As someone who lives near the ocean, I find myself quite comfortable embracing a coastal ease aesthetic. Truth be told, I wasn’t even aware this aesthetic was even a thing until its rise in popularity last year.
And I’ve been leaning into it quite heavily of late. Style-wise at least, not so much with the gardening, cooking, and chardonnay sipping. When shopping lately, the pieces I’ve been buying are definitely leaning towards understated, flowy, and in decidedly more timeless tones. This hasn’t stopped me from adding a couple of pops of color here and there (see Stepping Forward: S/S ’23 Footwear Review) as my mood might strike, but more often, I’m opting for neutrals.
If you need a refresher, it’s TikTok influencer Lex Nicoleta who has been credited with defining “Coastal Grandmother” not only as a style trend but as a lifestyle as well. Often referenced images are of Martha Stewart, Ina Garten, and Diane Kenton as well as the many Nancy Meyer movies. It’s a style that is relaxed yet still planned, not too starchy button-down, and yet built on classic wardrobe staples. Color palettes are typically a mix of neutrals like white, tan, and pale gray along with accent shades of blue and green.
Apparently, there’s no age or seaside residency requirement for this aesthetic as Ms Nicoleta herself says “you can be a coastal grandmother whether or not you live by the coast, and whether or not you’re a grandmother”. Even so, there are some who take exception to the use of the word “grandmother”. It seemed like once again a style that had been often referred to as frumpy and old-fashioned was now cool because younger people were embracing it. Alternate terms like “coastal chic” and “coastal vibe” popped up here and there in response. My preferred version is coastal ease.
My particular twist on coastal ease is with a color palette that’s a bit moodier. A mix of darker neutrals as well a light ones along with a liberal use of black. In fact, this is the general palette we used when decorating the beach community home that we bought 4½ years ago. Back then I had called it “modern coastal” as opposed to the more typical beach cottage aesthetic that is mostly shades of white, blues, sea glass, and driftwood.
The ensemble that I’m sporting in these photos is my quintessential coastal ease look. With a lightweight chunky-knit cardigan, flowy zebra print wide-leg pants, and ballet-style flats, I’m ready for brunch or a stroll along a quaint main street or even watching the sun as it sets on the horizon.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. Today’s featured post from the last link-up, Summer Style in White and Grey, was added by Mireille over at Chez Mireille. Along with sharing this fabulous warm-weather look, Mireille says she’s looking forward to “a full summer, but also enjoying the laziness of it as well as the little moments!”
Since settling in on the coastal ease aesthetic, I’ve found it easier to realize the reason I’m not wearing some of the items in my wardrobe. Besides those that are unfortunately a bit to snug, there are many items that no longer fit me stylistically. This is a good thing as it will help me in evaluating which pieces I should clear out with no regrets. How have your style choices been changing recently?
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Photo credit: MMPerez
17 Comments
I am constantly going through my closet, and the biggest question I ask is: “Does this fit my life now?” My larger problem is what to do with those items that don’t. I have taken several things to a consignment store, but I don’t think many have sold. I don’t ever have much luck on Poshmark either (any tricks there). So, I just have lots of piles sitting around! Thanks for the link party! I hope you’ll join in on 10 on the 10th!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Coastal ease is a style that really suits you! Chic and easy. Thanks for the link-up.
I love your take on coastal style! I adore the relaxed silhouette but like even more that you added a bold print with the wide leg pants. That gives this look the pop that I love! Thanks for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
I have always admired that coastal grandmother style that so many elegant yet casual women wore on the big screen, It seems so comfortable and easy to wear yet still looks so chic. Love how you made this your own using colors you like.
Thanks for the link up Rena!
xo,
Kellyann
Lovely styling
https://www.melodyjacob.com/
Modern coastal is a great substitute name! Forget tailoring, wide legs, a relaxed silhouette, uncomplicated color scheme, perfect comfort for many women – and the simplicity invariably adds a touch of chic.
What a lovely black stripe outfit. Love it, seems very comfortable.
Thank you so much for the linkup, have a great summer
my entries for this week: #23+24+25
I am totally digging those zebra slacks! I tried lots of variations until my style finally began to gel. And once it did, I was done with fashion blogging – hence the retirement of my Funky Fashion Style blog. And I find I have nearly an entire closet full clothes that don’t suit my style. (Hello Poshmark!) I don’t know if my personal style fits into one category – it’s a little Bohemian, a little edgy. Fun post, Rena!
Love this twist on the coastal aesthetic – relaxed and flowy but with a more dramatic color palette including black for a higher contrast take on the idea! “Coastal” doesn’t have to mean beige and chambray.
You wear it well Rena, love the wide leg trousers. Thanks for hosting the linkup. Jacqui x
I literally joked I was channeling my inner Diane Keaton yesterday wearing my white pants with my ivory sweater and enjoying feeling rather laid back. Coastal Grandmother is definitely an aesthetic I could get behind despite not being a grandmother.
Love how you styled the trend and made the look your own. Those wide leg trousers are fabulous!
Jill – Doused in Pink
It’s a very relaxed look. Anything you feel good in is great isn’t it!
Thanks for hosting the party! Hope your weekend is fantastic.
Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
I much prefer your name for the style, Rena, Coastal Ease sounds way better than Coastal Grandmother (not because I have anything against the word Grandmother – it’s just your title sounds more to do with style!). As for the style, is it more about the flowiness or the colours? I’m not sure I’ve quite grasped it lol (I blame my hormonal brain…!). I must look up that TikTok influencer and read a bit more about it!
But you look fabulous, nonetheless. I love the floaty trousers!
Big hugs
Suzy x
Thanks for the feature! I was on vacation and just came back! I love this different take on coastal chic!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com