Coastal Grandmother Style, popularized by celebrities like Diane Keaton, is not just about fashion but encompasses a lifestyle characterized by comfort and elegance. This aesthetic, often associated with serene locations like the Hamptons, features key elements such as cozy sweaters and linen pants, prompting many to wonder: what is it called? Although "Coastal Grandmother" is the common term, some may explore other names to describe the same easy and chic style.
Unveiling the Coastal Grandmother Aesthetic
Imagine this: a sun-drenched porch, the gentle sound of waves in the distance, a glass of chilled white wine in hand.
You’re wrapped in a soft linen throw, watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of pink and orange.
Inside, a kitchen awaits, filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and the promise of a comforting meal. This, my friends, is a glimpse into the allure of the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic.
What Exactly Is Coastal Grandmother Style?
So, what exactly does it mean to be a Coastal Grandmother?
It’s more than just a style; it’s a lifestyle.
It’s about embracing relaxed elegance, timelessness, and a certain understated sophistication that comes with affluent coastal living.
Think Nancy Meyers movie sets come to life: a blend of comfort, classic design, and effortless chic.
At its heart, the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic is about creating a haven of calm and beauty, both in your personal style and in your living space.
It’s about prioritizing quality over quantity, and embracing the simple pleasures of life.
The TikTok Origin Story
You might be wondering where this intriguing term originated.
All credit goes to Lex Nicoleta, a Gen Z TikTok creator, who brilliantly coined the phrase "Coastal Grandmother."
Her videos perfectly captured the essence of this aesthetic, resonating with viewers of all ages who were drawn to its comforting and aspirational qualities.
Lex essentially packaged a previously unnamed concept into something instantly recognizable and desirable.
Why is Coastal Grandmother Style So Appealing?
In a world often dominated by fleeting trends and fast fashion, the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic offers a refreshing alternative.
Its appeal lies in its emphasis on comfort, timelessness, and escapism.
It’s a rejection of the constant pressure to keep up with the latest fads, and an embrace of a more relaxed and intentional way of living.
The Coastal Grandmother vibe taps into a longing for simpler times and a yearning for a life filled with beauty, tranquility, and connection.
Ultimately, it’s an aspirational aesthetic but one that is also attainable. It is a way to bring a sense of peace and understated elegance into everyday life.
Dressing the Part: Coastal Grandmother Style Essentials
So, you’re drawn to the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic, and you’re ready to embody the look. Excellent! The good news is, achieving this effortless style is easier than you might think. It’s all about embracing comfort, quality, and classic pieces that evoke a sense of relaxed elegance.
Let’s dive into the key elements that will help you curate your own Coastal Grandmother wardrobe.
The Foundation: A Neutral Color Palette
The Coastal Grandmother style begins and ends with a foundation of neutral colors. Think of the beach – whites, creams, beiges, soft blues reminiscent of the sea, and gentle grays that mirror the coastal fog.
These colors create a calming and sophisticated base for your outfits, allowing you to mix and match pieces with ease. Avoid harsh or overly bright colors; instead, opt for muted tones that feel natural and understated.
Embrace Natural Fabrics
Fabric choice is crucial for achieving the relaxed, effortless feel of the Coastal Grandmother look. Linen and cotton are your best friends. These natural fibers are breathable, comfortable, and drape beautifully.
Linen, in particular, has a slightly rumpled texture that adds to the overall sense of ease and nonchalance.
Imagine a breezy linen shirt paired with cotton trousers – the epitome of Coastal Grandmother chic!
Key Clothing Pieces: Building Your Wardrobe
Now, let’s talk about specific pieces you’ll want to incorporate into your wardrobe.
Oversized Sweaters
A cozy, oversized sweater is a Coastal Grandmother staple.
Look for cable knits, chunky textures, or simple, classic designs in neutral colors.
Throw it over a button-down shirt or wear it on its own with relaxed-fit pants for an instantly chic and comfortable outfit.
Relaxed-Fit Pants
Say goodbye to restrictive jeans and hello to comfortable, relaxed-fit pants.
Think linen trousers, wide-leg pants, or even tailored chinos in light colors. The key is to choose styles that allow you to move freely and feel at ease.
Classic Button-Downs
A crisp, white button-down shirt is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down.
Wear it tucked into trousers for a more polished look, or leave it unbuttoned over a tank top for a casual vibe.
Roll up the sleeves for an even more relaxed feel.
Comfortable Shoes
Footwear is all about comfort and practicality. Sandals, espadrilles, boat shoes, or even simple sneakers are all great choices.
Avoid anything too flashy or uncomfortable. The goal is to choose shoes that allow you to stroll along the beach or run errands in comfort and style.
Diane Keaton: The Ultimate Coastal Grandmother Muse
When it comes to embodying the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic, look no further than Diane Keaton. Her signature style is a perfect example of what this trend is all about: effortless chic, comfortable silhouettes, and a timeless sense of elegance.
Keaton’s knack for layering pieces, pairing oversized sweaters with wide-leg pants, and accessorizing with simple jewelry is spot-on with this aesthetic.
Where to Shop: Finding Your Coastal Grandmother Pieces
If you’re wondering where to find pieces that fit the Coastal Grandmother style, several brands and retailers are worth checking out.
Eileen Fisher is a fantastic option, known for its minimalist designs, high-quality natural fabrics, and commitment to sustainability.
Other great places to look include stores like J.Crew, Ralph Lauren, and Everlane, which offer a range of classic pieces in neutral colors and natural fibers.
Don’t forget to check out vintage and consignment stores for unique, one-of-a-kind finds that will add character to your wardrobe.
Ultimately, the Coastal Grandmother style is about embracing comfort, quality, and timelessness. By focusing on a neutral color palette, natural fabrics, and key clothing pieces, you can easily create a wardrobe that embodies this relaxed and elegant aesthetic.
Creating a Coastal Sanctuary: Home Decor and Ambiance
The Coastal Grandmother aesthetic isn’t just about what you wear; it’s about how you live. It’s about cultivating a home that feels like a constant vacation – a place where comfort reigns supreme and every detail whispers of the sea. Think relaxed luxury; where elegance meets unwavering ease.
Here’s how to transform your home into a Coastal Grandmother haven.
The Foundation: A Neutral Palette Revisited
Just as with your wardrobe, a neutral color palette is the cornerstone of Coastal Grandmother home decor. Think whites, creams, soft beiges, muted blues, and gentle grays.
These calming colors create a serene backdrop, allowing natural light to flood the space and making everything feel airy and bright.
Consider painting walls in a soft white or creamy off-white, and then layering in other neutrals through furniture and accessories.
Essential Textures: Natural Fibers are Key
Texture is vital for adding depth and interest to a neutral space. And natural fibers are absolutely essential.
Linen curtains billowing in the breeze, a chunky cotton throw draped over the sofa, a natural jute rug underfoot – these elements bring warmth and character to a room.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different textures to create a layered, inviting feel. For example, pair smooth linen with nubby wool or rough-hewn wood.
Decor Elements: The Little Touches That Matter
It’s the details that truly bring the Coastal Grandmother vision to life. Incorporate elements that evoke the coast and create a sense of relaxed sophistication.
Seashells and Coastal Accents
Gather seashells from your favorite beach and display them in glass jars or bowls. Consider framed nautical charts or artwork featuring seascapes or sailboats. Weathered driftwood can also add an authentic coastal touch.
Woven Baskets
Woven baskets are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Use them to store blankets, magazines, or even potted plants. Their natural texture adds warmth and visual interest.
Comfortable Furniture
Opt for furniture that prioritizes comfort and relaxation. A plush sofa, oversized armchairs, and a cozy reading nook are all essential. Slipcovered furniture in linen or cotton is a great choice for a relaxed, unfussy look.
Nancy Meyers: The Queen of Cozy Coastal Homes
If you need visual inspiration, look no further than the films of Nancy Meyers. Movies like Something’s Gotta Give and Father of the Bride showcase idyllic, cozy homes with all of the hallmarks of the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic: relaxed elegance, comfortable furniture, and an abundance of natural light.
Pay close attention to the details – the way she uses color, texture, and accessories to create spaces that feel both beautiful and inviting.
Where to Find Your Treasures: Shopping Inspiration
Many brands cater to this aesthetic. For high-quality pieces with a focus on natural materials, check out Serena & Lily.
Their selection of furniture, bedding, and accessories perfectly captures the Coastal Grandmother vibe.
Other great resources include stores like Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, and even antique stores or flea markets where you can find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Inspirational Locales: Embodying the Vibe
To truly grasp the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic, consider the real-world locations that epitomize this style.
The Hamptons with their grand yet understated homes are a good place to start. Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard are known for their charming cottages, New England coastal homes and Northern California’s laid-back elegance also are perfect examples of the Coastal Grandmother ideal.
These places offer a wealth of inspiration for creating your own coastal sanctuary. Visiting them can help you to translate this vision to your place.
Ultimately, creating a Coastal Grandmother home is about more than just buying the right furniture and accessories. It’s about creating a space that feels like a true reflection of your personality and your love for the coast. Embrace comfort, simplicity, and timelessness, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a home that is both beautiful and inviting.
Living the Coastal Grandmother Lifestyle: Beyond the Look
The Coastal Grandmother aesthetic is more than just a look; it’s a lifestyle. It’s an attitude, a way of approaching the world that emphasizes comfort, connection, and savoring life’s simple pleasures. It’s about creating a life that feels as good as it looks. This isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about cultivating a timeless sense of well-being.
So how do you embody the Coastal Grandmother lifestyle? It all starts with embracing the values at its heart.
Comfort is Key: Prioritizing Ease and Relaxation
First and foremost, comfort reigns supreme. This extends beyond your clothing choices and home decor to encompass your entire approach to daily living.
That means surrounding yourself with things that bring you joy and ease. It also involves letting go of unnecessary stress and obligations.
Think of it as curating a life that feels like a soft, well-worn linen shirt. Comfortable, familiar, and effortlessly chic.
Channeling Your Inner Ina Garten: The Art of Simple Pleasures
If there’s one figure who embodies the Coastal Grandmother lifestyle, it’s Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa.
She exemplifies the joy of cooking simple, delicious meals, tending a garden, and entertaining loved ones with warmth and grace.
Her approach to life is all about savoring the present moment and appreciating the beauty of everyday experiences. This is the ultimate path.
Cooking with Love: From Garden to Table
Embrace the joy of cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Visit your local farmer’s market, try growing your own herbs and vegetables, and experiment with simple recipes that highlight the natural flavors of your ingredients.
Cooking becomes an act of self-care and a way to connect with others when approached with intention and pleasure.
Gardening as Therapy: Nurturing Beauty and Growth
Spending time in nature has countless benefits for your physical and mental well-being. Gardening is a wonderful way to connect with the earth, nurture beauty, and cultivate a sense of peace.
Whether you have a sprawling garden or a small balcony, tending to plants can be a deeply rewarding experience.
Effortless Entertaining: Gathering with Loved Ones
Forget elaborate parties and fussy decorations. The Coastal Grandmother approach to entertaining is all about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere where guests can relax and feel at home.
Focus on good food, good conversation, and genuine connection.
Embracing Timeless Activities: Slowing Down and Savoring Life
The Coastal Grandmother lifestyle is about embracing activities that bring you joy and help you slow down and savor the present moment.
This might include taking leisurely walks on the beach, reading a good book in a cozy armchair, knitting a chunky sweater, or simply spending time with loved ones.
- Beach Walks: Embrace the peace and quiet of a solo beach walk, or bring loved ones.
- Reading Nook: Create a nook at home that inspires you with books and soft pillows.
The key is to prioritize activities that nourish your soul and help you connect with yourself and the world around you.
Timelessness: Investing in Enduring Quality
Finally, the Coastal Grandmother lifestyle emphasizes timelessness. This means investing in classic pieces that will last for years to come, both in your wardrobe and your home.
It also means focusing on activities and relationships that are enduring and meaningful.
This is about creating a life that is built on a foundation of quality, authenticity, and lasting value.
Ultimately, living the Coastal Grandmother lifestyle is about creating a life that is both beautiful and fulfilling. It’s about embracing comfort, simplicity, and timelessness, and savoring the simple pleasures that make life worth living. It’s less about the things and more about the feeling.
Finding Your Coastal Grandmother Inspiration: Adapting the Trend
Okay, so you’re vibing with the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic, but where do you go from here? It’s one thing to understand the principles, but quite another to make it your own. The beauty of this trend lies in its adaptability. It’s not about rigid adherence, but rather about curating a look and a lifestyle that resonates with your personal style.
So, let’s talk about finding inspiration and, more importantly, how to translate that inspiration into something uniquely you.
The Social Media Goldmine: Pinterest and TikTok
Let’s be honest: the Coastal Grandmother trend wouldn’t be what it is without social media. Platforms like Pinterest and TikTok have been instrumental in its rise, offering a treasure trove of visual inspiration.
These platforms allow you to discover how others are interpreting and embodying the aesthetic.
Pinterest: Your Visual Mood Board
Pinterest is your ultimate mood board. Search terms like “Coastal Grandmother,” “Hamptons Home Decor,” “Ina Garten Kitchen,” or “Relaxed Linen Outfits” to unearth a wealth of images.
Pay attention to the recurring themes, color palettes, and individual pieces that catch your eye. Create your own boards to organize your favorite looks and ideas.
This will allow you to identify specific elements you want to incorporate.
TikTok: A Real-Life Look at the Lifestyle
TikTok offers a more dynamic perspective. Search for the #CoastalGrandmother hashtag to find videos showcasing outfits, home tours, and even snippets of daily life that embody the trend.
What’s especially useful on TikTok is seeing how people are actually living the lifestyle – not just staged photos, but real-life examples.
Seeing the trend in action will help you visualize how you can integrate these elements into your own world.
Personalization is Key: Making it Yours
Here’s the most important thing to remember: don’t simply copy and paste. The Coastal Grandmother aesthetic should be a starting point, not a rigid template. The goal is to personalize this trend and make it reflect your unique style and preferences.
Consider these points when adapting the trend:
What Elements Resonate With You?
Do you love the idea of a cozy reading nook, but you aren’t a huge fan of seashells? Focus on the comfy armchair, the soft lighting, and the stack of books, and skip the nautical decor.
Are you drawn to the relaxed clothing, but prefer a more modern silhouette? Choose oversized linen shirts, but pair them with tailored pants instead of flowing wide-leg trousers.
Incorporate Existing Pieces
You likely already own items that fit the Coastal Grandmother vibe. That chunky knit sweater you love? Perfect. That set of blue and white china you inherited from your grandmother? Even better!
Integrating existing pieces not only saves money but also adds a layer of personal history and authenticity to your look.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
The Coastal Grandmother aesthetic is all about comfort and ease, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works for you. Try different color combinations, fabric textures, and decor elements until you create a space and a wardrobe that feels both beautiful and truly you.
There’s no right or wrong way to embrace this trend as long as you are embracing the values it represents.
The only “rule” is to create a life and aesthetic that bring you joy and a sense of calm. Ultimately, that’s the true essence of the Coastal Grandmother vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coastal Grandmother Style
Is “Coastal Grandmother” the only name for this style?
No, while "Coastal Grandmother" is the most popular and widely recognized term, sometimes you might hear it referred to as "coastal chic," "effortless elegance," or even just "coastal style." But "Coastal Grandmother" is what it is called most often.
What are some other terms used interchangeably with Coastal Grandmother style?
Related terms include "Hamptons style," "classic American," and "Nancy Meyers aesthetic," due to its influence from her films. However, these are broader terms and not exactly what it is called, as Coastal Grandmother is more specific.
If I’m not a grandmother, can I still embrace this style?
Absolutely! The "Coastal Grandmother" moniker is more about the relaxed, comfortable, and sophisticated lifestyle it embodies, not necessarily age or familial status. Don’t let the name deter you from enjoying what it is called—Coastal Grandmother style.
Why is it called Coastal *Grandmother* style?
The name highlights the comfortable, lived-in elegance associated with a grandmother’s relaxed coastal home. Think of cozy sweaters, a well-loved garden, and a focus on simple pleasures, which are characteristics of what it is called.
So, whether you’re actually a grandmother living by the coast or just dreaming of that lifestyle, embracing what is called "Coastal Grandmother" style is all about comfort, elegance, and a touch of that serene seaside vibe. Go ahead, grab your favorite cashmere sweater, brew a pot of tea, and let that inner Coastal Grandmother shine!