Granny Chic

February 23, 2007

Lindsey Delahanty, 25, helps coordinate grants for local artists at the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.

Tell me about what you’re wearing.

These are my signature vintage Ferragamos, I got them off eBay for $27; they still make them in this style, but they are like $375 in the store. I really love vintage fur—which I know is terrible. I’d never buy it new. My jeans are Cheap Monday, they’re Swedish unisex jeans. If I’m wearing pants, I like them to be so tight I can barely breathe, but these are stretchy, so I can breathe in them, which is great.

How would you describe your style?

It’s a combo of high-tea granny and goth glam librarian. I like to juxtapose ladylike against punk, give it a little humor.

Who are your style icons?

Little Edie from the movie Grey Gardens. My grandmother and my great-grandmother.

Your influences are all much older women.

Everyone says I dress like a grandma, but those women really knew how to exude a classless grace regardless of what their budget was. If you have etiquette and manners, you can pull anything off. —Jessica Hopper