Do you love linen outfits, beach houses, and Ina Garten? If so, you might identify with the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic. Lex Nicoleta coined the term to describe the world of Nancy Meyers movies—think neutral tones, natural fibers, and breezy evenings seaside.
The Coastal Grandmother's go-to outfit is an air-dried linen button-down, linen pants or navy jeans, and woven sandals or loafers. Her closet is filled with cotton shirts and muted tones, but clothing is only one aspect of this lifestyle. Being a Coastal Grandmother is also about how one lives their life. It's filled with gardening, home-cooked meals, fresh-cut hydrangeas, and time with loved ones, like her granddaughter, the coastal cowgirl.
Explore the different components of the Coastal Grandmother lifestyle, from the best shirts to wear to the best ways to spend the day.
Button-Down Shirt
The button-down shirt is the cornerstone of the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic. The most classic of styles, a white button-down, preferably made of 100 percent cotton, is essential. It can be thrown on as a beach cover-up, paired with linen pants, or peeking out under a cashmere sweater - the options are endless.
Striped Sweaters
A striped sweater is the quintessential nautical piece to stay warm on cool summer evenings. A Breton stripe is timeless, an essential theme in the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic.
Muted Florals
Subtle hints of greens, blues, and purples are a reminder of the Coastal Grandmother's love of gardening. As spending time in nature is a requirement for a balanced and calm lifestyle, incorporating floral imagery is a must.
Loafers
Loafers of all styles are favored by the Coastal Grandmother. Both sensible and stylish, this classic piece of footwear is a staple in the seaside closet. There are many ways to wear loafers, but the preferred style is simple jeans and a button-down shirt.
Wicker Bags
A wicker bag is the only purse the Coastal Grandmother needs. The material's natural color goes with all of the neutrals in her closet, and it is sturdy enough to double as a picnic bag for a day on the beach. It's a reminder of summer during the winter months, and effortlessly chic year-round.
Gardening
If there's one thing the Coastal Grandmother loves to do, it's tend to her garden. It is an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy fresh air. A tenet of the coastal lifestyle is spending time outside and taking care of the environment, making gardening a popular activity. If a garden is too much of a commitment, fresh-cut flowers in each room will do, especially if they're hydrangeas.
Dinner Parties
Cooking is a skill, and we can't all be Ina Garten. Yet, throwing a dinner party to enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family embodies what being a Coastal Grandmother is all about—the little things in life. Mastering a dish to serve guests will fare you well, as everything tastes better when cooked with love. Gathering around a table, preferably outdoors, is the best way to end the day, especially with fresh, organic food.