2024 is ushering in a rather unexpected set of trends, from the ‘90s office siren to the ‘80s mob wife aesthetic. You’ll also find “grandpacore” here, a trend inspired by the vintage eclectic style of none other than our grandfathers.
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Credit: Tyler, the Creator on Instagram
As explored in an article by The Times, icons such as Brooklyn Beckham have helped drive the fashion into the new year. Though the concept has existed since 2022, Pinterest predicted that the trend would truly shoot to mainstream fame this year—searches for the term went up by 65%, while those for “eclectic clothing style” rose by 130%. Gigi Hadid, Tyler the Creator, and Hailey Bieber have all taken to the streets in Grandpacore, baffling some but inspiring most.
But while this trend seems to have come out of left field—Gen Z, fashion’s current arbiters and gatekeepers, have historically favoured more colourful, ostentatious styles—it’s a natural development. Athleisure ruled the 2010s, but when 2020 rolled in, dressing comfortably became the norm. The fashion-forward began to seek more refined and elevated ensembles without compromising comfort.
Grandpacore takes the best elements of dressing like you were born in 1950: earth tones, arch support, and the illusion that you’re wiser than you truly are.
Here are the elements you’ll need to put together a Gramps-approved outfit to wow the streets of Swindon.
Knitted sweaters and vests
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Credit: Gramparents on Instagram
Think about it: your dad’s dad hardly steps foot outside in short sleeves. Outerwear that actually protects from the cold is a key tenet of Grandpacore. Knitwear makes for a warm companion, whether you prefer pullovers, sweater vests, or cardigans, and it’s exactly what your grandfather would wear to refill their prescription. This is perfect for the winter weather in Swindon, as you’ll be warm and fashionable! For this, you can try COMME des GARÇONS’ CDG Play’s fall-winter capsule, which features round neck cardigans in understated shades of brown and navy blue. Style tip: grandpas like to stand out via their hats, not outerwear. Consider an ivy cap a baseball cap—you can rep a sports team like they’re wont to do—or go the extra mile with a fedora to nail the look.
Vintage eyewear
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Credit: Gramparents on Instagram
Grandpacore, and its counterpart Grandmacore, would simply not make sense without eyewear. So whether or not you have a prescription, you’ll want to don a pair for the utmost accuracy. You can wear the same classic eyeglass frames your grandfather does; Ray-Ban has been around since before he was born, and it’s still churning out its iconic frames and providing timeless looks. The Aviator Optics feature the unmistakable pilot shape from 1936 and come in polished gold for a vintage appeal. Even if the sun comes out on Swindon’s streets this summer, the Ray-Ban sunglasses range includes the classic Aviators with tinted lenses, providing UV protection. The beauty of the Aviator-style sunglasses and frames is that they’re vintage but also incredibly fashionable thanks to Tom Cruise; indeed, some who were caught by the Aviator craze in 1986, courtesy of Top Gun, will now be grandparents!
Other age-appropriate eyewear options for this trend include browline frames and rimless glasses. No matter which style you choose, don’t forget to hold your smartphone comically far from your face as you squint your eyes and mispronounce the word “meme.”
Sensible shoes
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Credit: Gramparents on Instagram
Entering senior-citizen status is all about ergonomics, lumbar-friendliness, and power walks at the crack of dawn. If you’re cosplaying as a grandpa, comfortable shoes are a non-negotiable. Old men enjoy the arch support that athletic shoes provide, so you’ll often see them in running or hiking shoes even though they couldn’t be further from a trail. A cushioned shoe like the Merrell Moab Flight provides underfoot confidence for various surfaces. It features a woven jacquard upper and a 3mm lug depth for better grip. Don’t forget to rock these with above-the-ankle pants and long socks to sell the look.
Grandpacore may seem silly at first, but it’s further proof of the enduring appeal of 20th-century fashion across generations. And it’s a breeze to pull off: all you have to do is ask yourself, “Would my grandpa wear this?” Better yet, you can raid his closet and find more pieces to match your own.
