How to Dress Like a Coastal Grandmother (It's My Whole Summer Aesthetic)

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

There’s no doubt about it, TikTok is responsible for many micro fashion trends, including the return of all things Y2K—from mini skirts to butterfly prints. Recently, though, there’s an aesthetic taking over that so many of us are already on board with, without even realising, enter: "Coastal Grandmother”. More than just a look, this trend has become an entire vibe for summer. Inspired by wealthy, middle-aged women—think Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give—and you’ll get the outfit part sorted.

We’re talking linen button-down shirts, matching white linen wide-leg trousers or jeans teamed with practical accessories including oversized tote bags (to carry refreshments), sun hats, and comfy yet chic easy-to-walk-in sandals. Of course you would also take a classic cashmere jumper or cardigan to shoulder robe. 

Expect your hobbies to include finding a nook to read your most recent book, taking seaside strolls to a seafood restaurant for lunch with friends and preparing meals for all the family, all while dressed in white linen, naturally. Sound divine? Keep scrolling to see how our fashion friends are embracing their inner coastal grandma and the 6 items you need to try it for yourself.

Ways To Wear The Coastal Grandmother Aesthetic

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(Image credit: @abimarvel)

Style Notes: Abisola even captioned this pic "Coastal Grandma" and made her birthday party guests aware this was the theme. It's all about the linen trousers and cardigan combo for us. 

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(Image credit: @bubblyaquarius)

Style Notes: Looking as chic as ever, Rachael styles her Anine Bing comfy trousers with Fisherman sandals and shoulder-robes a cardigan. A rich grandmother would never leave the house without layers. 

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Style Notes: The only thing that would complete this crisp white shirt, tailored rousers and Hermes sandals look is a yacht. Wardrobe staples never fail. 

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: Floaty linen dresses are a coastal grandmother staple, and Monikh styles hers with a practical jacket and sandals. Of course she has a giant tote bag to carry all the essentials, too. 

5 Items To Achieve The Look

1. Linen Shirt 

2. Comfy Sandals 

3. Classic Knitwear

4. Sun Hats

5. White Trousers or Jeans

6. Tote Bag

Next up, 9 biggest bikini trends of the summer

Freelance Fashion Editor

Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor who has been part of Who What Wear's extended team since 2017. She previously worked in print at Look magazine and has since worked across print, digital and social for many other titles, including British Vogue, Stylist, Grazia, Refinery29 and Marie Claire. Also a stylist, Harriet has had the pleasure of producing cover shoots and editorials along with commercial shoots for brands including Boux Avenue, Watches of Switzerland, Benefit Cosmetics and Revolution. To add to this, Harriet also works in live TV styling for ITV’s This Morning.

Back to Who What Wear. With hundreds of published stories on site, Harriet knows what the WWW reader wants. Keeping up to date with the latest It buys and runway trends, she can guarantee to keep you one step ahead of the most stylish people.

When not writing or styling, Harriet loves to go shopping (yes, more fashion). If she’s not in a local Hackney bar or restaurant, you can find her forever searching for her next holiday destination.