Origins of the Coastal Grandmother Aesthetic
First, let's delve into the roots of the coastal grandmother aesthetic. Understanding its origins will provide insight into how the trend has evolved over time, focusing specifically on the coastal grandmother.
The journey began with "grandmillennial" style, the younger generation's interpretation of bold, traditional prints and styles adorned with chintz, florals, needlepoint, fringe, and ruffles.
Then emerged "Nancy Meyers chic," paying homage to the classic and cozy American aesthetic featured in the filmmaker's movies like Father of the Bride, The Holiday, It's Complicated, and Something's Gotta Give.
Now, the coastal grandmother aesthetic, an offshoot of Nancy Meyers chic, has taken TikTok and other social media platforms by storm. Millennials everywhere are captivated by this trend.
Renowned social media influencer Lex Nicoleta (Instagram; TikTok) coined the fabulous phrase, so be sure to follow her for more inspiration!
As a devoted fan of Nancy Meyers' films myself, I was intrigued to explore this aesthetic. I've even designed my own kitchen inspired by Something's Gotta Give and have a deep appreciation for Father of the Bride. I often find solace in cooking while listening to the Nancy Meyers' kitchen Spotify playlist.
Let's dive into the coastal grandmother aesthetic together!
What is Coastal Grandmother Aesthetic?
The coastal grandmother aesthetic draws inspiration from the clean and classic style of middle-aged, affluent women who reside in luxurious oceanfront properties, akin to Diane Keaton's character in Something's Gotta Give set in the Hamptons.
Coastal grandmothers embrace cashmere and linen, relish in gardening, take leisurely walks along the slightly windy beach, and savor white wine while engrossed in their favorite reads on the wraparound porch.
Their open-concept kitchens are embellished with neutral and natural elements such as butcher block and rattan, where they effortlessly whip up fresh meals with ingredients sourced from farmers' markets. Soft jazz and oldies provide the perfect background ambiance.
Jenna Bush Hager, a celebrity book lover, described the coastal grandmother aesthetic as a "breezy beige feel" on The Today Show. Even the influential book-loving icon Oprah is renowned for her adoption of this style. You can often catch glimpses of her immersed in a book, surrounded by her dogs, all while dressed in a sensible outfit, shared on her social media platforms.
In essence, the coastal grandmother aesthetic beautifully intertwines literature and lifestyle – a theme cherished on this website!
How to Embrace the Coastal Grandmother Aesthetic
Coastal Grandmother Hobbies
Let's take a peek into the bustling schedule of a coastal grandmother, offering a glimpse into how she spends her day:
- Rise and sip a hot beverage on the front porch, welcoming the sunrise in a thoughtfully coordinated pajama set.
- Engage in a refreshing round of yoga or pilates, or take your furry companion for a beach stroll to invigorate your senses.
- Change into capri pants and clogs, collect fresh herbs and flowers (such as hydrangeas) from your garden to be used later.
- Enjoy a relaxing bubble bath, wrap yourself in a plush robe, and then slip into cozy cashmere attire, achieving both comfort and style.
- Adorn your head with a straw hat and carry a straw tote as you visit the local bakery and farmers' market, exploring the freshest offerings.
- Embark on an antiquing adventure or enroll in a pottery or art class. Return home to arrange a casual and intimate dinner party.
- Multitask throughout the day, ensuring you express gratitude through handwritten thank-you notes and tidy up your art room.
- Prepare fresh lemonade with lemons from a bowl on your countertop, allowing it to infuse with flavor.
- Pour a glass of chardonnay, select an Ina Garten cookbook from your open shelving, and create a tantalizing pasta dish infused with the vegetables and herbs you gathered throughout the day.
- Set a welcoming tablescape with soft candles, striped cloth napkins, rattan placemats, and stoneware lovingly designed by your own hands.
- Transition into lightweight and elegant linen attire, allowing you to host your guests, engaging in lighthearted laughter and thought-provoking conversations for hours.
- Allow a coastal grandmother playlist to accompany the enchanting ambiance, featuring songs like "Everlasting Love" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," along with relaxing tunes by the talented Norah Jones.
Bid farewell to your guests at a reasonable hour and gracefully retire to your matching pajama set, accompanied by a cable knit throw, as you unwind on your beige couch.
Select a coastal grandmother movie from the following captivating choices:
- Something's Gotta Give (my personal favorite)
- It's Complicated
- Nights in Rodanthe
- Because I Said So
- Book Club (perfect for book lovers!)
If time permits, indulge in a few pages of an enthralling coastal grandmother book as you relax in your Adirondack chair, allowing the hours to gently slip away:
- "The Love Season" by Elin Hilderbrand: quintessential coastal grandmother vibes, as a middle-aged chef on Nantucket navigates the challenge of breaking up her goddaughter's engagement.
- Any or all of Jane Austen's books: timeless romance that coastal grandmothers are allured by.
- "The Summer Place" by Jennifer Weiner (similar to Elin Hilderbrand): this multi-generational Cape Cod novel was inspired by coastal grandmothers, as acknowledged by the author herself.
- "The Most Fun We Ever Had" by Claire Lombardo: evoking the essence of parenthood.
- "Under the Tuscan Sun" by Frances Mayes: a captivating tale of starting over in Italy later in life.
Finally, allow the gentle coastal breeze and the soothing sound of ocean waves to lull you into a restful slumber, dreaming of your next day lived within the coastal grandmother aesthetic.
Coastal Grandmother Beach House Decor
A coastal grandmother's abode ideally resides in a prosperous beach town, such as the Hamptons, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, or Newport. These homes often feature wooden shingles and boast a crisp, clean, and neutral interior design.
Beach-inspired colors, like soothing blues, predominate the decor, with subtle and rare prints, often in stripes. Natural elements such as straw and rattan are thoughtfully incorporated throughout the living spaces.
The kitchen, characterized by an open concept and complemented by open shelving, abounds with charming details, including a bowl of lemons, ginger jars, hydrangea arrangements, an Ina Garten cookbook, fresh fruits and vegetables, butcher block surfaces, wood cutting boards, a tea kettle on the stove, and a nearby watering can.
To curate your own coastal grandmother home decor, consider browsing stores such as Serena & Lily, Williams Sonoma, and Target. Discover some of my favorite coastal grandmother home decor below:
- Bestseller: This two-tier fruit storage basket, a favorite among readers of The Literary Lifestyle.
Coastal Grandmother Style Clothing
Coastal grandmothers epitomize elegance in their choice of clothing. Embrace the coastal grandmother aesthetic by incorporating the following wardrobe essentials:
- Neutral-colored chinos and capris for comfortable walks along the beach.
- Luxurious cashmere garments, exuding sophistication.
- Airy linen pieces, perfect for leisurely strolls and warm weather.
- Shirt dresses and white turtlenecks, even during the summer months.
- Decorative scarves and classic button-down shirts for timeless style.
- Light-colored, well-fitted denim, allowing for both comfort and versatility.
- Bucket hats and driving shoes, simultaneously protecting from the sun while providing effortless grace.
- Straw bags and totes, marrying style and practicality.
- Button-down cardigans, either worn conventionally or tied over the shoulders on warmer days.
- Sun visors for a touch of elegance.
- Matching pajama sets, a staple for every coastal grandmother.
Discover coastal grandmother clothing at Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Chico's, Vineyard Vines, and Talbots. Explore some of my favorite coastal grandmother clothing options for summer below:
- Bestseller: This Amazon The Drop Women's Brigitte Chunky Button Front Pocket Ribbed Cardigan, cherished by readers of The Literary Lifestyle.
Conclusion
With this epic guide, you now possess a wealth of knowledge about the coastal grandmother aesthetic. From understanding its essence to embracing it fully, including home decor choices, hobbies, and clothing selections, you are prepared to immerse yourself in the coastal grandmother lifestyle. Embrace this trend, savouring every moment as you explore what it means to be a coastal grandmother.
