If you’ve ever watched a Nancy Meyers film, chances are you’re familiar with a certain aesthetic: a house on the beach, breezy neutral-coloured linens and glasses of wine in a large, sunny kitchen. Whether you’ve seen It’s Complicated or Something’s Gotta Give, a Nancy Meyers movie embodies older women who are living their best lives as well-dressed coastal grandmothers, which is likely why younger generations are now turning to TikTok to live out their sunhat-wearing, fresh fruit-eating, Ina Garten-loving dreams.
@lexnicoleta GRAN EXPLAINED #coastalgrandmother ♬ This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
TikTok user @lexnicoleta coined the term and explained that you don’t actually need to be a grandmother to embrace the coastal grandmother lifestyle. It’s really for anyone who enjoys cozy, beachy vibes and loves to cook; it’s for the girl who would rather stay in and watch a movie than go out on a Saturday night.
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The coastal grandmother is a gorgeous fashion choice, but it’s also more than that. Sure, we love a good cashmere cardigan paired with khakis or linen pants, but anyone can dress cute. To be a coastal grandmother is to reject fast-paced hustle culture in favour of living slow. It’s about eating fresh produce from your garden, enjoying nature and indulging in savoury homemade meals. It’s embracing relaxing evenings gardening and walking along the beach. It’s curling up with a blanket instead of turning up at the club, or if you’re a celebrity, it’s staying in and watching a rom-com instead of attending awards shows.
If you’re ready to try out the coastal grandmother lifestyle, start by envisioning the cast of Big Little Lies frolicking on the beach with their comfiest cardigans on. Then, think about picking up some essentials:
- White linen outfits — whether it’s a shirt or some cute linen pants, stay comfy while also looking beach-ready.
- A chic sunhat — this is self-explanatory really.
- A cozy wrap or cardigan — you’ll need this for all your evening strolls.
- Cute cookware — whatever dishes you’re whipping up, do so in style.
- A good book — you need something to curl up with at nighttime.
@blissfullybrynn The best vibes ☕️🌊🌾🍋👒📖✍🏼 #nancymeyers #coastalgrandmother #grandmillennial #grandmillennialstyle #fyp #foryou #aesthetic #blueandwhite #newenglandmom ♬ This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
Here are our fave celebs embodying the coastal grandmother lifestyle:
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Oprah
With her love of gardening and sunhats, Oprah is a coastal grandmother through and through.
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Selena Gomez
The actress loves to cook and spend time with her family and friends, plus this cardigan is giving us all the cozy coastal beachy vibes.
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Taylor Swift
The Grammy-winning singer loves a good coastal moment.
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Anne Hathaway
The actress made this perfect post and showed off her perfect coastal grandmother outfit of neutral staple pieces.
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