Sidewalks have changed uniforms this season. The cool kids are swapping slick biker leather for wool blousons, tweed bombers and big-button cardigans that look straight out of a family album. Called the “veste de papi” in French, the grandpa jacket lands with soft textures, deep pockets and a lived-in elegance that feels right when temperatures dip.
Here is the point : the veste de papi trend brings heritage fabrics and generous cuts to modern wardrobes, making outfits warmer, calmer and sharper in one move. It rides the rise of quiet luxury – Lyst logged a 614% jump in searches for “quiet luxury” in April 2023 – and the boom in secondhand. The ThredUp 2024 Resale Report states : “the global secondhand apparel market is projected to reach $350 billion by 2028”. That momentum pushes vintage-inspired jackets to the front row of fall.
What is the fall-ready “veste de papi” trend?
Think sturdy layers with character. A wool or tweed blouson, a corduroy trucker, a boxy houndstooth blazer, even a cardigan jacket that behaves like outerwear. Colors stay earthy – moss, camel, charcoal – and details matter : ribbed cuffs, horn buttons, patch pockets, a collar that sits just-so over a knit.
The appeal is practical as much as aesthetic. These jackets tame brisk mornings, look polished on Zoom, and pair with sneakers or loafers without fuss. One piece, multiple lives. That solves the fall problem of juggling warmth and style when weather shifts by the hour.
Why the grandpa jacket wins in 2024 fall wardrobes
Prices soared for statement outerwear in recent seasons, while many closets needed quieter upgrades. A grandpa jacket delivers value through fabric and cut. Heavy wool holds shape, corduroy ages gracefully, and tweed hides wear. Shoppers respond to that durability.
The data aligns with the vibe. The Lyst surge around “quiet luxury” mirrored feeds filled with pared-back tailoring and vintage classics. At the same time, ThredUp charted a long runway for secondhand through 2028, which is exactly where many find authentic tweeds and cords at friendly prices.
Fit still trips people up. Oversized should skim, not swallow. Shoulders sit slightly wide, sleeves kiss the wrist, and the hem lands at hip or just below. Go one size up for blousons if layering chunky knits, but keep blazers structured. A quick mirror check from the side confirms balance. Looks obvious, yet it saves returns.
How to style a grandpa jacket : from office to weekend
For work, a tweed blazer over a fine-gauge merino and pleated trousers reads composed without stiffness. Add a leather belt and penny loafers. The texture carries the outfit on camera and around the meeting table alike.
Off-duty, a corduroy trucker over a hoodie, straight denim and retro runners hits the easy lane. Roll the cuffs to flash a watch. Swap sneakers for chunky derbies at night. Done.
Dresses love grandpa jackets too. A boxy wool blouson over a slip dress and tall boots offsets softness with structure. Keep accessories quiet – maybe a slim scarf – and let the fabric talk. On rainy days, a cardigan jacket under a trench layers neatly without bulk.
Smart shopping : fabrics, fits, and secondhand finds
Building the right rotation takes two things : patience and a quick checklist on materials. Wool blends work daily, pure wool warms fast, and wide-wale corduroy feels cozy without looking costume. Vintage or new, here is what helps before heading to checkout.
– Fabric weight : mid to heavy for fall, around 16 to 24 oz for wool blazers, thicker wale for corduroy.
– Texture test : rub sleeve to collar. If it pills quickly, skip.
– Pockets : functional patch or flap pockets beat faux ones for everyday use.
– Collar shape : bomber collars sit tight, blazer lapels should lie flat without bowing.
– Care tag : dry clean for tweed and pure wool, machine cold on some blends only if the label says so.
Secondhand remains a goldmine. The ThredUp 2024 Resale Report points to a market still expanding through 2028, which keeps supply lively across sizes and decades. Look for Harris Tweed labels, moleskin cotton, or deadstock corduroy in olive and tobacco. Tailor minor sleeve length issues and change buttons if needed. Small tweaks, big upgrade.
Last move is maintenance. Brush wool after wear, let jackets rest 24 hours, steam gently to release creases, and store with cedar to deter moths. Do that and a veste de papi lasts years, not months. Then the fun part : mix it with what is already in the closet and wear it tomorrow. It will definitly work.