There comes a point in every woman’s life when a mid-calf floral skirt starts looking suspiciously like the best thing in your wardrobe. And it seems that time has come for us all: Yes, granny skirts are having a major moment.
I had an epiphany recently that I’ve even though I’ve spent years borrowing my grandmother’s jewelry, I’ve been totally overlooking the genuinely fabulous clothes hanging beside it. Luckily the style set has set me right by making a compelling case for wearing softly pleated midis, faded florals, lace-trimmed pencil skirts, and preppy A-line shapes I would’ve previously argued were reserved for over-60s.
Fashion has actually been nudging us in this direction for a while. Balletcore softened our wardrobes with ribbons and wrap cardigans, while the rise of marionette-inspired dressing brought antique silhouettes, lace, and even bloomers back into the conversation. But the growing affection for what we’re affectionately calling granny style feels like more than another aesthetic. The trend speaks to the way many of us are shopping now: less relentless consumption, more charity-shop hunting, vintage browsing, and rifling through family wardrobes. After all, the most sustainable item you can wear is the one that already exists.
And when you swap sensible flats for a pair of heeled ballerinas, suddenly the whole outfit shifts. The delicate shape still nods to classic ballet flats, but the slight heel gives everything a little more polish, making the pairing feel less Sunday lunch with your nan and more Copenhagen Fashion Week.
Whether your granny skirt is floral, lace, linen, or neatly pleated, the formula is surprisingly simple. Add heeled ballerinas, keep the rest of your outfit relatively unfussy, and let the contrast between prim and polished do the hard work. Because sometimes the best trends aren’t new at all—they’re already hanging in a wardrobe somewhere.
I’ve rounded up my favorite pieces for shopping the look below. Before buying anything, however, I’d always recommend checking what you, your family, or your local thrift shop already have to offer. Ahead, how to style granny skirts and heeled ballerinas together like all the cool girls will be doing this fall.
For the office: A-line granny skirt + neutral top + heeled ballet flats
A soft A-line granny skirt in a neutral color will always be office appropriate, but you can make it feel more feminine and fun with granny heels. Keep the rest of the look simple, but modern: Think a fitted black tank or turtleneck, or an elegant cream-colored blouse with an asymmetrical neckline. Finish with a bright bag or sheer, ribbed, or sporty ankle socks if you want to go for the full cool-girl style formula.
