Gen Z
Jan 29, 2024

Eclectic Grandpa Is the Controversial Trend That's Already Defining 2024

by Yusra Siddiqui

Photo:

Getty Images; Launchmetrics; Courtesy of Gucci and Net-a-Porter

For those not chronically online, terms like "coquette," "coastal grandma," and "quiet luxury" may leave you a bit puzzled. For those whose screen time runs higher than average, you might have already conjured up an image in your head for each packaged-up style interest. Quiet luxury will have you envisioning the whispered effortlessness of The Row and anything worn by Logan Roy in Succession. Coquette will transport you into Sandy Liang's world filled with bows, ruffles, and the innate feeling of healing one's inner child. And 2024's first buzzy aesthetic, "eclectic grandpa," (coined by Pinterest, which predicted the trend to grow in virality this year), is composed of kitschy knitwear, loafers, baseball caps, wristwatches, and anything retro or vintage adjacent. With this in mind, I immediately jump to anything designed by Emily Bode, the street style of Princess Diana, and the top contenders of GQ's best-dressed list (particularly Pedro Pascal).

While this style can technically be achieved with a purchase of a few pieces, a part of the conversation surrounding this new trend is heading in a different direction: The look is meant to encapsulate the personal style of an actual grandpa, though people are starting to realize that they only look that stylish because they have collected high-quality, special, and well-loved pieces over time, which isn't something you can exactly curate overnight.

It's created a new conversation on how Gen Z is viewing their style. Some might consider aesthetics to be the antithesis of personal style (I think experimentation is key), but this one's proving to the next gen (me included) that patience is a virtue. While I might not be copying the grandpa 'fits I see on my Pinterest feed to a T, it's certainly been shifting the way I shop and dress. Since I, too, want to be a grandparent one day with a closet filled with special and long-lasting pieces, I've been having more fun with the way I dress and putting a lot more thought into what I purchase and how they'll fit into my wardrobe—current and future.

Even if you're not embodying the exact outfits of celebrities like Gigi Hadid or Tyler, the Creator, their style presence among the aesthetic will still inevitably make an impact on the trend cycle. Pinterest expects an uptick in demand for sweater-vests, loafers, and grandpa-esque knits—items all worn by the style stars mentioned above. If you want to be inspired by the eclectic styling off and on the runway or want to incorporate a piece or two from the grandpa look into your wardrobe, simply keep scrolling.

Photo:

Launchmetrics/Loewe

Loewe is not one to shy away from an avant-garde runway moment, yet Jonathan Anderson somehow still managed to fit in "wearable" clothing that didn't break away from his well-loved vision for the brand. Amongst a sea of draped dresses and sculptural silhouettes were ultra high-waisted trousers, three-dimensional knitwear, and sheer polo shirts. Its classic menswear pieces with an added subversiveness stay true to Anderson's design direction.

Photo:

Launchmetrics/Miu Miu

Miu Miu's S/S 24 collection caused quite a divisive response, and although it leans a bit more toward 2000s prep with its flip-flops and swim shorts, it still features those worn-in elements like distressed leather and stuffed handbags à la Jane Birkin that are fascinating to the fashion set right now. Miuccia Prada is no doubt a mastermind at designing clothing and will always manage to fill her collections with character and life.

Photo:

Launchmetrics/Bode

Brands like Bode, whose pieces are inspired by and made from heritage textiles like quilts, textiles, or tablecloths have catered to an eclectic audience long before TikTok even existed. It's no surprise that menswear brands have been leaders in this space, and it's slowly starting to trickle into womenswear.

Photo:

Launchmetrics/Wales Bonner

From her in-demand Adidas collab to designing jerseys for Jamaica's national soccer team, Grace Wales Bonner is one of the most exciting things to happen to menswear right now. Her runway collections consist of dapper suits, fuzzy knits paired with track pants, and eye-catching sneakers to top it all off.

Photo:

Courtesy of Guest in Residence

Gigi Hadid founded her cashmere line, Guest in Residence, to honor past heirlooms and give life to new ones spanning generations. She wants each cashmere piece to be cherished for a lifetime, inspired by her parents' hand-me-downs that brought her comfort while traveling for modeling jobs. One could say her brand embodies the exact essence of what's so special about grandpa style.

Photo:

Getty Images

Tyler, the Creator is certainly not one of those men who will bore you with yet another black suit. He has a special appreciation for the art of clothing, and his solidified sense of personal style often precedes modern trends. (GQ even went so far as to say that he wears things first, and then they're seen on the runways.) His outfits offer a mix of skater-boy accessories, preppy tailoring, and granny silhouettes to top it all off.

Photo:

@alexachung

Staying true to her iconic style, Alexa Chung pairs a chunky knit vest and trench coat with a quintessential A.C. dress. Many fashion influencers might want to pair their Miu Miu bag with a coordinating runway-inspired look, but Chung leans into the eclecticness of her wardrobe instead. It's been years since Chung's Twee or Indie Sleaze days that took Tumblr by storm, but she never fails to inspire the masses.

Photo:

Getty Images

Kendall Jenner isn't exactly someone I'd describe fitting in within eclectic grandpa genre, but this outfit is proof that you can take inspiration from any aesthetic and sprinkle it within your everyday wardrobe. This layered sweater-vest formula is one she reaches for quite often, but the striped knit offers a little bit more playfulness than her past choices.