Lifestyle

Are You A Coastal Grandmother?

Have you spotted #coastalgrandmother that’s all over TikTok? Here’s what it is and how to get the look.

The #coastalgrandmother hashtag has been trending on social feeds since summer. If you’re not one of its 100million who’s spied it on TikTok, here’s the down-low on the aesthetic and how to get the look.

Forget dowdy granny chic. A coastal grandmother vibe crosses fashion, lifestyle and interiors, encapsulating minimal, easy-living comfort with an east coast feel. Originally inspired by the cosy aesthetic of Nancy Meyer’s movies, synonyms for coastal grandmother could be timeless, simple, high-quality or classic – all with a nostalgic tinge. In short, if you’re dressed like Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give, you’re doing it right.

The ‘grandmother’ element references the wholesome lifestyle pursuits of a #coastalgrandmother, ironically an aesthetic popular with twenty-somethings. Think farmers’ market trips, gardening, antiquing, seasonal baking, walks on the beach, reading and journaling: offline, outdoorsy, gentler lifestyles that hark back to simpler, pre-digital days.

The ‘coastal’ part references Hamptons-style clapperboard homes, relaxed heirloom pieces, eclectic yet considered style and a neutral palette. It’s a chicer, more luxe take on a traditional nautical theme.

Fashion-wise, a coastal grandmother look is all laid-back, 90s-inspired pieces: stolen boyfriend shirts, washed vintage denim, cable-knit jumpers thrown casually over the shoulders, loafers, gold jewellery and woven accessories. A new edge to a ‘preppy’ look, with a more relaxed, oversized fit.

Get A Coastal Grandmother Capsule Wardrobe



A coastal grandmother wardrobe is all about investing in high quality, neutral, hard-working pieces. They won’t date. You can mix and match them. And they don’t nod to any specific trend, but give a classic, timeless look.

By Lydia Mansi
February 2023
M&S

M&S

Linen Wide Legged Trousers, £39

Veja

Veja

Rio Branco Trainers, £125

Paravel

Paravel

Cabana Leather And Canvas Tote, £185

Petit Bateau

Petit Bateau

Breton Striped Top, £94

Anine Bing

Anine Bing

Jeremy Baseball Cap, £76

Le Specs

Le Specs

Momala Sunglasses, £40

Birkenstock

Birkenstock

Boston Suede in Stone, £115

WNU

WNU

The Boyfriend Navy Stripe, £110

Arket

Arket

Relaxed Cotton Stripe Jumper, £69

Chinti & Parker

Chinti & Parker

Camel Cashmere Relaxed Collar Sweater, NOW £110

Abercrombie

Abercrombie

High Rise 90s Relaxed Jeans, £72