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024 barely got here, and there’s already a new quirky fashion trend doing its thing — the so-called “Eclectic Grandpa” look. You may have spotted it on fashion influencers or even millennial men roaming the city streets. What exactly is this playful style? In short, the eclectic grandpa trend (coined from Pinterest) takes inspiration from — you guessed it — your imagined eccentric grandfather. It incorporates statement pieces you might find in a mature gentleman’s wardrobe but mixes them with contemporary elements for an ironic, mismatched effect.
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This fashion trend has its roots in vintage workwear married with avant-basic pieces. Influenced in part by modern TV characters like Ted Lasso or Larry David’s normcore style, the eclectic grandpa look combines nostalgic items with whimsical flair.
It features relics like retro eyeglasses, sweater vests, bowling shirts, and comfy slacks or trousers. But then it intentionally clashes them with items like ruched socks, Birkenstock sandals, or ironic graphic tees for contrast.
Check out how to try the eclectic Grandpa trend for maximum impact…
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To test eclectic grandpa fashion for yourself, raid your imaginary grandfather’s closet for vintage foundations. Look for well-loved wardrobe staples with lore and character, like farming jackets or an old college hoodie. Then get playful mixing with more modern statement pieces — maybe a Hawaiian shirt, clunky dad sneakers like New Balances, a novelty hat, or a bright orange Hermes bag as an accessory.
For a clearer context, check out 15 eclectic grandpa-style items and how to wear them:
- Oversized cardigans: Look for big, cozy cardigans in fun grandpa-esque prints like Fair Isle or Argyle. Wear them buttoned up with a collared shirt and tie underneath for a quirky vibe.
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- Suspenders: Clip on vintage suspenders over any outfit — a sweater, a button-down shirt, or even a t-shirt. Let them hang around your hips for a silly preppy look.
- Retro eyeglasses: Go big and bold with 70s-style eyeglasses in clear or tinted lenses. Pair them with your most serious sweater-vest and slacks combo.
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- Bow ties: A bow tie always adds charm. Find kitschy patterns and textures like polka dots or leather. Add one over your most casual tee or hoodie for ironic style points.
- Trucker hats: Top off your outfits with an embroidered trucker hat featuring farm equipment logos or cheesy dad phrases for humor.
- Slippers: Don unapologetically dorky slippers like floral designs or animal shapes under relaxed trousers for an artistic disheveled vibe.
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- Sweater vests: These automatically channel grandfatherly essence. Choose argyle prints and wear them over an ironic graphic tee for extra eclectic grandpa energy.
- Overalls: These timeless pieces say youthful and mature all at once. Try loose-fitting denim designs and pair them with preppy polos or basic white tees. Nothing screams the eclectic Grandpa trend like these classics.
- Windbreakers: Throw on a retro nylon windbreaker in a bright neon hue over your otherwise subtly stylish outfit for a fun contrast.
- Fanny packs: These fun items have re-emerged from their 90s slumber. Embrace them, pushing them up higher on your waist like a true tourist.
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- Fisherman’s vests: Simply put, vests with a multitude of pockets add rugged flair. Combine one with relaxed vintage wash jeans and a beanie.
- Newsboy caps: Top things off with an ivy cap or baker boy hat in houndstooth or tweed fabrics. Style the newsboy cap slightly off-kilter for charismatic flair.
- Horn-rimmed glasses: Try clear lens glasses with dramatic horn rims and heavy brow lines for geeky retro zest.
- Hawaiian shirts: Aloha shirts always increase the eclectic factor. Just wear one loud, tropical button-down shirt unbuttoned over a basic white tee.
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- Wool crew socks: Slide into statement crew socks with colors and designs meant to peek over your low-top shoes. This easily leans into “dad-style” hardness.
The beauty of the eclectic grandpa trend lies in its contradictions — balanced and gracefully disheveled. Quirky, but lovable. With so much personality, it’s no wonder this carefree trend is winning over fashion lovers.
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