A Coastal Grandmother Reimagined
Coastal styles have been gaining popularity since 2022, and the adaptations of this style and the personas that come with it have been getting creative. If you haven’t already seen the Coastal Grandmother trend on TikTok or Instagram, you might have noticed an influx of linen clothing, sophisticated sandals and classy summer midi dresses. While these relaxed seaside clothing pieces may have been already working their way back into trends, social media and the establishment of the Coastal Grandmother and now the Coastal Granddaughter have created mass popularity for the aesthetic.
The Coastal Granddaughter Style Break Down
Achieving the Coastal Granddaughter style is simple once you have an aesthetic understanding of it. Like the Grandmother counterpart of this style, linen materials and an understated tone are essential. Instead of thinking “vacation getaway” or more tropical clothes, consider a New England summer or beachfront.
The essence signals a quiet confidence and that you — for lack of better words —have your life put together but are laid back about it. Materials are breezy, made for long days in the sun, followed by cooler evenings. Shades should be off-whites, blues and true neutrals. Other colors work harmoniously with this look as long as they are not too loud – reach for muted tones and patterns that aren’t distracting, like thin stripes.
A Coastal Granddaughter, in short, is not necessarily all that different from the Coastal Grandmother look, but rather a youthful reinterpretation. She goes for the same color palettes, fabrics and patterns — she even partakes in complimentary hobbies like gardening and cooking. But unlike the Grandmother, she isn’t afraid to wear her hair a little messy or accessorize with statement pieces. TikToker @Wishbonekitchen is one example of an individual who encapsulates the essence of this style well.
Here are the Basics You’ll Need
Now that you have an overview of the general vibe, the next step would be to curate your wardrobe. The good news is that many of these pieces may already be in your closet. Much of the Coastal Granddaughter style is intuitive, meaning that you really only need to consider practical clothes you would wear on a breezy beach day. However, if you need inspiration, we’ve got you covered.
Some wardrobe basics include oversized button-down shirts, linen pants, midi dresses that can be dressed up or down, beachy accessories like a big sun hat and classy sandals. The goal is to create a laid-back, nautical look that looks straight out of Martha’s Vineyard.
TikToker @annehodgins gives us a thorough breakdown of the necessary closet staples in her video:
The Aura and Lifestyle
Finally, being a Coastal Granddaughter is not just a fashion trend – it’s a lifestyle. Like any persona, looking the part is one half of it, and the other is feeling it through actions that align. Our one true Coastal Grandma, Ina Garten, is the perfect example of living this relaxed beachside lifestyle on top of looking the part.
Consider shopping for fresh ingredients at farmer’s markets, taking more bike rides and reading out in the sun. The aesthetic aspects of the beachy lifestyle are just an outward manifestation of a more internal way of living and philosophy. The style and the accompanying attitude are reminiscent of long days at the beach, summer afternoons spent in markets and gardens and an overall slow way of living — at least through the warmer months.
