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6 Ways to Update Granny Clothes for a Chic Look

by Bonnie in Vintage Styles 1 Comment
Updated: December 6, 2019

There’s an abundance of granny clothing at consignment stores. Is it possible to turn old-lady attire into young, fresh, stylish outfits? Yes! Here are six ways to update those granny clothing items for a chic look.

Contents

  1. 1. Floppy Cardigan Paired with Jeans
  2. 2. Create a New Look with a Belt
  3. 3. Turn a Dress into a Skirt
  4. 4. Baggy Shawl and a Tight Dress
  5. 5. Vintage ‘Pocketbook’ to Accessorize
  6. 6. Fashionista Glasses and Headwrap

1. Floppy Cardigan Paired with Jeans

6 Ways to Update Granny Clothes for a Chic Look 13

The next time you spot an over-sized cardigan, don’t pass it over for being floppy or frumpy looking. Instead, try pairing it with a pair of cute jeans, a white tee, and ankle boots. The modern denim and stylish boots will immediately give your outfit an updated look.

2. Create a New Look with a Belt

6 Ways to Update Granny Clothes for a Chic Look 15

Change the feel of an outfit by cinching a belt around your waist. Cozy, comfy layers can become stylish when you create a waistline. Instead of a boxy blazer, you suddenly have a chic dress!

3. Turn a Dress into a Skirt

6 Ways to Update Granny Clothes for a Chic Look 17

“House dresses” were popular in generations past. The fine, printed fabrics are still so sweet and charming to look at! An easy way to modernize this outdated look is to turn a house dress into a pretty skirt instead. Wear with a black or white top, to balance out the busy pattern. 

4. Baggy Shawl and a Tight Dress

6 Ways to Update Granny Clothes for a Chic Look 19

An easy way to update a shawl is to wear it with something unexpected — like a tight dress, or a leather skirt. Contrast the shape and texture of the shawl, and create a fashion statement! 

5. Vintage ‘Pocketbook’ to Accessorize

 

6 Ways to Update Granny Clothes for a Chic Look 21

We all know grandmotherly figures who won’t go anywhere without their “pocketbooks”. Thrift stores are a great place to find totes and purses from generations gone by. Update this look by modifying the straps. Replace short pocket book handles with long straps for a fresh new look. Or, try a coat of spray paint! Make sure to get fabric paint or paint made for leather, depending on what kind of purse you’re working with. 

6. Fashionista Glasses and Headwrap

6 Ways to Update Granny Clothes for a Chic Look 23

The next time you’re browsing a flea market and you find a pair of big sunglasses that you know the elderly woman next door would wear, think about snatching them up! Pair them with a silky scarf and enjoy your new vintage accessories. For an updated spin on this classic style, try wearing the scarf like a headband, with your hair in a high up-do. 

Now that you know how to dress granny chic, it’s going to be a blast to browse through the racks of clothes that you ignored before! From baggy, frumpy cardigans to printed house dresses… you now know how to turn any granny clothing item into a fashionable vintage find. Have fun, and be sure to come back here and tell us what you came up with in the comments section below! 

Vintage Styles

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Comments

  1. Leena Max says

    at

    Thanks for sharing these above styles and trends.

    Reply

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