Move Over, Coastal Grandmother—The 'Eclectic Grandpa' Trend Is Taking Over Our Closets for Spring
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As 'mob wife' winter defrosts, a new hyper-specific style trend is already in full bloom for spring. Folks, prepare to stock up on funky sweater vests, old-school loafers and slouchy slacks—this season is all about the 'eclectic grandpa' aesthetic. Pinterest coined the term in its 2024 trend report, noting a rise in searches for terms like "grandpa core" and "grandpa style," and predicted that it would be 2024's answer to the 'coastal grandmother' trend of the past few years. And, like clockwork, grandpa-inspired style has started popping off just in time to add some new pieces to our spring capsule wardrobes.
Described as a “hipster comeback” by TikTokers, the ‘eclectic grandpa’ aesthetic has quickly become popular on the platform, earning more than 12 million views and counting as people of all ages embrace the vintage-meets-modern look. Vibrant knitwear, unique button-downs and comfortable loafers are among the staples of the trend, which just so happen to be the perfect transitional pieces for the season.
Ready to add some grandpa-approved pieces to your closet? From a colorful crochet cardigan ($58) to laid-back linen pants ($90; $72), read on for 12 styles to shop now, along with everything you need to know in order to rock the retiree aesthetic.
What Is the 'Eclectic Grandpa' Aesthetic?
The ‘coastal grandmother' trend was all about luxe, beachy minimalism (a nautical precursor to so-called 'quiet luxury'), while ‘eclectic grandpa’ style puts a more unique twist on preppy classics. Think: cozy golf cardigans, printed sweater vests and laid-back slacks. The trend also plays on the relaxed, semi-kooky styling you'd expect from an older individual who has developed their own distinct personal style over the years, with an emphasis on comfy, functional fashion. You can see some examples in the TikTok above, but to understand the trend better, we revisited a video made this past December by a men's personal stylist known on TikTok as @stylegf.
In the clip, the stylist states that while the aesthetic might be “deceitfully challenging” to achieve, you can master it by focusing on comfort while incorporating cool patterns, contrasting prints and different textures. Add a nifty pair of loafers (such as this beachy jute style by Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn, $130) for the finishing touch.
How to Get the Look
We’ve already determined that loafers are the subtle missing piece to nailing this trend, but the main components that make up the 'eclectic grandpa' aesthetic are sweater vests, cardigans and a relaxed pair of jeans or shorts. While accessories aren’t totally necessary, you might want to amp up the eclectic vibes with a funky necklace, or go the bookish route with some grandpa-worthy specs. Celebs including Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Harry Styles were early adopters of the trend, and they're a great source of inspiration if you're hoping to nail it.
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1. Lulus Open Front Cardigan
Knit cardigans are one of the defining features of this trend and this crochet style reminds us of grandpa's favorite blanket. The crafty patchwork and open-knit design is what really sets it apart, but we also love the cropped cut, which should frame the torso nicely.
2. Free People In Your Dreams Lace Button Down
This lace top puts an "eclectic" spin on grandpa's go-to button down. Whether you layer it or throw it on over your swimsuit at the beach, the airy nylon, cotton and polyester top will keep you looking (and feeling) totally chill. The button cuffs and stiff collar add to its tailored look, but it's meant to have an oversized silhouette—exactly what’s needed to achieve the ‘grandpa’ vibe.
3. Eyebuydirect Coexist Glasses
This trend happens to coincide with the rise of 'geek chic' and 'librarian core' style, and we can think of no better way to tie it all back to grandpa than by showing off an old-school pair of specs he'd love. Boasting a bookish browline frame and rounded lenses, these retro glasses are as fashionable as they are functional; you can choose between a glossy black or tortoiseshell design, and customize the lenses based on your own magnifying needs or prescription. Or, you can snag a pair with basic lenses just to accessorize with. Either way, as one buyer raves, "They fit perfectly, are firm and feel stable." In that case, you might never want to take them off.
4. Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn Lens Loafer
To take this trend well into spring and summer, add these beachy jute loafers to your lineup. In addition to their nice semi-casual look, these babies surely check the comfort box thanks to their breathable canvas lining, padded midsole and low-stacked leather heel. Our favorite feature? That would be the contrasting design of the upper, which blends the natural jute with sleek leather accents. We can't wait to wear these this summer!
5. Steve Madden Theresa Dress
Take a grandpa sweater, but make it a dress—you'll end up with this cotton knit maxi with a crew neck and ribbed cuffs. The soft color pattern and squiggly striped print nods to the '60s and '70s, while the pull-on design makes it easy to slip in and out of, making it an ideal coverup on vacation. While the dress is meant to hug your curves in all the right places, the fit still seems perfectly relaxed—just like grandpa at the beach.
6. Melie Bianco The Brigitte Satchel
The funky pattern on this little handbag, together with the woven design of its synthetic raffia, gives it a look akin to any of grandpa's vintage sweaters. The petite, spring-ready version of the viral Melie Bianco satchel features one inner slip pocket and one inner zip pocket, as well as a zip-top closure that'll keep your phone and wallet nice and secure. There are five colors offered to give you plenty of options. And did we mention this brand is cruelty-free? Gotta love fashion that you can feel good about!
7. Kitri Winona Crochet Knit Vest
You don't need to be a regular on the golf course in order to dress like one, and this striped sweater vest is a hole in one. Its crochet knit and colorful pattern scream 'eclectic grandpa,' while its mid-weight blend of cotton and viscose makes it breathable enough to wear on warmer days.
8. Abercrombie & Fitch Tailored Linen Pant
Laid-back pants are a *must* if you want to knock this trend out of the ballpark, and this linen/viscose pair fits the bill thanks to their polished pleating and tailored-yet-relaxed silhouette. They come in multiple length options (short, regular and long) and have a partially elasticized waistband to help achieve the perfect fit. Pair 'em with an oversized blazer or one of your new sweater vests to go all in on the aesthetic.
$90; $72 at abercrombie & Fitch
9. Anthropologie Collared Sweater Vest
This sweater vest effortlessly blends edgy and athletic style with its oversized collar, cropped fit and deep V-neck. And don't even get us started on its contrasting front-and-back patterns poised to shake things up on the tennis court. Crafted from a blend of cotton, acrylic, polyester and wool, the standout knit is loved by reviewers for its fit and quality. Just take it from one shopper who raves: “I had to size down from my regular size L to M that just arrived and it fits perfectly! I didn’t want it to fit loose but the top [fits] just like on a model. Love the style, the color combo and the fabric.” At just under $80, this pick provides a ton of styling options grandpa would approve of.
10. House of Sunny Rise Tripper Cardigan
It’s an unspoken grandpa fashion rule that you can never have too many cardigans in your closet, especially if they've each got their own personality. And let's just say this House of Sunny number is chock full of it. From its bright, landscape-inspired motif to its lightweight acrylic fabrication, this button-up layer will add an 'eclectic' touch to any fit this season.
11. J. Crew Tropez Linen Shorts and Vest Set
You’ll definitely make your gramps proud with this vest and shorts set, which looks like something he wore during his trip to Italy in the '70s. Both pieces are made from 100 percent linen, meaning they're cool enough to carry you through ultra-hot temps. The vest sports a cropped cut that hits right about the waist, with figure-flattering tailoring and a button-up front. The shorts, meanwhile, have a stretchy smocked waist, which the brand claims will give you an adaptable rise that can sit higher or lower on the waist. Buyers say this vest runs small, which is something to keep in mind as you may need to size up for a better fit. Both the shorts and vest come in multiple colorways, giving you tons of mixing and matching potential, too.
shop vest From $90; $65 at J. Crew
Shop Shorts From $70; $35 at J.crew
12. SweatyRocks Sleeveless V-Neck Sweater Vests
If you are looking to capture the ultimate grandpa-on-the-golf-course vibe, look no further than this diamond-printed sweater vest from SweatyRocks. It's cut with a cute V-neck and made from a soft and stretchy acrylic that keeps its shape over time, so you can layer it over a collared shirt or don it as a short-sleeve top on its own. “The material is great and given that it is meant to be a cropped sweater vest, it totally fits true to size. A little snug, but honestly a great find,” writes one happy buyer. It's also available in a *ton* of colorways, so if we were you, we'd snag a few to rotate.
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