Coastal Grandmother: the Sophisticated Seaside Aesthetic
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go coastal grandmother if you’re feeling…
timeless
elegant
coastal
cozy
sustainable
timeline & influencers
While the term "coastal grandmother" may seem like a recent coinage, the aesthetic itself has been subtly woven into the fabric of popular culture for decades
Inspirational icons include legendary actresses like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Katharine Hepburn, known for their timeless style and effortless sophistication
2022 - the term gained widespread recognition, thanks to a TikTok video by influencer Lex Nicoleta, who described the vibe as embodying the lifestyle of a stylish grandmother living by the sea, described as “Martha Stewart–adjacent, not fully Ina Garten... Nancy Meyers chic.”
Diane Keaton’s character in the movie, Something’s Gotta Give, became the coastal grandma prototype thanks to Lex Nicoleta creating a descriptive video set to movie stills
Other media influences include actors who are now grandmothers themselves, Sally Fields, Meryl Streep (seen in It's Complicated), Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin (in TVs “Grace and Frankie”)
Coastal Grandmother Aesthetic Gift Guide
Linen beach dress (casual with pockets, Amazon)
Linen wide-leg pants (drawstring palazzo pants, Amazon)
Silk scarf for hair or shawl (mulberry silk, Amazon)
Straw hat (classic wide-brim straw hat, Amazon)
Bucket hat (frayed edge, Amazon)
Classic leather tote bag (The Sak Los Feliz large leather tote, Amazon)
Straw bag (Mar Y Sol shoulder bag, Amazon)
Classic clogs (leather and crochet The Sak Bolinas clog, Amazon)
SPF-rich skincare (Clinique Moisture Surge 100H, Amazon)
Ready-to-wear brands that give coastal grandmother vibes include goop, J Crew, Madewell, Banana Republic, and Everlane
Similar Trends
tradwife, stealth wealth, quiet luxury, cottagecore
In a world that often feels fast-paced and overwhelming, the coastal grandmother aesthetic offers a breath of fresh, salty air. The trend offers a respite – a romanticized vision of a life lived with comfort, grace, and a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures. This delightfully charming trend pays homage to the effortless elegance and cozy refinement of seaside living, and characters that capture our hearts across generations - grandmothers. The coastal grandmother aesthetic blends the laid-back elegance of coastal living with timeless fashion icons and interior design aesthetics.
The coastal grandmother aesthetic is deeply rooted in the relaxed yet refined lifestyle of those who call the seaside home. It evokes images of breezy linen dresses, cozy knits, and a warm, inviting ambiance reminiscent of coastal retreats. With polished yet understated elegance, the aesthetic reflects a blend of traditional and contemporary coastal design elements, incorporating natural materials, muted color palettes, and a mix of vintage and modern.
The coastal grandmother aesthetic transcends age and demographics, and resonates with people seeking a touch of elegance and a connection to nature in their everyday lives. Young fashionistas look to seasoned style icons for inspiration here, to celebrate the beauty of ageless refinement and the enduring allure of coastal living.
Timeless Seaside Chic: Coastal Grandmother Style Buoys On
While the coastal grandmother aesthetic may have gained widespread recognition relatively recently, its timeless appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of comfort, sophistication, and nostalgia. With a nod towards eco-consciousness and an appreciation for the natural world, the coastal grandmother aesthetic also bends toward sustainability with timeless pieces and a respect for the enviroment.
Coastal grandmother fashion aesthetic evokes breezy and flowy linen dresses with seaside flair | Unsplash
Coastal Grandmother Style Guide: Timeless Effortless Elegance
Fashion:
Breezy yet tailored silhouettes: Airy linen dresses or wide-legged pants can be matched with tailored blazers and classic button-downs. Lightweight sweaters over the shoulder add texture and depth to any ensemble.
Neutral hues and preppy accents: Choose warm, natural colors like beige, white, and navy for effortless color matching. Preppy accents like striped patterns, anchors, and cable knits add a touch of coastal charm. Practical yet stylish - choose leather sandals, such as Birkenstocks, or ballet flats to go with everything.
Hair:
Effortless and natural: Natural hairstyles are the hallmark of the coastal grandmother look. Think tousled waves, soft curls, or sleek bobs – all with a touch of undone sophistication that looks like it’s been walking the beach.
Hair accessories: more for function than fashion, silk scarves and chic headbands add a touch of refinement while also keeping hair back in the breeze.
Makeup:
Understated and polished: Keep it simple with hydrated skin (try Clinique moisturizers) and a focus on enhancing natural beauty. Go for a fresh, dewy complexion with subtly defined eyes.
Subtle lip colors: Add a pop of color on the lips in a light coral or rosy hue with a focus on a timeless yet radiant look.
Accessories:
Classic jewelry and scarves: Everyday and subtle jewelry can include delicate gold necklaces or rings and classic timepieces. Silk scarves and oversized sunglasses can add a touch of elegant vintage flair.
Tote and beach bags: Carry woven tote bags and classic leather handbags.
Nails:
Neatly manicured: Keep nails well groomed and choose neutral shades like soft pinks, nudes, and sheer whites.
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