This post will show you how to achieve the grandpacore aesthetic.
Ready to raid your grandpa’s wardrobe? Welcome to grandpacore, a fashion aesthetic that takes a cue from who else? Grandpas.
It was about time that the grandfathers got their shining moment after the coastal grandmother aesthetic had taken center stage last year. Now, we are looking to grandpas for their comfortable and nostalgic clothing style, putting a stylish spin on classic pieces.
With fall around the corner, this is the perfect fashion aesthetic to embrace now, since it’s all about layering cozy styles featuring loose, relaxed fits, earthy hues, and soft fabrics.
If you’re ready to explore this viral fashion aesthetic that encourages you to embrace nostalgia, read on for our grandpacore aesthetic fashion guide.
Table of Contents
Key Elements of the Grandpacore Aesthetic
What is grandpacore? These are the aesthetic’s key elements.
- Keep it comfy and cozy. This aesthetic is not about tight-fitting or revealing clothing; instead, it features oversized fits, chunky knits, sensible shoes, and pieces that will make you feel comfortable and cozy. Functional and relaxed details are at the core of this “core” aesthetic.
- Embrace the eclectic. No need to perfectly match your outfit and accessories as you might normally would! To achieve this aesthetic, make it a point to be a bit mismatched, pairing clothing and accessories that might contrast in colors, prints, and textures to create an eclectic vibe.
- Nostalgia is the goal. Opt for nostalgic and vintage or vintage-inspired pieces that will make it look like you raided your grandma or grandpa’s closet (and if you’re actually able to do so, even better!).
- Earthy, muted color palettes are a great place to start. This doesn’t mean you can’t play around with some bright colors (in fact, these can help add to the eclectic look), but earth tones make for an ideal starting point. Plus, if you think about how the majority of grandparents dress, they tend to gravitate towards muted, neutral hues, which will make your outfits feel more authentic.
Styling Tips for Grandpacore Outfits
- Layer, layer, layer! There’s no such thing as too much layering with this fashion aesthetic. A chunky cardigan layered over a vest, layered over a t-shirt? Yup. And don’t forget to layer jewelry and accessories over top of all that, too! This is all about creating kitschy, creative looks.
- Balancing style with comfort. It’s true that this aesthetic favors comfort above all, but don’t forget to add stylish accents for a fashion-forward look.
- Mix and match vintage and modern pieces. If you’re a vintage shopper, you will have a field day with this aesthetic! But even if you’re not, you can still opt for vintage-inspired items (especially accessories) to help you achieve the same look by then contrasting them with modern pieces.
Grandpacore Outfits and Fashion Picks
Comfortable & Relaxed Silhouettes
One of the reasons I’m into the grandpacore aesthetic is the comfort factor. This aesthetic encourages wearers to opt for their comfiest, coziest pieces rather than tight or uncomfortable clothing.
But rather than throw on some sweatpants and a hoodie, opt for more refined (yet still relaxed) items, like an oversized cable-knit navy sweater and some brown menswear-inspired pull-on pants with a loose fit. These have a drawstring waistband and a subtle plaid print that gives them a classic vibe.
Wear an oversized canvas jacket over top — not only are these jackets on-trend this season, but they work well within the grandpacore aesthetic. This one features a contrasting corduroy collar for a cozy texture that you can accentuate with a matching brown corduroy baseball hat. There’s just something about corduroy that brings to mind grandparents, so it’s the perfect material to incorporate into your outfits.
Bring the ensemble together with vintage-inspired accessories like some wired faux glasses, a watch with a brown leather band and a playful cat design on the dial, and some rugged lace-up shoes. These platform shoes have a worn, distressed appearance which makes them look vintage, as if you scooped them up from your grandpa’s closet or the thrift store.
Twill Trousers
If you want to nail the grandpacore aesthetic, put aside your tight-fitting jeans and faux leather pants in favor of some loose-fitting twill trousers.
Inspired by menswear, these androgynous pants come in three earthy colors that are all perfect for achieving the aesthetic. Wear them with anything from oversized sweaters, cardigans, blazers, polo shirts, and more.
Cozy Fabrics & Textures
Who doesn’t love a fashion trend that focuses on comfort and coziness?! Pile on your coziest pieces and opt for materials that are soft, thick, and warm, like knitwear and corduroy.
This striped cable-knit sweater with an oversized fit, wool-blend fabric, and an earthy color palette looks like it could have been plucked from your grandpa’s closet. Wear it with some brown corduroy wide-leg pants and some classic brown leather loafers. Add to the coziness with some ribbed knit crew socks, and accessorize with a vintage-looking heart locket necklace.
Oversized Polo Sweater
Cozy, oversized knits are a key item needed to achieve the grandpacore aesthetic, especially ones with earthy hues like dark green. This oversized polo sweater features a classic collar detail with buttons and cuffed sleeves that make it look like it came from your grandpa’s wardrobe, with a nostalgic meets classic look.
Its soft, cotton-blend knit fabric adds to its appeal, making it a piece you’ll be happy to throw on when there’s a fall chill in the air.
Layering Like a Pro
Layering is a must for achieving the grandpacore aesthetic. When doing so, don’t be too calculated about it; think about a grandpa or a grandma just throwing on layers a bit haphazardly, without too much thought behind the process. Embrace eccentricity and a slightly chaotic approach; for example, wear a cable-knit sweater vest over a vintage-inspired white t-shirt with an oversized blazer on top.
This double-breasted blazer features woven fabric and an oversized fit. Add to the menswear-inspired theme with some houndstooth wide-leg trouser pants, plus a classic brown leather belt.
Dad (or granddad) sneakers are another footwear must-have for the grandpacore aesthetic, and you can’t go wrong with some chunky New Balance sneakers. Throw in a kitschy touch with these adorable Polo bear crew socks that will peek out from under your trousers when you’re seated.
Grandpacore favors mixing and matching, so layering a plaid scarf (that has a contrasting print to the pants) will give the outfit the aesthetic’s signature eccentricity.
Cable-knit Sweater Vest
One of the best layering pieces for the grandpacore aesthetic is, without a doubt, a cable-knit sweater vest. These not only are a favorite of grandpas, but they are excellent for layering both over and under other clothing pieces to help you achieve an eclectic look.
Try wearing a sweater vest over a t-shirt or button-down shirt, and then throw a blazer or oversized coat on top.
Earthy & Muted Color Palettes
Earthy and muted color palettes are the way to go with this fashion aesthetic. Think browns, dark greens, grays, beiges, and black, all of which have a mature feel.
I love the way this dark brown trench coat looks when paired with some brown trouser pants and an earthy green short-sleeve cardigan. The trousers feature a menswear-inspired design with a relaxed fit, while the cardigan has a kitschy, homemade look with its chunky, crochet-like knit and Peter Pan collar.
Some brown lace-up loafers with a chunky sole and distressing bring the ensemble together, along with some 70s-inspired tinted aviator sunglasses and a vintage-looking watch.
Oversized Corduroy Blazer
It’s a rich chocolate brown hue, it’s oversized, it’s androgynous, and it’s corduroy. What could be more perfect for achieving the grandpacore aesthetic than this oversized brown corduroy blazer?
But rather than style it with a mini skirt and knee-high boots (though this looks super cute, as well), go the grandpacore route and pair it with some loose-fitting pants or trousers and some chunky loafers. Baggy, dark-wash denim would work, as well.
Vintage & Nostalgic Accessories
Slouchy Lieutenant Hat
Call it a Lieutenant hat, call it a newsboy hat — whatever you call it, this hat gives off major grandpa vibes, making it a must-have for this aesthetic. Plus, it’s a fun look to try out when you get tired of your baseball and beanie hats this fall and winter.
Plaid Tassel Scarf
A timeless piece, everyone could use a plaid scarf in their accessories collection. Its classic look and layerability make it a prime accessory for grandpacore, but you’ll be able to wear this for years to come regardless of this aesthetic, making it a great investment.
Floral Locket Necklace
When it comes to jewelry, go for vintage and/or vintage-inspired items, like a locket necklace. This one features an old-world floral design and opens to reveal a space for a treasured photo or keepsake, making it feel like a sentimental keepsake that’s been passed down to you.
What do you think of our grandpacore fashion guide?
Would you wear this fashion aesthetic? Which grandpacore look is your favorite? Leave a comment and let us know!