3 Ways to Pull Off the Coastal Grandmother Style

The latest TikTok-inspired trend, Coastal Grandmother style — was 100 percent made for me (just check out these outfits). It’s basically been my summer aesthetic since I first entered the Gap at the tender age of five. The look is timeless, effortless, and the right mix of comfy and put-together that I love for summer. It’s not too tight, slightly oversized without being so big you have to be a super model to pull it off. If you haven’t seen it trending all over TikTok and Insta, the trending aesthetic (that I would argue has always been in style but that apparently, is “cool” now) can basically be summed up as a Nancy Meyers movie. It’s effortless and elegant and to me is embodied by breezy button-ups, linen pants and Superga sneakers — which is basically all I want to be wearing when I move into my future beach house and entertain every chance I get.

Still looking for a more specific definition of coastal grandmother style? According to Southern Living, “Coastal grandmothers are those who are effortlessly stylish (but in a comfy way), have a put-together presence (without trying too hard), know how to be the best hostess (while never breaking a sweat), and appreciate the finer things (yet still feel approachable).” And well, that just sounds like everything I (rather unsuccessfully I should add) aspire to be. It’s how I imagine my style evolving when my kids get a bit older and I have time to garden, really entertain more than toddlers and serve more than pizza and chicken fingers, to wear white and own white furniture, and to take long walks on the beach without carrying a trunk-load of beach gear.

But of course I am thrilled to see its moment come right now, allowing me to whip out some of my favorite closet pieces and put together some breezy looks for the summer. Since I’m particularly excited about the coastal grandmother style, I thought I’d share three ways to fully embrace the look.