Men's Fashion Goes Grandpa Chic

CHICAGO (CBS) - The men's fashion world is looking to an unlikely source for inspiration. If you want a hipper, hotter look for the fall, take a peak into the past, inside grandpa's closet.

The clothes your grandfather wore are behind one of the biggest trends of the season. It's called "grandpa chic".

Those old comfy classics like cardigans, sweater vests and pattern pants are back. Why so popular now?

Fashion experts say for many young men, it's a re-introduction of patterns and styles of clothing they have never seen.

The classic looks have been re-interpreted in a modern way with new colors, fabrication and, most importantly, fit.

"The thing that distinguishes grandpa chic from just grandpa is the fit of the pant,” said Jeff Worth, co-owner of His Stuff in Andersonville. “It’s a little slimmer. It's actually cut more like a jean."

His Stuff racks are covered with "grandpa chic” attire, including a vintage inspired V-neck pullover with suede elbow patches.

"This is a great example of the subtle detail of ‘grandpa chic,’" Worth said.

The trend is popping up everywhere. New “grandpa chic” items such as big sweaters, ties, hats and peacoats have just arrived in the Lincoln Park store "Guise."

Owner Brad Habansky defines “grandpa chic” as a cool grandpa.

To achieve the cool grandpa look, men don't have to invest in a new wardrobe. A few simple pieces will do.

According to the fashion director of men's fashion magazine "Cargo", guys who want to be “grandpa chic” should have a cardigan, corduroy blazer, something argyle, and old-school Allen-Edmunds wingtips.

Men of all ages can look “grandpa chic.” The classic styles can take you from the corporate office to the club.

Younger men, for example, might wear plaid pants with an attitude tee and a vintage tennis shoe, while someone more conservative or who has a corporate job may just wear an argyle tie with corduroy sports coat.

If you decide to literally raid grandpa's closet, be careful. Today's pants and cardigans have a slimmer cut and grandpa's sweaters were 100 percent wool and very thick. Today's sweaters are made for layering.