As Tony Baddingham once said, revenge is a dish best served on television. And so, as it turns out, is fashion. And if you aren't already hooked on the granny fashion trend sweeping the nation this summer, you can rely on Rivals to send you straight to the back of your grandma's closet for your next 'fit.
In case you needed any reminding, Disney's addictive 1980s romp, based on the novel by the late Dame Jilly Cooper, is seriously fun fare. Season 2, which premieres this week, picks up where season 1 left off. Venturer's bid for the south west ITV franchise is heating up — and so is the drama. Rupert is reeling from his taboo kiss with Taggie. Lizzie is head over heels for sweet Freddie. Cameron is in deep water following her violent altercation with Tony.
But fear not — the show still has plenty of the light-hearted, sun-drenched, sexy countryside sequences it's become known for. And when people do manage to keep their clothes on, you can rest assured that they are wearing shoulder pads up to their ears and enough mismatching florals to make you dizzy. (Miranda Priestly would undoubtedly have a field day with this lot).
Believe it or not, the maximalist, retro fashions of Rivals couldn't be more perfect for the summer of 2026. After all, granny fashion is having a serious moment. From classic, statement granny jewellery to flouncy granny blouses that perfectly tread the line between chic and dowdy, to the perfect pair of lived in granny jeans, we cannot get enough of it.
And whether it's Cameron's pristine silk suits, Sarah's garish office siren ensembles or Taggie's sweet summery sundresses, the show really covers all of the granny fashion bases. In honour of Rivals season 2, allow the women of Rutshire to provide all of the granny fashion inspiration you need.
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From '80s girlbosses in stilettos to the drab, forgotten secretaries, Rivals offers a fascinating portrait of the timeless struggle of being a woman at work.
The first essential is the perfect countryside floral sundress. A timeless piece that still looks effortless today, this sundress is light, summery and fun. Opt for a simple silhouette with a long, full skirt and a bright floral print. You can also take some inspiration from Lizzie, who is wearing a pair of extremely trendy red Mary Janes.
Sarah Stratton manages to nail mob wife aesthetic-meets-office siren with an ‘80s twist. This is giving ’what your cool granny wore to the office in the ‘80s’ and we are here for it. Go big and ballsy with a strong animal print silk shirt, a chunky, waist-cinching belt and big, bold statement gold jewellery.
Freddie's wife Valerie — sorry, “Mousey” — errs on the garish side of ‘80s summer style. But honestly, it’s kind of iconic. If you really want to make a statement, opt for a wilder, maximalist floral printed dress and throw in a few ruffles and puffed sleeves while you're at it. If it looks like a garden party vomited all over you, you're doing it right.
What did your granny wear to keep cosy in the ‘80s? Probably her boyfriend’s cute, oversized Varsity cardigan. Which is exactly what Cameron Cook is doing here. Invest in an oversized, timeless chunky knit cardigan for summer nights.
The polka dots were a seriously big deal in the '80s, and when you pair them with a bold looped pearl necklace, you have yourself a very stylish granny-inspired summer garden party look. If you really want to lean into the retro look, throw on a hat and gloves, too.
Finally, we have this structured nautical blazer — and an example of how you really can turn a scrunchie into an office staple.
From David Bowie to Sade to Joy Division, it's party time in the Cotswolds.
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