I have vivid memories of my grandmother’s living room.
She had low-pile carpeting that was bedecked with a rose-and-vine pattern in it (this was the 1970s, mind you). She had a Louis XIVIII style ornate couch with damask fabric – that she left the manufacturer’s plastic on – all the time. There were heavy tapestry drapes as well.
It was a sight to behold.
Her decorating sense sometimes bled into her clothing. Odd patterns and frumpy floral prints would appear on pants, shirts and dresses.
I thought this design sensibility had disappeared with when 1979 turned into 1980.
But apparently, I missed a fashion memo recently. Because it appears to me that grandma fabrics are back in a big way this year.
And I don’t get it. I’ve never really understood why clothing that will look ridiculous on an everyday woman need only be strutted out onto a fashion runway to be called artistic genius.
This is my question: what gives with the grandma-print pants this spring? I found them all over the place – flipping through magazines, surfing the Web, you name it. Have a look.
This pair can be found at Chico’s. Honestly, I can’t decide if this pair reminds me of my grandmother, or the musclehead at the gym.
This lovely number can be snapped up at H&M. Again, I’m torn as to whether these are more grandma or hooker. You decide.
I believe I found this next item at TopShop. Somebody you know is looking for their missing bedspread, I guarantee it.
The next pair is sure to be worn by only the most stylish of card-carrying members of AARP.
Annnnnnd again with the animal print pants. Really? REALLY?
What is happening here?
Have all the famous design houses been infiltrated by card-carrying members of the AARP?
Are designers now just getting older and doing their designs from a retirement village?
Or am I just utterly and completely lacking in fashion sense?
I don’t like this trend at all. I don’t get it, I don’t find it appealing, I don’t think I’ll really be seeing the average woman wearing this stuff.
What do you think? Do you like this printed pant trend? Is it here to stay? Do I need to run out and buy a pair?
