I’m relatively new to the term “coastal grandmother” but as soon as I learned what it is I realized it is me. Are you familiar with the term? Coastal grandmother style is an entire lifestyle inspired by the aesthetic portrayed in Nancy Meyers’ movies. Perhaps you’ve always felt an affinity to Diane Keaton’s character in Something’s Gotta Give. Not gonna lie, from the fabulous beach house setting to her wardrobe I always admired Diane Keaton’s effortless beach aesthetic in that movie. These women tend to have wardrobes that project outer calm even when the women themselves are dealing with inner turmoil.
The coastal grandmother aesthetic is rooted in beachside minimalism. She is not Lily Pulitzer preppy. A coastal grandmother wears white, tan and shades of blue and green with a straw hat or handbag. For an evening with friends she wears a loose fitting linen button down with broken in boyfriend jeans loosely rolled at the cuff. There’s a lot of cream, linen, and cashmere in her closet and you’ll definitely find a few turtlenecks hanging in her closet too. I’m reminded of another “coastal grandmother” style icon — Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. Is an image forming in your mind?
The Essential Pieces To Coastal Grandmother Style
:: Oversized Button Down Shirt. An oversized button down is a staple for coastal grandmother style. It is simple, effortless, and laid back. Wear it over a tank, knot it or partially tuck it in to a pair of boyfriend jeans.
:: Linen Wide Leg Pants. Cool linen or beachy gauze wide leg pants exude effortless beach style.
:: Boyfriend Jeans. These are the kind of cool broken-in straight or wide leg denim jeans that hang low on the waist. Denim blue jeans are often rolled at the bottom.
:: Puff Sleeve Dress. A coastal grandmother is never without a puff sleeve dress — long or short, in light denim or white.
:: Bucket Hat. A bucket hat is essential for sun protection while you work in your garden or for long walks on the beach with your rescue dog.
:: Straw Bag. A coastal grandmother fills her oversized straw bag after a stop at the local farmer’s market.
:: Slides. Practical and stylish, the coastal grandmother look is completed with flats or platform slides in a neutral tan or white.
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