The “Eclectic Grandpa” Trend
TikTok’s rise as a trends-making platform may have been phenomenal, but it is not the only platform where novel fashion trends are forged.
The “Eclectic Grandpa” trend – which is largely recognized as the first micro-trend of the year – came from Pinterest after it published its “2024 Pinterest Predicts” report.
So what’s the deal with the “Eclectic Grandpa” trend? Read on and find out.
The Trend, In A Nutshell
As already implied in its name, the “Eclectic Grandpa” trend is largely hinged on the look that’s sported by a fashion-conscious grandad who merges classic styles with practical and comfortable clothing choices.
But as straightforward as this interpretation of the look is, there’s more to it than opting to look like one’s fashion-sensitive granddad, as it’s really about dressing as someone who has amassed a wardrobe of quality, curated clothes and accessories who put these together to spark a sense of personal identity.
Basically, the trend banks on the idea of commodifying personal style without having to upgrade one’s wardrobe nor trying too hard to mimic the look of a kooky old man.
In other words, pulling of the look is dependent on mixing and matching what one already has that’re meant to last for years, like classic loafers, watches, sweaters, hats and the like.
Embraced by Boomers, Gen Z-ers and all in Between
Unlike last year’s “coastal grandma” trend, eclectic grandpa has captivated the fancies of fashionistas across different generations owing to its focus on quality.
This aspect to the trend has compelled many into terming it as an ongoing movement – not just a trend – that serves as commentary on the decline of quality in manufacturing, apart from citing that the deficit in singularity in fashion is a real thing and not a myth (IE, all RTW offerings look the same nowadays).
Fashion pundits have been quick in pushing for the trend’s popularity, with some even saying that it is a step in the right direction towards sustainable fashion, as it promises positive impact on shopping habits.
After all, the trend is pushing for the curated combination of quality fashion pieces – pieces which, if one were to imitate one’s forebearers, could last for a lifetime and be passed down to one’s children; not to be discarded after one or two wears.
“Early Adopters”
As with most micro-trends, takes on eclectic grandpa have already been making waves in various Spring/Summer 2024 runways.
Miu Miu, for example, featured cardigans and time-worn leather bags that nodded to the trend’s ins and outs, while Marni also featured mismatched suits that evoked a sense of vintage timelessness.
Coach also featured oversized blazers on its runway presentation for Spring/Summer 2024, which largely goes along with the stylistic quirks of the trend.
Celebrities and internet personalities are also on board, with the likes of Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Emma Chamberlain, Natalia Dyer, Harry Styles and Charlie Heaton having been photographed sporting iterations of the trend.
Long story short, Pinterest has apparently been spot-on in prefiguring eclectic grandpa’s standing as a fashion kingmaker in 2024.
Alongside Eclectic Grandpa…
Alongside Eclectic Grandpa, Pinterest’s “2024 Pinterest Predicts” also notes that millennial and Gen Z fashionistas are going to “adorn” their outfits, shoes and hair with bows – an ohso-delicate detail – in 2024.
Billed the “Bow Stacking” trend, the report foresees that bows of different shapes and sizes will be a common stylistic add-on in 2024, going as far as saying that the year will “bring bows for all”.
It’s too soon to say if Bow Stacking will or won’t pick up, but given the cadence on which trends come and go, it just may be one of 2024’s definitive style markers.