When you think about the iconic “coastal grandmother” figure in pop culture, style icons like Diane Keaton or Meryl Streep’s characters in Something’s Gotta Give and It’s Complicated, as well as staple figures like Ina Garten and Martha Stewart, might come to mind. Of course, you don’t have to be a grandmother or of a certain age to appreciate the aesthetic. What really matters is the pieces that contribute to the recognizable style! Think breezy linens, soft cotton, cashmere sweaters, and comfortable, yet stylish, footwear. If you’ve ever been curious about how to incorporate coastal grandma style into your own summer looks, keep reading for 9 outfit ideas to help get you started.
1. linen button-down and shorts + sweater + pearls + fisherman sandals + straw hat
button-down | shorts | sweater | sandals | pearl earrings
If you want to get the laid-back, effortlessly elegant vibe of coastal grandma style, lean into the classics. Soft knits, breezy linens, and straw hats are all part of the coastal uniform that you might spy being worn by some of the protagonists in Nancy Meyers’ movies.
When you’re creating a look inspired by the coastal grandmother aesthetic, imagine you’re taking a walk on the beach. You’ll want soft layers that are as comfortable as they are understated and stylish. Layers will also help you prepare for a quick change of weather or wind coming off the water! As for a color palette, use an ocean view. Prioritize neutral shades and soft variations of blues and greens.
For our first look, start with a monochromatic base of a blue linen button-down and shorts. On top, incorporate a new shade and texture with a half-zip sweater. If you get warm, you can always tie it around your shoulders! Next, add your sun protection with a straw lantern hat. Accessorize with a pair of pearl stud earrings (a favorite of Ina Garten) and fisherman sandals to complete the look.
2. striped sweater + white dress + pendant necklace + clogs + straw bag
sweater | dress | clogs | necklace | bag
Part of the coastal grandma lifestyle is enjoying supporting vendors at your local farmer’s market. Browse the local farmstands and pick up a bouquet of fresh flowers in this next look. First, start with a long white dress. This is a great outfit foundation for effortlessly chic coastal style. Next, add a striped navy cardigan on top. Stripes are one of the most important patterns in coastal grandma style.
When it comes to accessories, add texture to your look with a pair of slip-on suede clogs and a woven straw tote. It’s the perfect size for holding all of your market finds. Then, finish the look with timeless, simple jewelry, like a pearl pendant necklace.
3. striped shirt + linen skirt + straw hat + pearls + fisherman sandals + woven bag
skirt | sandals | bag | shirt | pearls | hat
As we already covered, neutrals and natural fabrics are two of the key hallmarks of a coastal grandma’s wardrobe! Choosing quality, breathable fabrics in a timeless color palette helps to elevate even the most casual summer outfits. Depending on your mood, this also helps you to create a wide variety of outfits from a capsule wardrobe selection of pieces that all pair well together.
If you want to elevate a classic jeans and t-shirt outfit, try swapping out your pair of wide-leg pants for a white linen skirt instead. Linen skirts are a great alternative to pants in the summertime – they’ll help you stay even cooler when temperatures rise. Plus, they can add a feminine touch to any look. On top, pair them with a black and white Mariner t-shirt. Accessorize with a straw lantern hat, pearl earrings, fisherman sandals, and a woven bag.
4. linen button-down shirt + linen pants + tank top + sunglasses + espadrille flats
shirt | pants | tank top | shoes | bracelet | sunglasses
Light layers are key if you want to create classy summer outfits that ooze sophistication. Light layers allow you to play around with style without overheating. Get a polished, layered look by pairing fabrics like poplin, cotton, and linen together during the warmest months of the year. These are all breathable materials that don’t trap heat too close to your body!
Start a layered look by pairing a simple gray tank top with white linen pants. The great thing about this look (and many of the looks on this list) is that these are almost all staple pieces that you might already have in your closet! Next, add a white button-down to your look. Leave it open over the tank, so that you can still see some color contrast.
Accessorize with black oval sunglasses, a pair of espadrille flats, and a pearl bracelet to complete your outfit. This is the perfect look to run errands in or enjoy a long lunch on the weekend with friends!
5. linen shirt + striped pants + sweater + pearls + heels + woven bag
shirt | pants | sweater | bag | shoes | necklace | earrings
“Coastal grandma style” might be a current trend on TikTok and Instagram, but at its core, it’s a versatile look that anyone can enjoy wearing, even if they don’t live by the water! If you want to mix up your summer style this year, it’s the perfect aesthetic to find inspiration for effortlessly classy looks that are still warm-weather ready.
And yes, you can elevate the casual coastal grandma aesthetic for dinner! First, start your look with a pair of striped wide-leg pants. Swap out your tie waistband for a regular version for a more polished look. Then, exchange your sandals for a pair of block heels. They’re still comfortable, but give a more elegant touch to your look. Accessorize with a woven bag and pearls to complete the outfit. Enjoy dining out in this outfit, or light the candles at home and enjoy a date night spent on your patio or porch.
6. striped shirt + overalls + straw hat + basket bag + sneakers
striped shirt | overalls | sneakers | basket | straw hat
When it comes to coastal grandma aesthetic, don’t be afraid to incorporate fashion trends from the past! Nostalgic pieces certainly have a home in the cozy, comforting look that we’re going for. Basket bags (like the ones that Jane Birkin helped to make so well-known), overalls, and straw lantern hats are all great examples. Pair these accents with timeless staples like white sneakers and striped t-shirts for a look that feels familiar and effortless.
7. fisherman sweater + white shorts + sun hat + pearls + sandals + boat tote
sweater | shorts | tote bag | sandals | hat | earrings
Speaking of straw hats, go for an oversized brim if you’re looking for maximum sun protection! Not only is this a chic addition to your favorite beach outfit, but it will also keep you cool and prevent you from getting sunburnt during a long afternoon spent by the water.
As for the base of your outfit, try pairing a cable knit sweater with white shorts for a monochromatic look that’s made more interesting thanks to the pairing of a soft cable knit texture with denim. Add a boat tote to hold all of your beach day necessities (beach read included), a pair of pearl earrings, and nautical style fisherman sandals to round out your look.
8. turtleneck + linen pants + pearls + straw hat + raffia tote bag + flats
turtleneck | linen pants | tote bag | pearls | hat | flats
Have fun with unexpected pairings within the coastal grandma aesthetic! If you’re dressing for transitional weather, don’t be afraid to pair your cold and warm weather pieces together. For instance, try styling a light turtleneck with linen pants to help usher in warmer weather come springtime. Then, have fun with the seasonal look with the choices of your accessories. Woven leather sandals, a raffia tote bag, a straw hat, and simple pearl stud earrings complete the look.
9. linen button-down + denim shorts + pearls + baseball cap + sneakers + tote bag
linen shirt | shorts | baseball cap | sneakers | boat tote | earrings
You can elevate your favorite pair of classic denim shorts with the coastal grandma aesthetic. First, pair them with a more polished top, like a striped button-down shirt. Then, add coordinating accessories in a similar color palette. White sneakers go with almost anything, and a canvas boat tote is the perfect bag choice. Add a pair of pearl earrings for an elegant touch, and finish the look with a pop of color in your baseball cap. Now you’re ready for a busy summer Saturday dressed in style!
Coastal Grandma Style for Any Age
Lucky for us, there isn’t an age requirement to enjoy coastal grandma style. If you love effortlessly elegant looks that are also comfortable and cool, you can find a lot of inspiration within the coastal grandma aesthetic. It’s the perfect illustration of the fact that good fashion and style truly have no age!
If you’re loving coastal grandma style, then you’re going to want to read all about how to translate the effortlessly chic look into your interior decorating. Up Next: How to Get the Look of a Nancy Meyers Set Design in Your Own Home
