Wondering what’s missing from your summer 2026 wardrobe? Well, it’s probably sitting in your nan’s closet, waiting for you to steal it. Fashion has long had a habit of looking to the past for inspiration, but for summer 2026, it’s only heading back a couple of generations.
Think prim cardigans, matching shirt-and-midi-skirt combos and top-handle bags (with added bonus if they have a clip attached you can hook your keys on.)
Once considered old-fashioned and a bit dusty, the street style set have declared that these classic wardrobe staples are officially back on the menu.
© Getty ImagesWhat is granny style?
So, what exactly is grandma style? Think timeless pieces that pair polish with practicality. Elegant blouses with delicate details, ruffles aplenty, structured handbags and shoes that prioritise comfort.
© Getty ImagesDesigners from Miu Miu to Chloé have embraced retro silhouettes in seasons of late, Think the Miu Miu apron dress that divided the fashion set and voluminous checked dresses at Chloé that your Granny would consider a risqué piece of nightwear.
Simone Rocha also followed suit with midi skirts and knitwear pairings that could have been plucked straight from your grandparents' wardrobe.
© LaunchmetricsThe secret to grandma style? Pieces must be highly functional, of course. Think a handbag with multiple pockets for stashing crossword puzzles and Werther's Originals. Think a top-handle (for Queen Elizabeth II inspired elegance), teamed with a crossbody strap for practicality.
© Getty ImagesGranny shoes? Espadrille wedges that feel orthopaedic. Reliable sturdy soles. Or a classic low block-heel shoe that you can stomp round the town all day in. Grandma skirts? Midi length and awkward. Bonus points if pleated or a stiff material like classic denim. And of course, embrace an excess of ditsy florals.
© Getty ImagesWelcome to a style that feels both nostalgic yet surprisingly modern! To style your grandma pieces - the key is in the pairing. Team your frumpy midi skirt (bonus points if it's denim a lá Karlie Kloss) with a crop top.
Reach for baggy jeans, micro minis and boob tubes - aka items that your grandparents would highly disapprove of to ensure balance.
© GC ImagesThe best Granny style pieces to buy now…
Ruthie floral-print satin-jacquard shirt
Alémais
Grandma would wholeheartedly love this glorious printed blouse (bonus points for the fact it's called the Ruthie.)
The Sophie
Cambridge Satchel Company
The perfect size for stashing treats for well-behaved grandchildren and spare nylons.
Sugarplum Slingback Block Heel Shoes in Taupe Suedette
ASOS
Grandma loves a block heel, and so do we! Maximum comfort with zero sartorial compromise.
St Michael Vintage Linen Blend Skirt New Olive Green
Oxfam
Wearing grandma style clothing is the perfect opportunity to shop vintage and give an older item a new lease of life.
Pescura Flat Flex Wooden Sandals
Scholl
Granny was onto something when she started strutting around in clogs - especially when teamed with a midi skirt and pristine knit.
Crepe Tie Neck Ruffle Blouson Sleeve Blouse
Ghost
Granny likes to keep her décolletage covered up - what better way than with this delicately ruffled blouse.
Signature Silk Neck Bow
Aspinal
Grandma wasn't wrong - a silk scarf is an eternal classic, whether tied around your neck or twisted round the straps of your handbag.
Clarissa II Quad Desert Rodeo Classic Pull Up Leather Sandals
Dr. Martens
Team with socks for the ultimate cool-meets-comfort vibe.
Frank Usher Vintage Sequin Jacket
Ebay
Frank Usher is one of those vintage labels that has us chomping at the bit whenever we spy them on a resale site.
Cosette Short
If Only If
Everyone knows Granny has the best selection of nightwear, and we're following suit - in daylight hours.
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