Photo: Getty Images
The “Coastal Grandmother” aesthetic has been coined as the ultimate vibe for the summer—in an unexpected turn of events, you’re going to want to raid your grandma’s closet.
Coined by TikTok creator Lex Nicoleta, the term "coastal grandmother" describes a laid-back lifestyle inspired by romantic, feel-good movies like "You've Got Mail" and "Something's Gotta Give." The best part is, you don't have to be a grandma or live by the beach to keep up with this trend.
In terms of fashion: button-down shirts, straight-leg pants, Provençal market baskets, linen caftans, and pashmina shawls are essential to encapsulating the coastal grandma outfit. Though this trend is a tad more minimalist, as it leans into neutral hues and eschews elaborate pattern-mixing. For further inspiration, study the outfits of some heroines who live in filmmaker Nancy Meyers’ movies from the early aughts, like Erica Berry (Diane Keaton) in Something’s Gotta Give and Jane Adler (Meryl Streep) of It’s Complicated.
The key to dressing like a coastal grandmother is, first and foremost, a button-down shirt. The piece exudes effortless class and is easy to style. Wear it tucked in or open, with a tank top underneath, and pair it with everything from shorts and swimwear (it makes for a great beach cover-up) to chinos, jeans, leggings.
Other pieces to try: pajama sets, bleached denim jeans, neutral knitwear, loafers, a hat (probably the bucket variety), linen pants, and a woven tote bag.
It's also infiltrated the world of interior design. Coastal grandmother is about utilizing what you have available to you in the form of heirlooms and mixing it with elements that encourage relaxation and calm. The design emphasizes lighter, monochrome versions that feel more laid-back.