Forget dowdy granny chic. A coastal grandmother vibe crosses fashion, lifestyle and interiors, encapsulating minimal, easy-living comfort with an east coast feel. Originally inspired by the cosy aesthetic of Nancy Meyer’s movies, synonyms for coastal grandmother could be timeless, simple, high-quality or classic – all with a nostalgic tinge. In short, if you’re dressed like Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give, you’re doing it right.
The ‘grandmother’ element references the wholesome lifestyle pursuits of a #coastalgrandmother, ironically an aesthetic popular with twenty-somethings. Think farmers’ market trips, gardening, antiquing, seasonal baking, walks on the beach, reading and journaling: offline, outdoorsy, gentler lifestyles that hark back to simpler, pre-digital days.
The ‘coastal’ part references Hamptons-style clapperboard homes, relaxed heirloom pieces, eclectic yet considered style and a neutral palette. It’s a chicer, more luxe take on a traditional nautical theme.
Fashion-wise, a coastal grandmother look is all laid-back, 90s-inspired pieces: stolen boyfriend shirts, washed vintage denim, cable-knit jumpers thrown casually over the shoulders, loafers, gold jewellery and woven accessories. A new edge to a ‘preppy’ look, with a more relaxed, oversized fit.
Get A Coastal Grandmother Capsule Wardrobe
A coastal grandmother wardrobe is all about investing in high quality, neutral, hard-working pieces. They won’t date. You can mix and match them. And they don’t nod to any specific trend, but give a classic, timeless look.
By Lydia Mansi
February 2023
