Eclectic grandpa

In the world of fashion, trends come and go. Some of them transform garments originally used for specific purposes, like the Gorpcore trend, which brought mountain gear to urban settings. Others draw inspiration from distinct subcultures, such as the Preppy trend, or specific eras, like the recent Y2K revival that resurrected early 2000s fashion and icons like Robbie Williams. Nostalgia fuels many fashion movements, and the latest trend in men's fashion is a prime example of this.

"Eclectic Grandpa" has emerged as a popular search term on Pinterest, along with related phrases like grandpa core, granddad style, and retro streetwear. On TikTok, the #grandpacore tag has gathered over 16.5 million views, featuring young men in their 20s and 30s sporting clothes resembling their grandfathers' wardrobes.

The Grandpa Eclectic Style embraces a vintage aesthetic with seemingly outdated clothing. This includes wide-leg, high-waisted trousers that reveal the ankles, reminiscent of men's trousers from the 1940s and 50s. Socks become a focal point, requiring attention to detail—whether white, thick, or printed wool—contrasting with classic boat shoes, moccasins, or lace-ups. Shirts are buttoned up to the collar, paired with wool jackets, vibrant sweaters, or waistcoats. Accessories are crucial: fat ties, thick-rimmed glasses, Jacques Cousteau-style hats, distinctive belts.

Who would have guessed that Steve Urkel from the 90s sitcom "Family Matters" would become a style icon? Urkel's look featured bowling shoes with white socks, plaid shirts with cardigans, braces, high-waisted bottoms, and large square-frame glasses, embodying the Grandpa Style. In contemporary fashion, rapper Tyler, the Creator, exemplifies this trend, as seen on his Instagram. Harry Styles also frequently sports looks that align with this trend, favouring vintage-inspired knit sweaters, striking collars, wide trousers, and retro shoes.

No other style can define mine better than the eclectic grandpa and I own it wearing an oversize blue shirt with multi-coloured vertical stripes, contrasted with a vintage ivory tie printed in blue and yellow. I keep the tie knot loose, leave the top buttons undone, and roll up the sleeves for a relaxed look. My sand-coloured shorts and matching sporty socks, detailed in green and burgundy, complement the outfit. One of my favourite pieces is a pair of polka-dotted metallic shoes, combining classic brown laces with a modern twist. I have a special affection for this vintage trench as my dad gifted it to me out of his own wardrobe. Thick-frame sunglasses pair perfectly with the khaki outerwear, and a navy cap makes the outfit casual yet current and last but not least, an eye-catching bag to top it off. A canvas bag designed like a fast-food takeaway adds a quirky, cool touch.