Combine Martha Stewart [1]'s kitchen with Oprah Winfrey [2]'s garden, and you will achieve the aesthetic du jour known as "coastal grandmother." A phrase coined by TikTok creator Lex Nicoleta [3], the trend, as she explains in a video, refers to those who love "Nancy Meyers movies, coastal vibes, recipes and cooking, Ina Garten, [and] interiors" — among other leisurely activities. "No, you don't have to be a grandmother to be a coastal grandmother," she continues. "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 people living out their retirement fantasies, the aesthetic seems here to stay. Other celebrities who embody the aesthetic include Reese Witherspoon [4], who Nicoleta calls a coastal-grandmother icon in another video [5]. "Besides looking the part in her favorite shade of blue, which also happens to be coastal-grandmother blue," she says, showing a photo of the actress in a ruffled baby-doll minidress. "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 [6], 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 explains in an interview with interview with "Good Morning America [7]." "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 [8] 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 already, but if you're looking for a refresh, here are 15 coastal-grandmother essentials ready to be worn in the waterfront setting of your choosing.
Coastal-Grandmother Outfit Ideas: H&M Oversized Cotton Shirt
A button-down top like H&M's Oversized Cotton Shirt [10] ($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 [11] ($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 [12] ($20) is perfect for your 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 [13] ($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 ultracomfortable and stylish Madewell Sophia Midi Dress [14] ($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 [15] ($39, originally $115) is waiting to be packed for your next vacation. It will pair nicely with weekend promenades in the South.
Coastal-Grandmother Outfit Ideas: Mango Leather Braided Sandals
These Mango Leather Braided Sandals [16] ($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 [17] ($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 [18] ($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 Color Holiday Bucket Hat
There's something undeniably cool about a bucket hat, and this Lack of Color Holiday Bucket Hatt [19] ($129) is no exception. It provides both all-day style and protection from the sun.
Coastal-Grandmother Outfit Ideas: Elisa Johnson Gigi Sunglasses
Add practical elegance to any look with these Elisa Johnson Gigi Sunglasses [20] ($130). They have a retro-inspired feel that instantly dresses up your breezy ensembles.