Get the look: Grandmacore would be giving Y2K a run for its money, it just can’t run that fast
It seems we’ve been through them all, balletcore, coastal cowgirl, and even blokecore.In the past, trend forecasters would spend hours, sometimes even years, researching and probing Pinterest in hopes to try and pinpoint the next biggest fashion fix. Now, all that hard work is being done by TikTokers from the comfort of their own bedrooms and in half the time—work smart not hard.
As a general rule of thumb when curating a trend, pick a word, any word, add the ‘core’ suffix to it and everyone will be following the trend in no time. Next on the agenda is Grandmacore.
Second hand fashion has become mainstream ever since the Depop girlies invaded our local charity shops, nabbing the best steals before us common folk could even lay a finger on them. So, we’ve had to settle for second best, the one-stop-shop that is our grannies wardrobe.
Grandmacore, similarly to its partner in crime Grandpacore, is almost leaning toward the ugly outdated side to pre-loved fashion as opposed to the edgy vintage side you’ll see on the gen Z influencers strutting the streets of Shoreditch. It’s more of a Surrey car boot sale vibe than Brick Lane vintage market. That being said, we’re loving the chaos.
Grandmacore essentials include big puffy dresses, preferably of the gingham or ditsy floral variety. Lots and lots of knitwear, if it’s handmade you get extra points for taking up an extra hobby. It’s a trend that makes the most of our lockdown loungewear obsession, and homemade knitting fails.
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Kilts and long skirts are also staples that are great during transition seasons. You could even layer them over trousers, which we’ve heard is very popular right now despite people referring to that red carpet snap of Disney star Ashley Tisdale.
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In promotional pictures of season two for And Just Like That… Carrie Bradshaw swapped her infamous naked dress for a picnic mat-esque gingham gown. We wouldn’t say it was necessarily a fashion faux pas, just that she’s apparently swapped first dates with every eligible bachelor in New York City for doing the dishes in hot pink rubber gloves. We’re not here to shame, just as long as we’ve seen the back of Mr Big we’re happy.
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When it comes to accessories, Babushka headscarves can’t be missed. The more the print clashes with the rest of your fit the better. On the plus side, the scarf will keep your hair rollers in place and so you’ll be ready for a hot and steamy night at the local bingo hall.
Grandmacore is also coming for Harry Styles’ pearls. Unlike diamonds, a string of pearls will give rich chic but not in a millionaire heiress kind of way, more in a good little housewife whose husband treated her on a payday kind of way.
Layering is also essential if you’re keen to achieve that chaotic Grandma look. Mary Janes over frilly socks and knitted cardis over floral shirts, all wrapped up in a colourful dust jacket often works well. Grandmas want to look mismatched, not misunderstood in their old age.
Actress Blake Lively even took the trend one step further, breaking into the beauty sphere by giving her nails and vintage revamp. Hailey Bieber’s chrome, donut glazed nails are out floral mustard nails are in. It’s giving grandma’s William Morris wallpaper.
While heading to your Grandma’s wardrobe might sound like a good idea in theory, we can hardly imagine what would happen if us gen Z girlies returned the favour. 90-year-olds in cargos and crop tops might be simply too much for a year as turbulent and chaotic as 2023.. So, to save our eyes from the possible trauma, we’ve rounded up some key bits to help you achieve that chaotic, layered grandma aesthetic:
