping it neutral with this blue button-down.
11. Must-Have: If you’re going to pull this look off, you need a sweater vest — stat.
12. Details Matter: Consider a croc-embossed leather belt when you need to cinch in those oversized trousers.
13. Little Things: Slouchy socks are essential to making (or breaking) this grandpa-chic aesthetic.
14. Pleats, Please: Everyone needs oversized pleated trousers to compete with Hepburn (and gramps).
15. Need Texture: Corduroy has made a stylish comeback, and these wide-leg pants are perfect for keeping warm.
16. Slip-Ons: Loafers really help nail that Cary Grant retro feel with dapper elegance.
17. Lace-Ups: Don a timeless pair of Adidas sneakers for running errands, complementing your retro-inspired ensemble.
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