Macklemore once rapped, “I’ma take your grandpa’s style/ No, for real, ask your grandpa, can I have his hand-me-downs?” GQ recently dedicated an entire spread to “geezer style.” Women are obsessed with wearing clothes featuring cats and anything knitted. Everyone wears huge glasses. It’s true — senior citizen-inspired wardrobes have swept the nation.
It’s a universal fact that old people are always cold, making winter the ideal season to emulate their fashion sense. They tend to favor textures such as tweed, wool, chunky knits and fleece in the form of crewneck sweatshirts. Turtlenecks, pea coats, cardigans (extra points for a shawl collar), pullover sweaters and anything with elbow patches are good options for either gender. While neutrals will do for those who only want to test the waters, spicing it up with a Nordic design or crazy print (think Neil from The Santa Clause) will surely turn heads.
There are two types of old people in this world, those who still put effort into their appearance and those who don’t. Whether they’re the frumpy or classy type, the key to mastering grandpa style is comfort, because who knows if their brittle bones can handle fitted clothing?
Practicality is also crucial; scarves, newsboy caps or pom-pom laden beanies and knit or leather gloves are popular choices to stay warm. It’s tough to say where our winter style made the shift from millennial glam (a la *NSYNC Christmas) to grandparent swag, but it’s safe to say it probably started with the too-cool-for-school yet societal pariahs — the hipster. As it has hit the masses, the tribute to the past and to our elders can be worn with authenticity while others are dripping with irony. Pieces to complete this look can be found nearly anywhere, but for the most street style cred, consignment or secondhand stores are good places or your actual grandparent’s (or token old friend’s) closet. And if it smells a little off, you know you’ve mastered the art.
