First it was our kitchens, as we succumbed to the pleasure of a prissy sink skirt. Then our sitting rooms were taken over by Liberty prints, chintz and floral tea sets.
Now Granny’s favourite style has moved into our wardrobes, bringing prim-and-proper occasion dressing to the everyday.
But forget moth-eaten tweeds, librarian twinsets and delicate strings of pearls. This is a modern-day manifestation of dressing for dinner — and everything else besides.
Keep it tongue-in-cheek and think neat nostalgia with a colourful twist. But how to carry it off without looking frumpy? Read on for my guide…
Put a pin in it
Brooches are back. Go big, bold and unmissable, pinned proudly to your lapel like Kristin on the runway at the recent Miu Miu show.
It doesn’t have to be the real deal and at this size, it’s not likely to be.
Granny was always a fan of costume jeweller y anyway. Finish the look off with a pair of elegant opera gloves, preferably ones that extend all the way to the elbow.
You can blame the Princess of Wales for that one; she owned the look on the red carpet at the 2023 Baftas.
Modern not minimal
Have you ever seen Anna Wintour do dainty? No. Follow her lead and leave ladylike jewels where they belong — in the past.
Piling on chunky pieces has been her signature look for years. Think bold layering and go colourful — heavy chains and rocks in bright hues.
The look is modern, not minimalist.
The only pearls to wear are faux or big gobstoppers. Head to Zara and Olivia Divine for the best.
Tweed, not twee
Dressing top-to-toe in tweed is one thing if it’s Chanel (like Naomi Campbell) or you’re royalty.
The rest of us should bring a tougher edge to this most trad fabric with an injection of denim or metal hardwear detailing and buttons.
Step away from loose boxy or shapeless styles and switch in a jacket with a contrasting belt to create a 1950s waist.
If you’re opting for a tweed pencil skirt, keep the top casual with a white tee. You’re
going for polished with an edge, not (grand)mother of the bridge, however loaded.
Rent the rich look
If your budget is struggling to keep up with the brief for elevated nostalgia, then simply rent the look for instant Rich Granny kudos.
Try Hurr and Hardly Ever Worn It for fabulous dresses and coats.
A classic silk scarf by Gucci will transform your usual look.
Just don’t pair it with a Mackintosh, and avoid a top-handle bag unless you don’t mind looking like you’ve been rummaging in the dressing-up box.
Not too sensible with your shoes
Mary-Janes have never been so now. But there are rules to getting them right.
If you’re going there, you need some height like Billie Eilish or it’s more schoolgirl than stylish.
Billie, 22, can pull off a slouchy sock — but can you? Sadly, very few of us can get away with a flat Mary-Jane.
The way they cut across the foot with no heel to flatter makes them tricky to wear unless you’re blessed with long legs and a teeny, tiny ankle.
A safer bet may be a pointed toe; ideally a kitten heel, the perfect elegant foil to all those woollens and florals.
Be careful with colour
Prada reigns supreme when it comes to Granny Chic — there’s nothing stuffy about mixing pastels with strong tones such as lime and deep purple.
Speaking of purple, lilac — or ‘menopausal mauve’ as Queen Camilla calls it — is a big no unless it’s in small doses.
Too many connotations of rinse washes and Yardley English Lavender have killed this shade off for good.
If you’ve opted for pastel tweeds, then the look demands a pop of bright colour to keep it modern and fresh.