My friends regularly joke that I’m a grandma because I love everything vintage, from my home decor to my secondhand clothing to my hobbies like weaving and bead embroidery. I even used to teach the history of fashion. So I know a thing or two about “granny blouses”, and they’re not your typical grandma’s shirt…but almost. Think a top your grandma might wear but with a modern twist. Even celebrities like Dakota Johnson are in on the trend.
Some styles that fall under this granny umbrella include colorful, printed peasant shirts, bow-collar blouses with lots of volume in the sleeves, and dainty tops with Peter Pan collars and lacy details—all shirts that exude granny energy but aren’t outdated. The trick is all in how you style them. Here are some of my favorite ways to wear the trend:
Wear a delicate collared blouse with baggy denim
Your grandma might don this blouse, but she probably wouldn’t pair it with jorts. The juxtaposition of a really delicate top with a Peter Pan collar and lace details against a light-wash, wide-leg denim short or pant feels fresh.
Quince Embroidered Cotton Ruffle Collar Long Sleeve Blouse
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Tankaneo Puff Sleeve Shirts with Peter Pan Collar
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Credit: Amazon
Levi’s Ribcage Wide Leg Jeans
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Credit: Levi’s
GAP 11” Mid Rise Longline Denim Shorts
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Credit: GAP
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Pair a peasant blouse with a voluminous skirt
You might be tempted to choose a structured bottom when you’re wearing a flowy blouse covered in a print, but I recommend leaning into the bold nature of the look. Instead, go for a voluminous skirt with lots of gathering and pleats or a trendy bubble hem.
Boden Erica Cotton Frill TopCredit: Boden
The Great Tapestry Floral Top
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Credit: Tuckernuck
Free People Lowen Midi SkirtCredit: Free People
ASOS Design Dropped Waist Bubble Maxi SkirtCredit: ASOSTry a dramatic blouse and a pair of track pants
My grandma may shame me if I wore this look while visiting her, but I’d do it anyway. If we could wear leggings as “pants” to work 10 years ago, we can wear sweatpants as trousers today, or opt for a pair of trousers with the traditional trackpant stripe. There are no true rules when it comes to fashion. Wear your blouse tucked into the waistband to up the sophistication or undone for a more relaxed look.
Karen Millen Tie-Neck Pussybow Blouse
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Credit: Karen Millen
Gleeivy Smocked Oversized Button DownCredit: Amazon
Adidas Firebird Loose Track PantsCredit: Adidas
By Anthropologie Oversized Track Trousers Pants
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.