A nod to Nana - The ultimate style icon?
Is 'Nana' one of my three words when it comes to style?
There’s a running joke with my friends that whenever I send a text of an item of clothing i’m obsessed with, the first thing they say is ‘It’s very Nana, it’s very you’.
‘Nana/grandma chic’ is a label i’m very happy with, especially when it comes to my outfits. It is an accurate descriptor of a lot of the pieces i’m drawn too. Whether it’s a gladiator sandal that leans orthopedic in appearance, or a silk scarf tied the same way my grandma tied hers, to me nana style is not trendy, it’s timeless.
No matter what I wear, there is usually some kind of grandma/grandpa influence to at least one element of what i’m wearing. Sometimes it’s as subtle as a modern interpretation of a pearl earring, my choice of shoe and other times it’s a head to toe tribute to what I consider timeless style.
When I think of a forever wardrobe, the whole point is to buy pieces that for the most part you can imagine yourself wearing throughout your life. Of course I can’t predict how my style will evolve as I age, but I like to think I make purchasing decisions based on who I am now, as well as the woman I will become. I choose pieces that at least have the potential to be worn by fifty year old me as much as ninety year old me, in that they can easily be adapted and styled to reflect exactly how I want to dress at any age.
I’d like to think my outfits offer a modern interpretation of Dot Cotton’s style, only a little more oversized and tailored. This is true especially during the autumn winter months. I think this is one of the reasons I have such an appreciation for heritage brands and pieces that have a rich history, like the Hermes Kelly bag and the Burberry trench coat. The fact they still exist is a testament to their timelessness and versatility.
It goes without saying the cardigan is such a versatile piece, and there’s just something about a slightly fluffy cardigan that feels like a nod to Nana. I found my favorite way to wear cardigans is more like a top, without anything underneath. I like the style slightly boxy, and with fewer buttons to create a deeper v neck. Adding a doctor shape bag, or something that feels very lady like also elevates the relaxed feel of a textured cardigan.
This fit is giving grandpa meets geography teacher, and i’m SO so into it! I love grey, black and tan as a colour combo, and the loafer here adds a hint of warmth and pop of colour against the column of black. A herringbone or plaid blazer is one of my go to’s because the pattern is discreet enough not to overwhelm a look, but also adds a certain something that stops my outfits reading too flat.
The bag, the scarf, the earrings… these items instantly give a grown up feel to my regular jeans and t-shirt base. A silk scarf in particular has proved to be a really great addition to my forever wardrobe, especially when i’m travelling. I love being able to add a little something to a t-shirt, shirt or even a look with a jacket plus it takes up zero space when packing.
Even when it comes to summer, I still feel a light weight grandad style blazer adds a bit of ‘oomph’ to an otherwise basic vest and shorts combo. I also love the juxtaposition of a summer sandal against a more structured boxy blazer. I could easily add a nana-esque bag to this look and it would tie in all the elements I love.
The Nana bag edit
I remember having an obsession with buying frame/clasp ladylike bags from charity shops between the ages of 16-20, just like the ones Dot Cotton wears. I still think the charity/thrift store can offer some fantastic options, but I wanted to also put together a bag edit, inspired by my ultimate style icon, Dot Cotton.
I’d love to know, who are your unlikely style icons?
Thanks so much for reading
Harry x
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I'm so here for unique and personal style words/modifiers! Such a lovely read xx
You articulated my dream aesthetic so well! Loved reading this.