This Is Not Your Grandma’s Tweed

If tweed conjures up a mental picture of Park Avenue, Coco Chanel, tiny designer dogs, and pearl-clutching ladies who lunch, think again. Gone are the days of conservative sets paired exclusively with purses and pastels. Forget everything you know about the tried-and-true favorite of uptown golden girls everywhere because, in 2023, the impossible has finally happened: Tweed is cool again. 

Don’t believe me? Just check out the It girls. Behold: Lily-Rose Depp breaking hearts and minds with a decidedly fresh take on the tweed minidress at the Cannes Film Festival. See Jennie of Blackpink fame wearing so many tweed miniskirts that the preppy staple will shoot to the top of your wish list (mine too). And don’t forget the so-called queen of quiet luxury (although she prefers the term “timeless”), Sofia Richie Grainge, whose white wedding set went viral alongside the rest of her meticulously curated nuptials.

Fashion-favorite designers are also pushing the boundaries of tweed into the 21st century. Brands like Kim Shui, who debuted showstopping pink-and-green tweed outerwear on the runway, and Han Chong’s Self-Portrait, who recently put muse Emily Ratajkowski front and center in a cheekily tweed-heavy holiday campaign, are remixing the fabric in unexpectedly cool ways. Even the French cool-girl brand Maje debuted a whole capsule dedicated to the fabric’s many possibilities, featuring Lila Moss wearing tweed styled in a way that can only be described as Gen Z–coded.

There’s a new generation making tweed their own. So it’s time to put the sequins away, retire that black party dress for a minute, and dust off the staid (and occasionally stuffy) material in all its unexpected glory. Ahead, you’ll find a few outfits to convince you. This is not your grandmother’s tweed.

The Party Girl-Approved Mini

Quite possibly the freshest take on tweed yet, this red Sau Lee dress combines all the coolest in 2023 fashion trends (dahlia red! tweed! micromini!) with timeless details like a mandarin collar and hand-twisted frog buttons. It’s a red-hot showstopper—proceed with caution.

Mix-and-Match Sequins 

Tweed joins hands with a holiday favorite in this sequin-covered set. Between the sophisticated square neckline, ice-blue color, and tinsel-toned detailing, this look is equal parts grand dame and futuristic snow queen.

The “It’s All in the Styling” Jacket

A timeless classic, this little black number features all the things you love about tweed (gold buttons, a boxy silhouette) with endless styling possibilities thanks to its subtle belt and braided edge. Just add chunky Mary Janes, a slicked-back bun, and a pair of statement socks, and you’ve got a cool girl–approved outfit on your hands.

Glitzed Out on Tweed

This dress takes tweed from bland to bombshell. Pair with gold door knocker earrings, plenty of blush, a giant bow, and some even bigger curls to channel your inner ’80s glamazon.

The Statement Coat to End All Statement Coats

This coat truly has everything. Fur collar? I’ll raise you a pair of matching cuffs. Y2K vibes? Pink-and-green combos are a Paris Hilton favorite. Tweed? She’s got more than one style. Ever since it debuted on the runway last year, this piece has been on my mind.

The Need for Tweed

Not ready to go full throttle? This pair of tweed heels will give any outfit a bit of wintry flair. Pair with a tweed jacket for some intentional power clashing, or wear with jeans and a tee to dress up your staples with trendy texture.