Upper East Side Grandmother Is Winter’s Answer to the Summer Coastal Grandma Trend
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You never know who is next in line to become the fashion icon of the hour. Last summer it was Nancy Meyers heroines, aka the “coastal grandmothers” who live in gorgeous sun-bathed beach houses and dress exclusively in pale linen and cable knit sweaters (with giant hats for sun protection). But for winter 2024 we predict a different type of grandma will be covering your Pinterest boards and inspiring your ‘fits. Move over Blaire Waldorf, we’re all about copying Upper East Side grandmothers now.
What exactly does an UES grandmother dress like? This trend is a combination of “quiet luxury”, “stealth wealth” and “old money” with just a hint of kook. Think impeccably tailored separates, tweed jackets, black cigarette pants and pearls aplenty. These women are rich, fabulous and dressed to the nines, often with a long fur coat to see them through winter’s coldest days in style. And while there are a number of staples we can pinpoint for recreating the UES grandmother aesthetic, one important detail is the addition of something unique to broadcast the wearers personality. Even better if it’s a vintage handbag, museum-purchased scarf or piece of heirloom jewelry.
Here, seven staples you’ll need to dress like a posh UES grandmother this winter, no matter where you live.
Everything You Need to Build a Winter Capsule Wardrobe That’s Both Chic *and* Warm
1. Black Trousers
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
Tailoring is a cornerstone of the UES aesthetic, and classic black trousers are an absolute must-have. Cigarette-style silhouettes—pants that are slimmer than your traditional straight leg but do not hug the leg all the way down like a skinny jean or legging (think Audrey Hepburn)—are our top pick, but you can opt for a wider leg if you prefer. As for the rise, choose whatever is most comfortable and be sure to add a sleek black leather belt as well.
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J.Crew Kate Trousers
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M.M.LaFleur The Colby Pant
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Universal Standard All Day Cigarette Pants
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2. A Fabulous Coat
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
For many UESiders this would be a long fur coat (or faux fur), but if that’s not really your style, have no fear, there are other options. Rich colors and patterns that look like they’ve been pulled straight from the art at the MoMA are just as fabulous, and you can always add a faux-fur stole across your shoulders for an extra dose of luxury. Just be sure to choose a longer silhouette (it should hit below the knees) to really play up those stealth wealth vibes.
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ALO Faux-Fur Coat
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Misook Floral Jacquard Belted Trench Coat
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Farm Rio Navy Leopards Fleece Coat
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3. Chanel-Inspired Jackets
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These cute, cropped jackets—most often done in tweed, herringbone or houndstooth with bold buttons and dainty pockets—are proof that you don’t need to spend a lot to look expensive. The design can’t help but call to mind the iconic Paris fashion house, whether you spent $25 or $2,500. To keep those quiet luxury vibes going, wear your jacket with a plain white T-shirt or silk blouse and tailored trousers in a neutral hue.
Shop Chanel-Inspired Jackets
English Factory Cropped Textured Jacket
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J.Crew Maritime Tweed Lady Jacket
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Veronica Beard Lars Tailored Tweed Jacket
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4. Timeless Handbags
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
The Birkin may be the UES grandma’s bag of choice, but there are plenty more affordable styles that are just as sleek to complete your outfit. Opt for solid hues (black will always be most popular) and simple designs that don’t have too much by way of hardware or seaming. A medium-size top handle is a surefire winner, but you can also sport a leather tote if you need more carrying space.
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Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Small Bag
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Banana Republic Silva Top-Handle Bag
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Madewell Leather Mini Sydney Cutout Tote
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5. Gold Jewelry
Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images
This is where you can start to really let your personality shine. Bold, gold jewelry is the way to go, but you don’t have to stick with classic knot studs or pearl brooches. Look for pieces that feel unique, like they could be an heirloom, with special details you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else. When in doubt, vintage and secondhand shops will have plenty of oversize rings, intricate necklaces and gaudy earrings to play with.
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8 Other Reasons Rya Hoops
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Anthropologie Vintage Mesh Collar Necklace
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Alexis Bittar Crumpled Small Post Earrings
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6. Suiting
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
This doesn’t have to just mean traditional wool blazers and trousers. It can also take the form of cotton skirt suits, silk trousers with smoking jackets or three-piece coordinating sets. Even better if you style your suit with matching accessories for a monochrome look.
Shop Suiting
M.M.LaFleur The Merritt Jardigan
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J.Crew Maritime Tweed Pencil Skirt
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Ann Taylor The Side Zip Pencil Pant
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7. Silk Scarves
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
No, a silk scarf won’t be as warm as a wool or cashmere one, but these are mostly for fashion rather than function. They should be larger than your average bandana (a 34-inch square is a good size to look for) so that you can elegantly drape them over your shoulders and knot them below your coat collar, or wrapped over your head a la Grace Kelly.
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Coach Tea Rose Square Silk Scarf
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Kate Spade New York Dirty Martini Silk Square Scarf
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Lost Pattern Camellia Silk Scarf
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I Didn’t Know How to Dress Until I Was Given a Bag of My Grandfather’s Clothes
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