In recent years, there has been a curious and fascinating phenomenon in the fashion world: young people under 35 are enthusiastically embracing the clothing style of their grandparents. This trend, as stated by Vogue Italia, which mixes vintage elements with a modern twist, has caught on worldwide, proving that timeless elegance and comfort are ageless.
The Charm of the Past
But what drives a young person to dress like a pensioner? For many, it is a rediscovery of the past and a rejection of ephemeral fashions and unbridled consumerism. Grandparents’ clothes evoke a time when quality and durability of clothes were prioritised over the fashion of the moment. Wool coats, oversized cardigans, high-waisted trousers, checked shirts and loafers are just some of the key elements of this retro look that is winning over the younger generation.
The fascination with the past is not only limited to aesthetics, but also reflects a desire for authenticity and a connection to family roots. Wearing grandparents’ clothes, often inherited or bought at flea markets, is a way to honour the memory of those who came before us and to feel part of a greater history.
The Modernisation of Vintage
Despite the nostalgic influence, young people under 35 are not just slavishly copying their grandparents’ style. On the contrary, they reinterpret these garments with a modern twist, creating an eclectic and personal mix. For example, a vintage checked shirt can be paired with a pair of skinny jeans or the latest trainers, creating an interesting contrast between old and new.
This balance between past and present is what makes this trend so appealing. Young people are proving that it is possible to be fashionable without sacrificing comfort and practicality. Moreover, this style offers an alternative to fast fashion, promoting more conscious and sustainable consumption.
The New Hogan A-W 2024-25 Collection is really a rediscovery of the past mixed with modernity. The campaign, which presents trainers with essential features, re-evaluating the official logo with a much more stylised H, is full of references to vintage and the years with a matt watermark: walkmans, videocassettes and many other accessories that evoke bygone years, years lived happily by our grandparents.
Vintage Culture and Sustainability
The interest in ‘retirement’ style is also part of a broader context of the rediscovery of vintage and sustainability. More and more young people are abandoning fast fashion brands in favour of second-hand or ethically made clothes. Buying vintage means not only saving money, but also reducing environmental impact, contributing to more sustainable and planet-friendly fashion.
This trend is also linked to the movement that many fashion companies have adopted for the production of their garments. The desire to embrace a more eco-sustainable lifestyle is a mission of brands such as Liu Jo or Marella that year after year decide to manufacture their fabrics with natural fibres.
A Fashion Evolution
The retirement style adopted by the under-35s is more than just a passing fad. It represents a paradigm shift in the way the new generations view clothing and consumption. It is a statement of individuality, respect for the past and a commitment to a more sustainable future.
In a world where everything seems to move fast, returning to the slow pace and values of yesteryear, even through clothing, becomes a revolutionary act. And as this trend continues to grow, we can only wonder what the next chapter in the history of fashion will be. But one thing is certain: today’s young people are proving that elegance and style are ageless, and that sometimes, in order to look to the future, it is necessary to take inspiration from the past.