Coastal Chic in 2025: Refreshing a Classic Aesthetic
Is Coastal Grandmother style still relevant, or has it drifted out to sea with past seasons’ trends? A reader recently asked me this question, and the answer is…well, it depends. What’s often labeled “Coastal Grandmother” (or “Coastal Chic,” as I prefer) isn’t just a trend, it’s a relaxed, refined aesthetic built on timeless staples with classic shapes, natural fibers, and neutral hues. But like any style, it evolves. The key isn’t whether it’s “in” or “out,” but how you make it your own. By approaching this look with your personal style in mind, you can keep it feeling fresh, modern, and uniquely you.
A Coastal Chic style update…
BRACELET | FRAGRANCE | SANDALS | BAG
Modern jewelry and fun sandals add personal touches.
But trends have become more amorphous and diluted in the past 15 years or so, and even the most timeless styles evolve. I find the most literal interpretation of any trend will look dated much more quickly. By developing your personal style, incorporating trends selectively, and putting your own spin on any aesthetic, you’ll build a wardrobe with a much longer shelf life.
One of the things I love about the Coastal Chic aesthetic is that it’s relatively easy to personalize:
- Rather than going with an all-neutral palette, add pieces with some of your best colors. A shirt, a scarf or other accessories are all excellent ways to bring in some color.
- Jewelry that has personal meaning or a distinct look can add your personal POV. Don’t be afraid to mix in bold, modern or artisanal pieces.
- Play with silhouettes and textures. Rather than sticking to the most generic pieces, look for interesting details (like the contrasting stripes of the sleeves of the shirt above).
If you’ve always loved the relaxed elegance of the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic, there’s no reason to abandon it—just give it a little refresh. A coastal chic style update can be as simple as mixing in modern silhouettes, updated accessories, or a fresh take on color. The key is to make it feel authentic to you. Trends may come and go, but personal style has staying power. What are your thoughts on the Coastal Chic look—still a favorite, or ready for retirement? I’d love to hear in the comments.
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I pretty much live in coastal chic but do put my own twist on it by adding a few trending pieces. I keep them mostly in neutrals or chambray colors so they blend seamlessly. I also like a slightly more fitted cut since I’m an hourglass and get a little lost in the billowy styles you often see in coastal chic.
Although I wouldn’t say it’s exactly my personal style (I like more color and pattern), I think there are enough classic elements to appreciate and to have staying power. After all, hasn’t Ina Garten dressed this way for decades? She still looks well put together, charming, and authentic.
on everything you say! This aesthetic will always be around. You posted a winter palette version a few years ago (?) (bright blue/white with hits of fuchsia, pine green, red) that has become my summer bible. This year I’ve “prepped” it up evn more with a polo shirt, boat shoes and fisherman sandals. I’m so behind making looks your own with your colors, your own special jewelry/accessories and items you have collected on your journey. Excuse me while I go grab my green boat and tote! Btw have a good look at LLBean and you will see where Frank and Eileen get some of their design ideas…still in style for sure!
Coastal chic has always been my style.I just really like it on me.
I love the movement toward one’s own personal style–not that I recognize my own quite yet 😉 I grew up with ‘coastal chic’ (having grown up on the beach in Long Beach) but I think Southern California’s aesthetic is much more casual than the East Coast’s interpretation. Diane Keaton looked elegant and timeless in Something’s Got to Give because that look *is* timeless. My own interpretation will continue to be beat up jeans, a man’s shirt, sandals and one simple piece of jewelry. I love your emphasis on personal style–Allison Bornstein is all for that as well.
And here I am, asking “what, exactly, is coastal chic?” I see pictures but nothing strikes me as unique or particularly definable. Just nice, comfortable, ordinary. What am I missing?
I am here for the coastal chic look, especially in the summer. It reminds me of summers spent up north on Lake Michigan with my family. Easy outfits that seamlessly coordinate with each other. It’s any outfit you can wear a heavy cotton pullover knit sweater over, IMO. I think of JCrew and Banana Republic in the late 80’s. I still wear a similar style, but I’ve included more prints and flowing fabrics. I could still wear a cotton sweater over anything I have, except now it’s more often a cardigan instead of a pullover.
I like a lot of this style but it needs to be more tailored for me. Love the navy blue sunglasses! I have an ll bean tote from 1986 that I use for the farmers market. Maybe it’s time to get a new one!
It’s not my only “look” but it’s one of my favorites especially in summer. I think for these reasons: it lends itself to varying temperatures because of layering. It’s comfortable and classic. It’s easy to add something personal or on trend. And because a lighter navy is one of my better “neutral” colors.
I am afraid I tend to like quirky clothes more than aesthetic ones. But each to his own (if that is the right expression.
Greetje
Definitely still a favourite for me, especially for summer. Coastal chic fits my personal style perfectly… classy, casual, and comfortable.
I wouldn’t say this is my style, but I sure do love those pearl earrings. Yum.
I really like the blues.
Hi, I have been looking for ideas that would be “coastal grandma goes to a wedding”….or a graduation, or special event. In case you need an idea for a post. 🙂
Love the capsule wardrobes. You previously posted instructions on how to create a capsule from your own closet to create a mix and match assortment. It was very valuable information. Would you link me to it? Thank you.
Hi Dee, Thanks! Here’s the first post: Build Your Casual Winter Capsule Wardrobe and the second: Effortless Style: Casual Looks from My Capsule Wardrobe
Thank you, Susan!
Can you please send me the video for the “Quarter Windsor knot cotton scarf.”
I read all of your posts!
Thank you!
Hi Angela, I’m not able to post a video in comments, but here’s a link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK-XJeDhv12/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=YzJzN2tsb2x5anlk