Grannycore: How to wear the new season's twee threads

Whereas TikTok’s ‘Eclectic Grandpa’ is a bit kitschy and wears what he likes; grandma is intentional in her eccentricity, marrying nostalgia with a knowing wink.

Thu, 25 Sep, 2025 - 14:57

Annmarie O’Connor

Twee is trending. I blame Miuccia Prada. Two years ago, she wooed me with her librarian cardigans.

Now she’s done it again, playfully subverting style norms and disrupting gender assumptions with autumn/winter’s ‘grandmacore’ aesthetic.

Whereas TikTok’s ‘Eclectic Grandpa’ is a bit kitschy and wears what he likes; grandma is intentional in her eccentricity, marrying nostalgia with a knowing wink.

It’s hard not to be charmed. It’s also hard to pull off. There’s a fine line between frumpy and high-fashion fodder, which is why finding the middle ground is always a good bet.

As someone with a keen interest in vintage clothing, my styling advice comes from the trenches. Think of your look as scalable: start small before you incorporate any big-ticket items.

Most of all, avoid veering into costume drama territory by introducing something more contemporary or unexpected.

Here’s a primer. Layer a faux fur-collared coat with a '90s slip dress and strappy sandals. Pair those pearls with a black oversized blazer and jeans.

Feeling the buttoned-up energy? Try working the trend with two items. Argyle cardigans are having a moment. Wear yours with a prim pencil skirt, adding retro running shoes and socks for an ironic twist.

Too much? Lean into low-key accessories like a silk Twilly scarf and T-bar heels with a top handle bag that fits snugly in the crook of your arm. Think reimagined heirlooms, and you’re on the right track.

If you need me, I’ll be hatching a plan for my recent purchase: a 1960s Dior-inspired jacket from Cork’s Miss Daisy Blue. My grandma era has begun.

GET THE LOOK:

A model presents a creation by Miu Miu for the Womenswear Ready-to-wear Fall-Winter 2025/2026 collection as part of the Paris Fashion Week, in Paris on March 11, 2025.