The “Grandpa” Aesthetic
It’s that time of year: the leaves are falling from the trees, the smell of hot cocoa is in the air, and the homework is piling up. It also calls for a wardrobe change! As the weather gets colder, bathing suits and bandeaus are getting swapped for the “grandpa” aesthetic. Here are five pieces you need to add to your fall wardrobe:
1. Turtlenecks
As the temperature cools, you really can’t go wrong with a classic turtleneck. Turtlenecks are great for layering on chilly days and super easy to find at thrift stores! Swap your basic long sleeve tee for a ribbed turtleneck to immediately elevate your look. For extra chilly days, layer a white or black turtleneck with a patterned sweater vest. One of my go-to looks is a brown turtleneck with a maroon/brown/dark green argyle sweater vest; pair with straight-leg jeans or black pants and you have a ‘fit!
2. Leather loafers
For fall 2021, your go-to shoe is a leather loafer. Loafers incorporate a chic, academic element to your closet. For a classic tassel loafer, go with Dr. Martens’ Adrian Smooth Leather Tassle Loafers. You can also incorporate a little bit of edginess with a platform loafer, such as the Marc Fisher Morris Leather Chunky Platform Loafers. I currently own the Dr. Martens’ 8053 platform loafers, which add an academic, grunge element to any look. Pair these with a plaid midi skirt or cuffed jeans for a preppy, cool grandma-ish look.
3. Sweater vests
This trend has been popular for a minute now, and it looks like it’s here to stay! Twin with your grandparents this fall and layer a fun sweater vest with a turtleneck or collared baby tee. Sweater vests are easy to find at Goodwill or Mars Vintage on Telegraph! Not looking to buy second hand? Try The Ragged Priest or Princess Polly for a new vest to add to your wardrobe.
4. Slacks
Besides baggy jeans, a popular pant this fall is slacks! The next time you’re at a thrift store, look out for a pair of vintage slacks, or order some Dickies work pants online. Really any straight-leg, structured pant will do. This staple item is perfect for pairing with the turtleneck, sweater vest, and loafers previously mentioned!
5. Canvas jackets
Odds are, your grandparent has an old canvas work jacket in the back of a closet somewhere; ask them to dig it out and add it to your closet this fall. Oversized canvas coats are a perfect addition for your fall wardrobe; they’re also relatively easy to find second-hand! If you’re out of luck at the thrift store, check out BDG canvas jackets.
Before you cave in and shop for these pieces at large retail stores, try buying second-hand! Mars Vintage has a great selection of leather coats and worn-in jeans. I recommend walking up the spiral staircase to search for leather loafers as well! Also, be sure to check out Anastasia’s Vintage for adorable sweater vests-- both new and used. The Berkeley Flea Market also has an abundance of “grandpa” staples; just make sure you get there early!
The “grandpa” aesthetic of preppy layers is dominating fall fashion this year. So, the next time you see you raid your grandparents’ closests or go thrifting, be on the lookout for those sweater vests and turtlenecks!
Words by Katelyn Kolberg
Photos by Matt Zhou