18 Grandpa Core Outfits for That Cool Vintage Look

The grandpa core aesthetic has been rising in popularity lately. You’ve probably seen it all over TikTok and Instagram – comfy yet stylish outfits with a vintage, grandpa-chic vibe.

I love how this trend combines elements of normcore and cottagecore for a relaxed look that manages to still feel put-together. Some key pieces of grandpa core outfits include oversized cardigans, baggy jeans, pleated skirts, sweater vests, and loafers.

In this post, I’ll share 18 amazing grandpa core outfit ideas to inspire you to try out this cozy aesthetic.

1. Mustard Cardigan and Plaid Pants

Mustard Cardigan and Plaid Pants

Kicking things off, we have a gorgeous mustard cardigan paired with beige plaid wide-leg pants. I love the texture contrast between the corduroy cardigan and the wool trousers. Brown suede loafers complete this autumnal ensemble.

You might love trying out tonal outfit combinations like this one for the grandpa core look. Neutral colors help each piece stand out.

2. Patterned Sweater and Baggy Jeans

Patterned Sweater and Baggy Jeans

Next up is a classic grandpa core uniform – a loud patterned sweater tucked into light baggy jeans. This aesthetic is all about playing with proportions, so choose an oversized sweater and relaxed-fit jeans.

I’d style this with white sneakers or brown leather loafers. You could also belt the sweater over the jeans.

3. V-neck Sweater and Light Wash Jeans

V-neck Sweater and Light Wash Jeans

For another casual grandpa-inspired outfit, try a navy v-neck sweater with light wash baggy jeans. I love the preppy twist of layering a bright sweater over the shoulders.

This outfit combo is perfect for laidback weekend plans. Throw on some white colorful sneakers to complete the look.

4. Colorful Sweater, Striped Pants, and Long Coat

Colorful Sweater, Striped Pants, and Long Coat

One of my favorite looks is pairing a vibrant striped sweater with coordinating striped pants. Adding an extra long cream coat elevates the outfit for a smart vintage vibe.

I’d wear white or brown loafers with this ensemble and maybe top it off with a fun printed scarf or beanie. The color pairing possibilities are endless!

5. Leather Vest and Wide-Leg Jeans

Leather Vest and Wide-Leg Jeans

Channel your inner English professor with this outfit consisting of a dark button-up shirt, brown leather vest, and light wash wide-leg jeans.

Loafers or Oxfords would suit this look nicely. I also love the scholarly vibe of adding a leather elbow-patch cardigan or blazer over the vest.

6. Oversized Button-Up and Denim Culottes

Oversized Button-Up and Denim Culottes

For a relaxed weekend fit, an oversized cream button-up shirt pairs perfectly with light wash denim culottes.

Adding a cropped tank and black loafers keeps this outfit feeling young and fresh. This is such a comfy and casual grandpa core look.

7. Sweater Vest and Pleated Skirt

Sweater Vest and Pleated Skirt

Sweater vests are a key grandpa core piece for achieving that scholarly aesthetic. Here, one is styled with a preppy gray pinstriped pleated mini skirt and black loafers.

I’d add some knee-high socks under the skirt for extra vintage schoolgirl vibes. You could also try a button-up collared shirt under the vest.

8. Checkered Skirt and Cropped Tee

Checkered Skirt and Cropped Tee

Pleated skirts are another staple bottoms piece for the ultimate grandpa core outfit. This black and white checkered maxi skirt is paired simply with a dark cropped tee.

For shoes, go for black or brown loafers, Mary Janes, or Oxfords to dress up this casual look. A colorful cardigan would also add a fun twist.

9. Plaid Overcoat and Corduroy Pants

Plaid Overcoat and Corduroy Pants

Here’s another great autumn/winter outfit idea – a plaid oversized coat styled with brown corduroy wide-leg pants and black loafers.

I love how the textures and colors complement each other. You might enjoy layering a turtleneck sweater underneath the statement coat as well.

10. Cargo Jeans and Platform Boots

Cargo Jeans and Platform Boots

Cargo pants are so on-trend right now, so why not try them with a grandpa core twist? These dark wash cargo jeans look awesome with a navy sweater and some epic white platform boots.

Don’t forget fun accessories like this navy plaid newsboy cap to complete the quirky outfit. Grandpa core is all about that carefree spirit.

11. Graphic Crop Top and Wide-Leg Pants

Graphic Crop Top and Wide-Leg Pants

While most grandpa core outfits utilize oversized pieces, you can also play with cropped tops. This graphic white crop top balances out the volume of teal wide-leg pants.

An orange chunky knit cardigan ties the look together, along with coordinating platform sandals. Such a fun, youthful ensemble!

12. Striped Polo Shirt and Wide-Leg Shorts

Striped Polo Shirt and Wide-Leg Shorts

Polo shirts offer great grandpa-inspired style, especially classic stripes. Tuck one into wide-leg shorts, belt it, and finish with chunky black loafers for a relaxed weekend fit.

I might wear some tall socks with this outfit to lean into the quirky grandpa vibe even more. You could also swap in baggy jeans.

13. Collared Shirt, Wide-Leg Trousers, and Long Coat

Collared Shirt, Wide-Leg Trousers, and Long Coat

A collared button-up shirt with wide-leg trousers oozes vintage scholar appeal. Adding a long cream coat enhances the sophisticated effect.

The burgundy trousers make a statement here. I’d pair them with classic white leather loafers. This is an outfit that transitions seamlessly from campus to cocktails.

14. Ribbed Sweater, Denim Shorts, and Sneakers

Ribbed Sweater, Denim Shorts, and Sneakers

Ribbed knits are having a major moment right now. For a contemporary grandpa-inspired look, style a black ribbed sweater with charcoal cardigan, blue denim shorts, and white chunky sneakers.

I love the juxtaposition of the tight sweater with the loose shorts. Simple yet eye-catching!

15. Textured Cardigan, Knit Skirt, and Black Top

Textured Cardigan, Knit Skirt, and Black Top

Cozy textures are key for channeling the grandpa core aesthetic. This textured gray cardigan complements the fuzzy knit skirt perfectly.

Keep the look modern with a black sleeveless top and fun jewelry or hair accessories. Chunky loafers would complete this outfit nicely.

16. Knit Vest, Oversized Tee, and Cropped Pants

Knit Vest, Oversized Tee, and Cropped Pants

Here’s another great way to wear knit vests – paired with an oversized white tee and cropped black wide-leg pants.

The relaxed proportions combined with the beige knit vest nail that quirky grandpa style. White or metallic Oxfords would be so cute with this outfit.

17. Multicolored Patchwork Sweater Dress

Multicolored Patchwork Sweater Dress

For a fabulous fall or winter outfit, you can’t go wrong with an oversized sweater dress, like this multicolored patchwork one. Adding some black knee-high boots pulls the voluminous shape together.

I’d probably wear a collared shirt underneath the sweater dress for extra warmth and style. Then finish it off with a fun printed scarf.

18. Striped Sweater, Pleated Skirt, and Beanie

Striped Sweater, Pleated Skirt, and Beanie

Lastly, we have another darling preppy outfit consisting of a striped sweater, pleated mini skirt, and ribbed beanie.

I adore the varsity vibes of layering striped pieces. For shoes, try patent leather Mary Janes or metallic Oxfords. This look is so spunky and fun for school, work, or play!

I hope these 18 grandpa core outfit ideas have sparked some inspiration for trying out this comfy, vintage-inspired aesthetic! Let me know in the comments which outfit combo was your favorite.

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