What is the “coastal grandma” aesthetic, and how do you style it if you decide to embrace this slightly puzzling but totally appealing luxury fashion trend? Our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy explains the coastal grandma (or grandmother) aesthetic, and shows 12 looks to inform how to style this new luxury fashion trend from TikTok by way of classic Nancy Meyer movies.
What is the coastal grandma (or grandmother) aesthetic? And why is it on-trend now?
TikTok has spoken. The latest viral fashion trend to emerge from the social media platform favored by GenZ is here. And its quite unexpected. It’s called Coastal Grandma (or Grandmother). And it basically involves dressing as if you’re starring in a classic Nancy Meyers movie. Think Diane Keaton in “Something’s Gotta Give,” and you’re there.
What is the coastal grandma aesthetic and how do you style this new TikTok fashion trend derived from a classic Nancy Meyers movie?
It’s resting on your laurels after a fulfilling creative career, surrounded by plush taupe and ecru décor with an elevated farmhouse kitchen – all with an ocean breeze blowing through. And the heroines have coastal comfort down to a science. It’s aspirational but achievable. Elevated but casual. Luxurious, but quietly so.
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Coined by TikTok creator Lex Nicoleta, the trend is, at its heart, elevated loungewear for the summer. Although it’s inspired by grandmas, the clothing is for everyone who wants to be cozy but still look elegant and well…rich.
What is the coastal grandma aesthetic and how do you style this new TikTok fashion trend derived from a classic Nancy Meyers movie?
Think clothing and accessories made from natural fibers like linen, cotton, silk, and straw all cut in timeless and flattering silhouettes. We’d be remiss not to mention color (or lack thereof). A Coastal Grandma embraces neutrals spanning cream to sand to caramel with pops of sky blue and sunset pinks.
Just thinking of it puts us in a gauzy, dreamy mood. Here are 12 must-have wardrobe staples to channel Coastal Grandma ASAP. Now, all we need is a chunky knit blanket as we sit back with a glass of wine on our terrace overlooking the ocean.
12 Essential Wardrobe 2022 Pieces to Buy if you Love coastal grandma
1. The Wraparound Cardigan
The first thing every aspiring Coastal Grandma needs is an ivory cardigan to wrap themselves in. This one from Joseph is made from a luxuriously cozy blend of cotton, wool and cashmere with patch pockets that are perfect for stashing tissues and cough drops.
BUY NOW – $835.
2. The Flowy Pant
Sweatpants are for the youngsters. These chic cotton voile Max Mara pants are the laid-back and comfy alternative for strolls at the beach and farmer’s market.
BUY NOW – $165.
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3. The Embroidered Top
Elegant meets casual with artisanal embroidery from Miguelina, a brand that has perfected jet-set chic. This tailored blouse is perfect for spending the day brunching and shopping with the ladies.
BUY NOW – $168.
4. The Breezy Maxi Skirt
An elasticated waistband is every Coastal Grandma’s best friend but that doesn’t mean she has to look dowdy. Joseph’s silk habotai skirt with a crinkled plissé would look nonchalant and romantic with a simple tee.
BUY NOW – $665.
5. The Linen Shirt
A washed linen shirt should be at the top of every beachy ensemble. This utilitarian khaki button down from Alex Mill has a no-nonsense attitude just like every mature woman has the right to have.
The luxury coastal grandma fashion trend of 2022. Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $135.
6. The Linen Pant
Sometimes a dignified tailored pant is in order but rendered in breathable linen and suddenly the pleated, high waist style doesn’t feel so serious at all. Reformation’s version has a flattering ankle length with nautical stripes.
BUY NOW – $178.
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7. The Oversized Tunic
From beach cover-up to weekend outings, Johnny Was’ floral tunic has just the pop of color and whimsy to enliven the mood. Without trying too hard, of course.
BUY NOW – $228.
8. The Shirt Dress
With a subtle block print, this linen shirt dress from Faherty brings an airy and casual look for entertaining around the kitchen island. It’s just as easy to dress up for dining alfresco with layered jewelry and a platform sandal.
BUY NOW – $168.
9. The Graceful Nightgown
The billowing nightgown is a Coastal Grandma must-have. Ethereal, floaty, but most of all — relaxing. This DÔEN nightgown features delicate floral embroidery and eyelet trim while a functional grosgrain drawstring at the scoop neck allows for a perfect fit.
BUY NOW – $218.
10. The Sun Hat
Made from a linen and cotton blend, Erdem’s bucket hat is elevated with flora embroidery and grosgrain trim. In washed neutrals, it pairs effortlessly with any coastal outfit.
BUY NOW – $440.
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11. The Straw Tote
Coastal Grandmas eschew the luxury logos for a simple crochet straw tote. Each piece from Nannacay is handmade and supports the unique craftsmanship of local artisans from Brazil, Perú, and Ecuador.
BUY NOW – $309.
12. The Sensible Shoe
The perfect slip on shoe for beachside activities is soft, sturdy and versatile…and not a flip-flop. Nisolo is one of our favorite brands that support living wages and this handwoven shoe features cushioned insoles and premium leather.
BUY NOW – $180.
12 Essential Wardrobe 2022 Pieces to Buy if you Love coastal grandma
We’ve featured several TikTok-inspired trends over the past few months from cottagecore to grannycore to balletcore but we have to say, we hope Coastal Grandma and that Nancy Meyers movie vibe stick around! If looking flowy and comfy is stylish, count us in.
join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier Newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.
This article contains affiliate links to products independently selected by our editors. As an Amazon Associate, Dandelion Chandelier receives a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links.
Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.
