Grandmacore refers to an aesthetic that is based around cottage and stereotypical "grandma things" such as: gardening, knitting, crocheting, baking bread, cooking hearty meals, etcetera.
My style has changed a lot over the years and lately I've found myself trying to pinpoint what my style could be classified as. This year I've fallen in love with a certain aesthetic that I didn't even know existed until very recently: Grandmacore.
Today we're going to be talking about the Grandmacore aesthetic and what that looks like in regards to fashion and daily wear. I'll be providing Grandmacore outfit staples and giving you some great inspiration to help improve your personal style.
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Grandmacore might be my favorite fashion aesthetic right now because not only do the outfits look super cute, but the whole point around Grandmacore is comfort and practicality! Gone are the days where we're wearing super tight & revealing clothing; having to deal with shirts riding up and worrying about a dreaded nip-slip in your v-neck. It's time to embrace what the old ladies in our lives have been doing for decades: wearing comfortable but fashionable items.
Grandmacore Outfit Rules
There are some key guidelines when taking on the Grandmacore aesthetic that will be helpful in choosing outfits & clothing to wear. Let's go over what these important rules.
Practical
Grandmas need to be comfortable and practical because they're busy doing all of the things! They're baking, gardening, cleaning, walking, crafting; you name it. Their outfit choices need to carry them through all those different types of activities in the run of a day.
Modest
There is something about getting older that I've really loved, and that is choosing a more modest way of expressing my fashion taste. Years ago, I was all about crop tops, short shorts, and low v-necks. When you're young, you seem to more freely show off your body. As you age and gain more self-confidence, that seems to diminish. I've found that I desire to show less skin now, not because I don't love my body, but because I do love my body (does that make sense?). Grandmacore fashion is all about modesty!
Oversized
No more skin-tight jeans and tops, ladies. Remember when we talked about being comfortable and practical? As it turns out, when your clothing is slightly oversized and not adhered to your skin, it's way more comfortable. You don't want to go five sizes up, just focus on the fit and having a little extra room. I'm typically a size small in shirts but have been gravitating more towards medium for a fashionably oversized look.
Quality Fabrics & Fibers
Your grandma knew that quality over quantity is the way to go. Unfortunately this can be difficult in today's world because most clothing seems to be made of polyester because it's cheaper. If you're able to find items that are 100% cotton or 100% wool for instance, they'll definitely last longer and maintain their quality as they get washed & dried over time. I try to focus on this when I'm out thrifting.
Timeless
Grandmacore focuses on choosing outfit items that you can wear now, and in 10-20 years. Instead of purchasing new clothes to fit whatever the trends are right now, work on building up your wardrobe full of clothing that you love now and can envision you still loving years down the road.
Now that we covered what the rules and guidelines are in order to truly embrace Grandmacore, let's go over the five Grandmacore outfit staples you'll need to get started living your best Grandmacore life!
The Grandmacore Outfit Staples You Need
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#1: Turtlenecks
Turtlenecks are a Grandmacore must-have, especially going into the colder seasons. Lately I've thrifted turtlenecks by brands such as Tabi International and Northern Reflections; both finds seem to have originated from the 90's, yet that's the beauty of a turtleneck... They truly are timeless! I love these two (pictured below) because they encapsulate the oversized look perfectly. You don't want the fit to be too large, but just roomy enough where you don't feel like you're suffocating. The Old Navy one comes in a variety of colors (I think my favs are Blackberry Vine and Dark Bottle) and the Frank & Oak turtleneck is made from merino wool and yak wool, so you know it's comfy!
#2: Cardigans
Cardigans are essential for almost anyone in my opinion, and that goes for Grandmas too! They're so easy to throw on over a t-shirt, tank top, or even a turtleneck on a really chilly day. What makes them practical is that they're just as easy to take off if you need to. As the days get cooler, I find myself reaching for a cardigan to add to most outfits. Choosing a cardigan with buttons makes them even more versatile: leave it unbuttoned, button a few, button them all, French tuck into your favorite jeans... the options are endless. I love these two pictured below for an affordable price.
#3: High Waisted Straight Jeans
If anyone ever tries to convince me that high waisted jeans are not the most comfortable jeans ever, I don't know what I'll do! Part of being Grandmacore is honing into those practical, modest, timeless, comfortable clothing. High waisted straight jeans (or "Mom Jeans") are the way to go. I don't own any more low rise jeans at this point; they just don't make sense for my lifestyle. Add a cardigan and some loafers and you're set for the day.
#4: Loafers
Speaking of loafers, who's Grandma doesn't / didn't own loafers? I mean, have you ever seen an old person without loafers? There has to be a reason, right? Could it be that they completely fit the bill of the Grandmacore aesthetic?! We may never know the answer to that, but I will say, I recently was gifted a pair of loafers for my birthday (the Old Navy ones, pictured below) and they are so comfy and stylish. I love the vibe they give to all my outfits and I've worn them a ton going for walks without any discomfort. Would you wear loafers or are they too Grandma for you?
#5: Midi Skirt
I'm personally still on the hunt for a good midi skirt but haven't come across any that have stood out while thrifting. However if you're going for Grandmacore, they're all the rage. Not only can you twirl in them, but they're also modest, practical, and fit most occasions. They're versatile in the sense that you can dress them up or dress them down. How great would a turtleneck looked tucked into one of these beautiful skirts? I'm specifically hoping to find a denim on for next year!
Putting It All Together
Now that you have a good idea of Grandmacore Outfit Staples, you can get started on building up your wardrobe. I'm always a fan of thrifting clothes when possible, and that's truly how you'll end up finding actual vintage Grandma clothes.
I hope you gained some inspiration from this article! Which items do you love, and which ones are a little too old fashioned for you?
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