The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Never in my life did I think I would dress like my grandma, but here I am. I’m calling it: peak fashion. I have never really considered myself a fashionable person. What I wear has always been considered pretty “basic,” and I am definitely a trend follower (although I would like to point out I have been wearing Nike Blazers since 2018, so I take credit for that fad). This year is the first time I would say I developed a specific style, and it happens to consist of the same wardrobe as a 65-year-old cat lady. 

My love of grandma clothes began over Christmas break last year when I was eating dinner at my grandmother’s house. I had on a white shirt and did not want to get anything on it, so she went and got me one of her old sweatshirts that she didn’t wear anymore. I immediately told her how cute it was and asked if I could keep it. She then went and found me three others that I wear just about every day. 

Now you may be asking yourself, “What classifies as grandma clothes?” The answer to this question is easy: anything you see and think an old woman would wear. This consists of anything from a crew neck with a funky design, usually birds, flowers, or hearts (bonus points if it has the built-in white collar) to a sweater vest or a cardigan.

I have found so many cute sweatshirts fitting this style at thrift stores and garage sales for extremely cheap. Whenever one of my friends or family members finds one, they buy it for me, and I add it to my almost-too-big collection. I have also received more from my grandmother, who gets tired of them. This is great because I can wear them at college, and it reminds me of her. 

This is also an easy style to dress up or down depending on your events for the day. Usually for classes, I pair one of my sweatshirts with leggings or yoga pants and my Jordan’s, but if you are hanging out with friends on a nice fall day or going to dinner, I like to pair a sweater vest and long sleeve collared shirt with mom jeans and boots. 

This is also a great outfit option to pair with all different kinds of jewelry. A while ago, I began to wear a pearl necklace I purchased at a Claire’s and was scolded by both my grandmothers, “I have pearls I could have given you. Why did you go out and buy some?” You can also match chunky earrings and necklaces as well as rings and bracelets. 

If you are looking for a new style that is cute, affordable, and will make you look like you are single with nine cats, I highly suggest giving grandma core a try. Maybe even ask a family member for some of their old clothes and make them the trendiest thing in fashion today. 

The newsletter you won’t leave unread.

The newsletter you won’t leave unread.