Coastal-Grandmother Aesthetic
How to Dress Like a Coastal Grandmother, According to TikTok
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Combine Martha Stewart's kitchen with Oprah Winfrey's garden and you will achieve the aesthetic du jour known as "coastal grandmother." A phrase coined by TikTok creator Lex Nicoleta, the trend as she explains in a video, refers to those who love "Nancy Meyers movies, coastal vibes, recipes and cooking, Ina Garten, interiors" — among other leisurely activities. "No, you don't have to be a grandmother to be a coastal grandmother," she continued. "It's for anyone and everyone." Nicoleta even created a Spotify playlist, turning the idea into a full-fledged lifestyle trend anyone can tap into.
Today, with millions of views and a feed populated with clothing hauls, outfit of the day videos, and content of people living out their retirement fantasies, the aesthetic seems here to stay. Other celebrities who embody the aesthetic include Reese Witherspoon, who Nicoleta calls a coastal grandmother icon in another video. "Besides looking the part in her favourite shade of blue, which also happens to be coastal grandmother blue," she said, showing a photo of the actress in a ruffled babydoll mini dress. "She owns Draper James, her clothing company that serves Southern coastal grandmother energy." Indeed, with its assortment of prairie dresses, puff sleeve tops, and field jackets blending "classic American style with Southern charm" per its website, Witherspoon's label stands out as a leading purveyor of the coastal grandmother aesthetic. What's more, as Nicoleta highlights, the 46-year-old star also launched a book club and created a special rosé in partnership with SIMI Winery, which Nicoleta describes as the coastal grandmother's "go-to summer drink." If you're still unclear on what the trend entails, read on for everything you need to know.
What is the coastal grandmother aesthetic?
Picture yourself dozing off poolside in a white button-down shirt, a glass of rosé in hand. Or perhaps you're treating yourself to a picnic after a morning of gardening. In both scenarios, you'd be living out the coastal grandmother dream. "It's really just focusing on romanticizing your life and cultivating little moments of happiness," Nicoleta further explained in an interview with interview with Good Morning America. "Reading on your patio or cooking in your kitchen or making your morning coffee."
What are coastal grandmother outfit ideas?
The coastal grandmother aesthetic starts with a wardrobe of easygoing shirts, breezy dresses, and spring-ready sun hats. According to Nicoleta, coastal grandmother wardrobe staples include white button-down shirts, beachy bucket hats, white dresses (something with a delicate silhouette), linen pants or shorts, retro sunglasses, and functional-yet-stylish sandals. You likely have several of these pieces in your closet, but if you're looking for a refresh, here are 15 coastal grandmother essentials ready to be worn in waterfront setting of your choosing.
Martha Stewart in a Coastal Grandmother Blouse
Oprah Winfrey Gardening in a Coastal Grandmother Sun Hat
Coastal Grandmother Outfit Ideas: H&M Oversized Cotton Shirt
A button-down top like H&M's Oversized Cotton Shirt ($18) is a staple in the coastal grandmother's closet, and you will get plenty of use out of it in your day-to-day wear. Layer over a linen dress for peak CG energy.
Coastal Grandmother Outfit Ideas: Banana Republic Castello Linen Pants
Linen pants are summer essentials in a coastal grandmother's closet, and these Banana Republic Castello Linen Pants ($120) will make an easy-breezy statement anywhere you go. Pair them with a button-down shirt, and you're ready for a stylish beach day.
Coastal Grandmother Outfit Ideas: H&M Smocked-bodice Dress
This H&M Smocked-bodice Dress ($20) is perfect for the next picnic. Pair it with a straw hat and comfortable slide sandals, and you'll have achieved the aesthetic seamlessly.
Coastal Grandmother Outfit Ideas: Madewell Embroidered Gingham Faux-Wrap Tie-Waist Midi Dress
Who doesn't love a pocket dress? This Madewell Embroidered Gingham Faux-Wrap Tie-Waist Midi Dress ($128) makes a practical and stylish addition to any closet. Bring it out for the next garden party or beach weekend.
Coastal Grandmother Outfit Ideas: Madewell Sophia Midi Dress
It doesn't get any more practical than this ultra comfortable and stylish Madewell Sophia Midi Dress ($128). Pair it with slide sandals and you're ready for the next picnic.
Coastal Grandmother Outfit Ideas: Draper James Kimberly Smocked Dress
This Draper James Kimberly Smocked Dress ($85, originally $115) is waiting to be packed for your next holiday. It will pair nicely with weekend promenades in the South.
Coastal Grandmother Outfit Ideas: Mango Leather Braided Sandals
These Mango Leather Braided Sandals ($60) make a comfortable and versatile addition to your shoe rotation. You'll get so much wear out of them, plus the shape will never really go out of style.
Coastal Grandmother Outfit Ideas: Mango Printed Scarf
Embellish any look instantly with this charming Mango Printed Scarf ($20). It'll pair nicely with a wide-brim hat, a button-down shirt, and linen pants.
Coastal Grandmother Outfit Ideas: Free People Shady Character Packable Wide Brim Hat
You'll turn to this Free People Shady Character Packable Wide Brim Hat ($68) every summer for beach days and brunch parties alike. Wear it with a tiered poplin dress with puff sleeves for maximum effect.
Coastal Grandmother Outfit Ideas: Lack of Colour Holiday Bucket Hat
There's something undeniably cool about a bucket hat, and this Lack of Colour Holiday Bucket Hatt ($129) is no exception. It provides both protection from the sun and all-day style.
Coastal Grandmother Outfit Ideas: Elisa Johnson Gigi Sunglasses
Add practical elegance to any look with these Elisa Johnson Gigi Sunglasses ($130). They have a retro-inspired feel that instantly dresses up your breezy ensembles.
