Rise of the 'Eclectic Grandpa' Girls! Gen Z is having a senior fashion moment in colorful knits, tweeds and loafers – with Princess Beatrice and Alexa Chung paving the way
The TikTok trend known as “eclectic grandpa” has become a global sensation as enthusiasts around the world present their interpretations of the craze.
Predicted by Pinterest as an aesthetic for 2024, this retro-inspired look features oversized silhouettes, patterned knits, tweed and loafers.
A number of celebrities have embraced the nostalgic look, including Princess Beatrice, who recently wore a Zara knit tank top over a crisp white ME+EM shirt and voluminous wool skirt, completing her outfit with Gucci loafers.
London-based fashion designer Charlotte Weaver (@charlotteweaverr) showed off her unique take on the trend in a social media clip that received more than 6,000 views and positive comments.
In the video, she pairs a quirky Ganni knit with a plain white T-shirt, wide-leg pleated trousers, green Adidas sneakers and a leopard print tote bag for a distinctive look.
Princess Beatrice embraced the trend earlier this month at Poppy Delevingne's Della Vite Valentine's Day lunch at The Ivy Chelsea Garden
“By 2024, Gen Z and Boomers will embrace the core of grandpa and bring eccentric and expressive elements for all ages into their wardrobe,” Pinterest predicted.
“Because the coastal granny aesthetic is so last year.”
The image-sharing platform also recorded a 130 percent increase in searches for “eclectic clothing style,” while “grandpa core” rose 65 percent and “grandpa style” saw a 60 percent increase.
The pieces favored by men of a certain age seem to be becoming the most coveted purchases in fashion for both men and women.
Chelsea Jordan (@chelseaj0rdan), based in the US, was praised for her take on the trend in a clip that racked up more than 4,000 likes on TikTok.
Chelsea's Get Ready With Me video featured a relaxed grandpa-inspired look, with an Argyle print sweater and wide-leg jeans from Mother.
Countless followers flocked to compliment her outfit, writing, “I love your style,” “Literally beautiful,” and “I came here for the cool girl eclectic grampy style.” Delivered.'
Influencers are also embracing the cozy ensembles, portraying them as cool and chic.
The pieces favored by men of a certain age seem to be becoming the most coveted purchases in fashion for both men and women
Alexa Chung effortlessly embodies the eclectic grandpa aesthetic with her love of fun prints and colorful knits
Alexa imagined channeling the look in an oversized wool coat over a white shirt and high-waisted wide-leg trousers
Model Gigi Hadid regularly sports an oversized T-shirt and wide jeans – in a look that embodies the new aesthetic
Gigi Hadid's Guest in Residence brand is the epitome of eclectic grandpa with its nostalgic ensembles
Based in Chicago Claire LaJeunesse showed off her take on the look in a knitted gray sweater and quilted cardigan.
In the meantime, Jess Chengfrom London, wore a beige suit – accentuated by the loose-fitting silhouette – emblematic of the trend in a post.
A host of famous faces are embracing the eclectic grandpa trend, including Princess Beatrice, Alexa Chung and Gigi Hadid.
Beatrice, 35, wore a retro-inspired ensemble as she attended Poppy Delevingne's Valentine's Day lunch at The Ivy Chelsea Garden last month.
She opted for a layered look and combined a knitted cardigan with a blouse, a wool skirt and retro loafers.
And the infamous It Girl Alexa Chung has long effortlessly embodied the eclectic grandpa aesthetic, consistently showcasing her mastery of the trend in her wardrobe.
The model recently paired a metallic Miu Miu bag with a chunky knit cardigan and a double-breasted trench coat on Instagram.
Gigi Hadid, on the other hand, has embraced the look by creating her cashmere brand Guest in Residence as a tribute to cherished heirlooms.
Inspired by her parents' hand-me-downs, the label offers a variety of patterned knitwear and oversized polos that perfectly capture the essence of this style.
The eclectic grandpa trend extends to menswear, as evidenced by Barry Keoghan, who appeared at the premiere of Masters Of The Air at the Picturehouse in London last month.
Barry Keoghan captured the aesthetic when he attended the premiere of Master Of The Air last month
The look epitomized during the Loewe spring/summer 2024 catwalk show as part of Paris Fashion Week in September
The eclectic grandpa trend is also taking over Instagram, where influencers are wearing the look
The Saltburn star, 31, who played Lt. Curtis Biddick stars in the upcoming war drama, defiantly showed off his quirky clothes on the red carpet.
Barry opted for a sleeveless teal knitted sweater with black pants and chunky shoes.
The trend has also found its way to the catwalk. Chunky, colorful knitwear seen on the Loewe spring/summer 2024 catwalk during Paris Fashion Week.
It's thought to be an evolution of 2022's “coastal grandmother” aesthetic, in which Gen Z embraced light linens and loose-fitting, breezy ensembles.
The term was coined by California-based TikToker Lex Nicoletawho has now made dozens of videos explaining the trend.
Lex explains that the look is best exemplified with women in Nancy Meyers films, such as Diane Keaton in Something's Gotta Give and Meryl Streep in It's Complicated, and that it's not just about a casual yet chic way of dressing, but to a whole lifestyle with beautiful homes. gardens and good food.
As for fashion, this includes turtlenecks, cashmere sweaters and relaxed button-downs, especially white ones.