Why “coastal chic” is my new style mantra
I’m not a grandmother, and am at best coastal-adjacent. But I must admit that I’m still drawn to the aesthetic that was dubbed “Coastal Grandmother” last year. I’m planning my summer wardrobe capsules around a version of this look I’m calling “coastal chic.” It suits our California casual lifestyle, yet still feels put-together.
I’m apparently not the only one, either. Several of my women friends and acquaintances (some in their 20’s-30’s) tell me they still love this aesthetic, and find it speaks to their desire for simplicity and ease.
You don’t have to BE coastal to incorporate a coastal vibe into your wardrobe. I think this is a style that could work in any casual environment, whether or not you live near a beach. 🏖️
A relaxed “coastal chic” capsule wardrobe
TEE | CARDIGAN | BRETON PULLOVER | CHINOS | JEANS | LANTERN JEANS
BAG | BRACELETS | ESPADRILLES | SANDALS
While Coastal Grandmother was hyped as a major trend last year, in reality it’s anything but trendy. At its core, coastal grandmother style is all about comfort and relaxation. Soft, natural fabrics like cotton and linen are favored, along with muted colors and simple patterns. It’s a style that’s both approachable and sophisticated. I think it’s an effortless look that can be adapted to suit all ages and most style personalities and preferences.
MIDDLE: SUNGLASSES | BAG | ESPADRILLES
RIGHT: SWEATER | JEANS | BRACELET
The simple basics that comprise this aesthetic are timeless, and should last in your wardrobe for years. And they can easily be re-mixed with new items as you update your wardrobe. As such, they can be worth investing in, so if you love this look, buy the best quality you can afford.
The capsule wardrobe I’ve put together here is mostly warm, but most of the pieces shown are also available in cool colors. While I think the “coastal chic” look works best with neutrals, you can also add some color accents here and there.
In the coming weeks, I’ll be creating more of these coastal chic capsules for different seasonal palettes and for some of the different style personalities.
More ideas for your coastal chic capsule
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I love the style but I am more of a peacock to be satisfied with this simple coastal chic aesthetic. I wish this cool Parisian, sophisticated style was my style. Unfortunately I am more of a loud person and I cannot change it.
Greetje
Coastal chic or not, I’m really enjoying your new more relaxed vibe; it really resonates with me and my lifestyle. Hey, we women of a certain age can still rock some pretty cool looks without resorting to pastel tracksuits and sensible shoes!
I only learned of the “coastal grandmother” style somewhat recently and it makes me laugh. It suits me to a T! In recent months I’ve been purging and refining my wardrobe, and have bought quite a bit that fits this style. I look forward to your posts about it! BTW, I do have a home on the coast, but am not officially a grandmother yet. I hope to be blessed with grandkids someday. I turn 60 at the end of May and I’ve been thinking about what I want for myself in this next phase of life.
I do love the CG vibe but I need color! I’m a Summer and need mid-tone and jewel-tone colors. So I’d try to recreate the styles but hopefully in my colors.
Coastal Chic sounds perfect. This is the style I’ve worn for the last decade, or more, when we head to our summer house for the summer. Who knew it would ever become a ‘trend?’
I’m a light summer in colouring and would love to see your recommendations.
Very relaxing vibe, but I look washed out in these colors now with my newly grown out white hair, I have gone with more color these days like, magentas, teals, navy, raspberry pink, royal blue, periwinkle etc. Where what looks good on you.
One of my favorite looks. I’ve basically always dressed this way with a little more color interjected into the mix. I’m a bit of a minimalist with a strong leaning towards simplicity and ease.
I love the emphasis on natural fibers and textures. Nice!
I think you are the epitome of California coastal chic, which in my mind is slightly different than, say, Charleston coastal chic.
I’ll down with Coastal Chic. Also not a grandma or even a mama. As a summer palate person I think this will guide me well this summer. Continue to love your thoughts. I think of you often these days and send you supportive vibes.
Ann in Missouri and Kentucky
I am so frustrated this season with the shrinking proportions of tops! I need a top to be at least 26″ to cover me to my waist, and prefer an inch or two longer for security. The cardigan you picture at top has about a 21″ length and the Breton pullover (which I love the look of) is 22″!!
Please please post a variety of lengths whenever possible for those of us who are taller and I guess longer-waited. I am too old to go around with an inch of tummy showing!
Hi Cinzia, take a look at Chico’s for longer sweaters & tops. And I’ve included a few longer tops/sweaters in the widget at the bottom of the post.
Cinzia, I’m also tall and like 30″ knit tops and 31 inch woven tops. Basically, until this cropped top phase passes, I’m wearing a lot of linen or cotton blouses. Eileen Fisher provides the bulk of my longer clothing, purchased on eBay for a song.
J.Jill also offers many of their styles in Tall lengths. https://bit.ly/2VmFxuY
I love this style and I’d love to know how to adapt it for me. I’m a bright spring who, once upon a time, had dark brown hair with red-gold lowlights, strong dark eyebrows and sallow skin. Now, after illnesses and aging etc, (I’m 68) I have thinning light grey/white hair, miniscule eyebrows and pale skin. Help! I don’t look like myself any more. I really don’t know what colours to wear. I look washed out in neutrals but I am uncomfortable in bright colours as I feel they look too garish on me. Even gold coloured jewelry looks wrong. My lifestyle is very casual and the weather here is temperate, though somewhat colder and wetter than your sunny clime!
I’d be very interested in a piece on how to create a casual basic wardrobe of neutrals for women who have let their hair revert to their new natural colour of white/light grey and who now look faded and washed out and unlike themselves any more.
Like others have mentioned, I love the Parisian simplicity of the coastal look but require more vibrant colors to suit both my winter coloring and my outgoing personality. Susan, I would love to see your suggestions for creating a wardrobe with coastal but colorful items. Thank you so much for what you do. I always enjoy reading your posts even when the colors or styles don’t suit me.
This Third Coast grandma loves everything you’re doing here! The neutrals, the comfort, the chic. Thank you, Susan!
Great choices Susan—thank you! I’m wondering if you’ve tried the Breton sweater and/or the cardi? I really like the Breton sweater! These choices definitely suit my lifestyle. Still cooler up here in Northern California but I think we’ve got some warmer weather coming soon!
I have the Breton sweater on order, hope to have it later this week. I haven’t tried the cardi.
I too love the casualness of “coastal” – my personal choice for my casual lifestyle. Thanks for the postings. I do have a comment – can the “widgets” be posted on something other than a white background. The light colored fashion does not show up against a white background. Thank you.
Thanks Diane! If you’re referring to the product gallery at the bottom of the post, those are the retailers’ images, which I’m unable to change.
Love the natural fiber fabrics. I too am a true summer, hopefully you will post options for the other seasons, thanks so much.
Burnished winter here. I have a hard time finding Stone and Mole online so I am excited to see your recommendations. I have been reading your blog for years and followed along with your Red Leopard experience. Keep up the great work!
Coastal chic is my preferred summer aesthetic, too. There’s an ocean somewhere!
btw did you like the Reset pants you posted a few back?? I liked the look of them! thanks so much!
They were a little too voluminous for me, but they are very nice!
I went to a get together / club meeting earlier this week and every mom was wearing sort of the coastal casual look. It’s just comfy for summer!