According to TikTok, the Eclectic Grandpa, the Mob wife, and the Office siren are the trends of 2024. Last year saw the fixation of the longstanding clean girl aesthetic and the light feminine coastal granddaughter followed by the coastal cowgirl and of course, the Mediterranean-inspired tomato girl.
The above sentences may cause you to spiral if you are not familiar with the online realm of “aesthetics”, and rightly so. The rise of these terminologies and labels has been widely criticised. Style trends used to take several years to come to fruition and now they burn and die very quickly. These aesthetics are fleeting, with many accrediting the rapid turnover of fashion trends as having a detrimental impact on Gen-Z’s personal style (or lack thereof)…
Before we break down the characteristics of the “Eclectic Grandpa” aesthetic let’s discuss its significance and why it represents a greater fashion dilemma…
Firstly, the name ‘Eclectic Grandpa’ is unlike former trends as it doesn’t centre around women like; mob wives, coastal granddaughters, office sirens, clean girls and the list goes on. Dressing like a grandad undoubtedly refers to a masculine style. Androgynous fashion and the mixing of masculine and feminine pieces has become increasingly popular such as suit jackets and looser fitting styles.
Linked, we have Gigi Hadid on the streets of New York c.2022 (Vogue France), rocking an effortlessly chic Eclectic Grandad Style.
Eclectic is a term synonymous with art or creators. To be eclectic is to derive your inspiration from different sources. For example, an eclectic style may use that of different cultures, or eras and combine them with their own creativity to create something unique.
An Eclectic Grandpa Style Guide, Here’s How to Dress Like One:
For our outfit, we want to focus on high-quality pieces, different textures and a pop of colour. The outfit should blend traditional pieces with modern style. The final look will be playful, include a patterned element and will ideally fit slightly oversized.
For our base, a white thermal white top, polo neck jumper, argyle sweater or a button-up shirt. The button-up shirt inside a jumper or sweater vest can create a layered look.
On the bottom fitting trousers; pleated or corduroy. Loose-fitting shorts with a drawstring are cool and casual. Paired with crisp white or coloured socks.
For shoes, one word – loafers! Alternate options are chunky (gran)dad sneakers or colourful Adidas Sambas.
Layering adds texture and depth to a look. Possible choices are quilted vests, suit jackets, corduroy jackets, or cosy cardigans.
Accessories are where you can play around and have fun, a vintage accessory of any kind is your best friend. Retro baseball caps with niche logos, leather purses/satchels, reading glasses, classic watches, silk scarves, the list is endless!
Some celebrities/influencers who have celebrities/influencers who have dabbled in the Electric Grandpa style: Tyler the Creator, Gigi Hadid, Emma Chamberlain and @linda.sza.
Individuality may be what a generation bombarded with fast fashion trends is subconsciously striving for with this look. The fashion sense of a Grandad who has purchased clothes and accessories throughout his life may not be attainable for the masses. Perhaps that’s where the appeal lies, only those who own an array of distinct pieces or high-quality knits can truly embody this style.
With a decline in good-quality clothing and an increase in low-quality fast fashion garments, distinct and hand-woven pieces are a novelty. However, knitting and crocheting are on the rise as hobbies. Hopefully, this trend increases the incentive to buy pre-owned and handmade clothes and appreciate vintage pieces!
The accessories of a comb, a book, and a pen may be a little far-fetched but the essence of the style can be recreated without them. These trends are light-hearted and are not to be taken too seriously or as a mandate. Observing the trends like the eclectic grandpa is a fun and creative way to derive aspects of style compilations and develop them into your own.