For a minute or two in the past month or so, the term “coastal grandmother” was getting a lot of hype. If by some chance the buzz about this aesthetic has passed you by, just call to mind Diane Kenton’s character in the movie Something’s Got To Give for a quick visual.
Happily, “coastal grandmother” isn’t one of those ironic trends, like mom jeans and dad sneakers, that the younger set has been convinced by fast fashion to try for a hot minute. Despite the name, one shouldn’t assume that this aesthetic is limited by gender or age. Being an actual grandmother isn’t required nor is living along a coast. For some, living along a coast conjures images of warm, tropical beaches and days lounging on the sand wearing little more than a bathing suit. My preferences run more along the lines of rugged shorelines with picturesque lighthouses bundled up in a handmade sweater.
I’ve shared before that as retirement approached, The Husband and I made the leap to fulfill a dream of living by the ocean. As in walking distance. It was a primary factor for us in deciding on where we would relocate to. But where many might have embraced the lifestyle as “flip flops and tan lines”, our approach has been just as casual but a bit more refined. Even in the styling of our home, we steered away from the typical white and pastel “beach cottage” aesthetic and landed more in the realm of “modern coastal” with moodier greens and blues.
Upon hearing the term “coastal grandmother” and reading about it, my first thought was “I feel seen”. This was the vibe I’d been embracing both in the evolution of the clothing as well as my life in general. It was one of those haha moments … “oh, so that’s what I can call my style.” Not surprisingly, it was easy to put together today’s look from items I already have in my closet. A thrifted denim jacket in light gray, a simple white tee, a tiered maxi-skirt (first shared in With A Side Of Gingham: Floral Trends), flatform sandals, and a straw tote.
It was earlier this month that first The Husband and then I came down with COVID-19 which is why the link-up hasn’t happened in the past couple of weeks. We’ve both recovered and resumed our regular routines. This was our first time having COVID-19 and if we hadn’t known better, I’d say we both had had Spring colds. Lots of sneezing, a dry cough, and just a little achy. Nothing that acetaminophen and OTC cough medicine didn’t take the edge off. Both of us are vaxed and we had our first boosters back in December and had planned to get our second boosters in early June. We’ll still get them but now probably not until later in Summer.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. My featured blogger from the last link-up is Jill. Her blog, Doused In Pink, is filled with inspirations for fashion, and non-toxic beauty, as well as articles on living a healthy lifestyle, DIYs, and decorating ideas. Obvs I’m adoring the coastal grandmother vibe she sported in the post she added to the previous link-up.
How would you describe your vibe and what are your thoughts on the coastal grandmother aesthetic? Are your fashion preferences also reflected in the style of your home?
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.
Photos: MMPerez
25 Comments
I’m sorry, I rarely can see past your amazing hair!! But today I’m headed to your Poshmark shop! 🙂
Wendy
Love the look. So breezy and fun.
Hi Rena, glad you and your hubby are feeling better! I have heard this term recently. I really love what you have on, and you can tell it makes you happy! Its the vibe I think !Love the print skirt with the denim jacket and straw bag . It was interesting to read about your moving near a beach and your decor. it really sounds lovely!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstyish.com
I love that identity!
I’m so glad you and your husband are feeling better. I have seen of coastal grandma style before, but I actually had to google it to see what it meant! I don’t think I’m a coastal grandma though I’d love to live on a beach. How wonderful you and your hubby were able to make that happen! I honestly don’t know what my style is…after all these years of getting dressed, you’d think I’d know! Thanks for the link party!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Glad you escaped lightly from Covid. How lucky you are to live right by the coast. I did for a short period back in the 1980s. I miss the seaside: we are a long way from the coast in London. I love the Coastal Grandmother trend and the fact that for once it isn’t ageist but is actually a cool aesthetic that people of all ages can aspire to.
Rena, what a great description of this coastal chic trend and I really appreciate your interpretation of it. You look fabulous and you are totally channeling Diane Keaton vibes! When I first heard of this trend, my mind went immediately to Diane Keaton! I am glad you and husband are both recovered from the wicked covid. A stomach bug just ran through our house…kids go back to school today and momma needs a rest!
Shelbee
I love this trend and your outfit perfectly represents it.
So glad you and your husband are feeling better! I love being near water too! I’ve never heard of the term coastal grandmother but love the vibe! Thank you so much for the feature! What a nice surprise to start my day!
Jill – Doused in Pink
I’m glad you and your husband are feeling better! This Coastal Grandmother thing kind of took me by surprise but I really love the style and think for many of us – what we crave now has a name! Ha!! You look great Rena!
xo,
Kellyann
I love that maxi skirt – it’s so pretty and I really like that jacket with it!
It’s a shame you caught Covid but it’s good you are feeling better!
Thanks for the link up 🙂 Hope you are having a good week!
I’m glad to see you back blogging and feeling better! Coastal grandmother is such a hilarious name! Personally I think this is a great style for any age! You look so chic in this outfit!
I love the coastal grandmother aesthetic and you are doing it well from head to toe!
Love the coastal grandmother aesthetic! I hadn’t heard of it before. Perfect outfit to walk the beach. I can almost feel the sand in between my toes! Ha! So glad you and your husband are feeling better!
Alexandra
OnRockwoodLane.com
EyeLoveKnots.com
Rena, love the look you’re showing us today, whatever you choose to call it! Glad you both weren’t terribly ill and recovered nicely. Thank you for hosting!
So nice that you are back Rena- and that Covid didn’t hit too hard, I’m happy for you! You’re looking pretty awesome in your coastal look- love it! I guess this trend is really on our brain with all the hype we are seeing all over the Internet. I love the trend too- I wrote a post on it with a bit of controversy around this though-lol! Wishing you a great rest of the week xx
Thanks for hosting the party! I appreciate the time it takes. Hope you have an amazing week!
Though I’ve been living on the prairie for most of my adult life, I’m a coastal girl at heart, so I guess it’s no surprise that I absolutely love the coastal grandmother look. Like you, it was easy to pull some outfits from my closet when I wrote about it on my blog a couple of weeks ago. Though my home isn’t really decorated with a coastal theme, there are certainly some elements to be found especially in the main bathroom where I display my extensive collection of shells.
I heard the term “coastal grandmother” relatively recently and hadn’t yet delved into the meaning or style. However after looking at your outfit (and Jill’s). I can honestly say that I love it! And I’m so glad that Covid was no worse than a cold for you. Whew!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Love this look, hope you are keeping well Rena. Jacqui x
I’m loving this look. The skirt is beautiful.
Sorry to hear about your Covid situation. Glad you and your husband are feeling better.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Hi Rena, I’ve just found your blog (and subscribed immediately!). Like you, I’m a coastal grandmother (what took me so long to find you?) and I share with you the relief in being “seen”. Feels kinda weird. I’m going to have to max out on fashion pics along the coast whilst it’s still a thing! And change my blog name temporarily to The Pouting Granny!!!
But what took THEM so long to identify the vibe, I was smitten and a fan of the coastal granny look from my first (of 100!) peeks at DK in SGG. So I’m relieved someone’s put a snappy name to it finally, so I don’t have to refer to a look as “you know, what she was wearing whilst walking along the beach with Jack/in the kitchen with her ex etc etc”.
Great post, lovely outfit.
Hugs Mary xxx.
thepoutingpensioner.blogspot.com
I have been reading about this ‘coastal grandmother ‘ vibe. Perfect… for you. Glad you are over Covid. We had it oo and like you a mild dose.
Glad you are okay now. And you look beautiful! Perfect skirt and bag!
Marie
https://theflowerduet.blogspot.com/
Love this look on you Rena, and I love how your hair works with this breezy look – so gorgeous! Thank you for linking up with Stylish Monday! xx Suzanne