One of the greatest fashion trends of the past decade was when everyone wanted to look like a 50-something mom in a Nancy Myers movie. They called it “coastal grandma” or something like that. In essence, you were supposed to look like you spent most of your time at your fabulous beach house, wearing comfortable oversized cardigans, sandals and light cashmere. It was awesome. I would even argue that the Duchess of Sussex’s style is a version of “coastal grandma” – like, she’s got the “moneyed Montecito” style variant. Why am I talking about this? Because they’re saying that the Princess of Wales is rocking “grandpacore.” LMAO. You mean to tell me that the so-called savior of British fashion, the founder of the apocryphal “Kate Effect,” the woman whose favorite labels regularly go into bankruptcy, that same woman dresses like a British grandpa??
The Princess of Wales is renowned for her elegant signature style – but she switched things up during a trip to Scotland. While learning how to weave tartan with Prince William, Kate embraced the grandpacore trend in a Fair Isle wool vest.
Part of Bamford’s autumn/winter 2018 collection, the sleeveless, button-down design incorporated a playful heart motifs in a warming chocolate brown palette. Kate layered the piece over a Zara turtleneck, completing the look with a kilt from Le Kilt’s collaboration with Johnstons of Elgin and Tod’s suede ankle boots.
After gaining momentum in 2024, the grandpacore trend – also known as eclectic grandpa – is enjoying a revival, with celebrities and fashion editors alike embracing nostalgic knitwear, corduroy trousers and loafers. The trend focuses on comfortable, vintage-inspired clothing, embracing quality pieces such as knitwear – reflecting a cultural shift towards sustainability. The key is to embrace layers by mixing textures and patterns for a lived-in feel.
LMAO. While there’s definitely something to be said for sensible shoes, loose trousers and a good sweater vest, I would find it embarrassing if I was the whole-ass Princess of Wales and people were trying to praise my “grandpa style.” What’s even crazier is that even if you’re open to grandpacore, Kate is a horrible example of it! She makes grandpacore look so dull and stiff. I’ve always said this about Kate as well – one of her biggest style issues is that she clearly views her work clothes as a costume, and that comes across visually. The pieces don’t look lived-in or comfortable or authentic to Kate. She just looks like she’s cosplaying Diana, Meghan or a grandpa.
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Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Cover Images.
