Grandpa Chic

Dapper is back. But this time around, comfort will not be sacrificed. The latest in men’s fashion is a return to the looks that our grandfathers rocked. The best part? The wing-tip shoes now have a sneaker sole, and the dress pants have stretch. Time to put your lockdown sweatsuit back in the drawer and freshen up your look by stepping out while also stepping way back in time.

And to go with those looks? Act a bit like grandpa too. See a person in need, lend a helping hand. Hold that door open for a stranger. Give your seat to the expectant mother. It will only make your look even more attractive.

How to Grandpa

The elements of the Grandpa Chic look are whatever you want them to be, but step your game up a notch. The aesthetic here is elevated and simple all at once. Style some vintage-looking glasses, salt and pepper hair, a dress shirt with fresh jeans, add a chunky cardigan worthy of the Big Lebowski and you’ll be on your way.

You’ll have it easier than your grandfather did; he had to iron. Now just look for the no-iron option when you shop for a dress shirt and find dress pants with a small percentage of elastane. Sometimes they’ll be marked as ‘stretch’ or ‘performance’ chinos. Or if you’re feeling brave, try a corduroy pant. Add an argyle sock and watch your whole look transform.

The look is a bit tailored, but don’t let that stand in your way. Getting fitted in a store rather than shopping online is old school in the best way possible. Your fit will be impeccable. If free tailoring is offered, take them up on it. Every body is slightly different, and when a clothing item is tailored properly, it will be even more comfortable.

Keep a bandana or handkerchief in your pocket just like grandpa would do. You never know when you’ll need it to help unscrew the cap on an oil tank for a driver in need, or to wipe down a wet seat on public transit so that a stranger can sit.

Speaking of public transit, your grandfather would have brought a book. Just look to the 1.2 million followers of the Instagram @hotdudesreading to find out what people really find attractive in a man. Staring at your phone? It’s not going to start any conversations. Reading a hardcover classic during your travel time? They’ll go weak in the knees.

Put away the ripped jeans, put down the hair color, embrace your inner clean-cut grandpa, and act accordingly. Give in to your inner gramps and see how your life evolves.