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If you spend any time on social media, you’d be hard-pressed not to notice the micro and macro trends that pop up frequently. Balletcore, cottagecore, coastal grandma, and many more have gone viral in recent months. And thanks to our friends at Pinterest, we can add a new 2024 trend to the list: the eclectic grandpa trend, or as TikTok will crown it, #grandpacore.
The eclectic grandpa trend is exactly what it sounds like: 2024 style stars are taking inspiration from stylish grandpas and emulating the expressive, eccentric personalities of these wise gems. Think retro streetwear, chic cardigans, and customized clothing. Really, wear anything retro or vintage-adjacent, and you’ll nail the trend.
After spending decades curating their wardrobes, eclectic grandpas look quirky yet sophisticated—mixing bold items with cozy, lived-in pieces that give off a tenured professor vibe. Gigi Hadid, in cozy knit cardigans and penny loafers, and Harry Styles, in kooky sweater vests, are the latest icons to test-drive the trend. And if you want endless inspiration, just head to Tyler the Creator’s Instagram for a plethora of eclectic grandpa hats, funky print sweaters, cargos, and tweed blazers.
To master this emerging aesthetic, you’ll need expressive, vibrant pieces made from quality, built-to-last fabrics. After all, grandpas have such incredible and unique style, because their closets are full of well-loved pieces they’ve looked after over time.
To achieve this style overnight is not the goal—nor is it possible. Instead, it’s about mixing what’s already in your wardrobe with a couple new pieces to eventually garner eclectic grandpa energy. As eclectic grandpas know well, longevity is key here.
The great thing about the eclectic grandpa trend is that it’s genderless, just like this jacket. Not defined by gender or age, this quilted nylon jacket can be easily dressed up by the change of pants or shoes. It has a fitted silhouette with wide pockets, so you can house all your essentials or walk with your hands in your pockets—à la grandpa.
Eclectic is in the name, so it only makes sense to include a funky printed polo from Rowing Blazers. Grandpas have eye-catching style and often invest in clothing that is synonymous with their hobbies—in this case, tennis.
Baggy, with a loose fit through the legs, these corduroys not only tick the comfy box, but they’re fashion-forward too. Trust us, grandpa would approve of this hassle-free waistband.
It wouldn’t be grandpa style without an everyday sneaker, like these adidas Sambas . Low to the ground with just enough style, these shoes have a midsole cushion that makes them supportive and comfortable, even after hours of wear. Grandpas have invested in their wardrobes for years, and the Sambas prove that quality always trumps quantity.
Take a page out of Gigi Hadid, Zoë Kravitz and Tyler the Creator’s book, and sport a Fair Isle sweater vest. The multicolored option is cozy and gives off that collegiate veteran vibe grandpas do so well.
Keep it loose and on-trend with these elastic drawstring trousers. Similar to joggers, they are cuffed at the ankle to show off your favorite Chelsea boots or dad shoes, which, you know, also happen to fall into grandpa style.
This terry pant is a dressier style with a deep focus on comfort, thanks to the elastic waistband. The on-trend pants effortlessly marry style with comfort, and they’re perfect for running errands, weekend brunches and trips to the office.
Many grandpas haven’t made updates to their wardrobes in decades. So the fabrics and prints they wear take on more of a retro vibe—made to last a lifetime, unlike the fleeting fast fashion we have today. This classic New York Yankees hat doesn’t stray from these ethos.
A tweed blazer with a herringbone collar? You can’t get more grandpacore than that. Embellished with a removable brooch, this blazer is well-suited for both spring and fall. It’s equally city-ready and family-gathering-approved.
Any eclectic grandpa has lived a long life, full of interesting experiences. It only makes sense that his clothing would read the same way—which is why this playful cable-knit cardigan made it into our edit. With its colorful buttons and abstract embroidery, this cardigan says you’ve been places and aren’t afraid to embrace who you are.
Grandpacore is all about ease. Simply slip on these classic loafers when you need to be a bit fancier. Easily translated from day to night with a quick change of outfit, these loafers look great with socks sticking out or underneath a pleated trouser.
