Princess Kate is in the news again! This time, though, it’s the ‘Grandpa Core’ aesthetic that has social media flipping out, which she is totally pulling off. On January 20, she went out and proved it by shuffling her way to first place. She was certainly hard to miss in an eye-catching waistcoat featuring a Fair Isle-style heart pattern. This chic piece isn’t the only stylish knitwear in her collection, showcasing the designer’s penchant for modern streetwear.
To complete the look, the Princess artfully matched her waistcoat with thoughtfully selected accessories. She paired the outfit with classic loafers, a simple leather belt, and chic wire-framed glasses that really pulled the whole look together. Fashion wise, this look really shined a light on how well she pairs casual and cool. It’s a telling sign of the defining characteristic of the Grandpa Core aesthetic that’s rapidly taking over creators and celebrities alike. Notable figures like models Gigi Hadid and Alexa Chung have embraced oversized statement knitwear and corduroy trousers, further popularizing this aesthetic.
While visiting a tartan weaving workshop at the start of the day, Prince William was on dad duty by holding Kate’s coat. This lighthearted exchange was a true testament to their camaraderie, as was Kate’s adventurous nature — willing to try everything. In 2018, she wore a knitted cardigan paired with a plaid skirt for her holiday visit. Mosaic choice didn’t disappoint. This bold selection gave a nod to her deep affinity for this distinctive classic style.
Kate’s black cardigan on that visit was a cropped style that gave a slightly more contemporary look to her ensemble. She accessorised the Brora piece beautifully with an Emilia Wickstead red tartan skirt. What a great chance for her talent for coordinating colors and patterns to shine! Her hair was in loose waves, which contributed to an easy cool factor.
In 2023, though, Kate put her Miu Miu ‘granny’ cardigan on standby for Christmas parties. We saw her penchant for knitwear when it came to special occasions. After one of the curling exercises on the day, she commemorated her winning shot by throwing a few punches in the air. She spoke and moved with the joy of sport, of fashion.
Fashion pros have called the shift toward boring the new cool. Fashion International Caroline Sullivan summed up this trend best when she wrote,
“Goodbye, coastal grandma, hello, Grandpa Core. Think gender-neutral staples that prioritize comfort without sacrificing style.”
