TikTok's coastal grandmother aesthetic transcends the seasons

The 'Diane Keaton'-esque look is going nowhere this fall

NICHOLSON,KEATON, SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE, 2003
(Image credit: WARNER BROS / AJ Pics / Alamy Stock Photo)
Danielle Valente
By Danielle Valente
published
Contributions from
Naomi Jamieson

Picture this: a Nancy's Meyers movie. That's it—that's the 'coastal grandmother aesthetic' and while the term 'coastal' might lead you to believe that it's exclusively a summer trend—we're delighted to tell you that sea-side granny vibes are very much here to stay this Autumn/Winter season. So here's everything you need to know about building your perfect transitional, coast-inspired capsule wardrobe.

If you're new to the coastal grandmother side of TikTok, the latest trending hashtag pays homage to the queen of rom-coms and embraces the carefree, chic vibe that the filmmakers' protagonists embody, from Erica Barry to Amanda Woods. Needless to say, ivory turtlenecks abound.

In between TikTok beauty hacks and questionable challenges, influencer Lex Nicoleta (@lexnicoleta (opens in new tab)) coined the new movement, and it just screams Diane Keaton. Obviously, that means we're all on very much board. 

@lexnicoleta (opens in new tab)

♬ original sound - Lex Nicoleta (opens in new tab)

Don't worry, to achieve the trend you don't have to be an actual grandma, nor own a dreamy seaside abode. It's all about the neutral, rustic shades, flattering but flowy shapes and basically looking like you spend your afternoons reading books and drinking wine on a sandy beach.

So if that sounds like a lifestyle you want to embody, here's everything you need to know about the new craze—from staple pieces you need to recreate the look, to the films that inspired the trend...

What is the coastal grandmother aesthetic?

Light, airy, relaxed—coastal grandmother is not just a style, it's a way of being. It's a low-key day on the couch, book at hand and tea Pinot Grigio nearby on the counter. It's a beach picnic with all of your favorite farmers' market goodies. Essentially, it's Something's Gotta Give. 

In terms of style, it means classic and elegant, yet not overly fancy. In terms of interiors, there's a hygge home decor vibe coupled with open floor concepts, immaculate furniture and a kitchen well-stocked with white wine. (Do we sense an impending wine hangover?) 

Again, we don't want to point fingers, but Diane Keaton is pretty much the CG icon. 

Where to shop for the coastal grandmother aesthetic:

Where to shop in the US

  1. ZARA (opens in new tab): For all your knit and trouser needs (especially if you're on a budget)
  2. Aritzia (opens in new tab): Perfect for basics, flattering T-shirts and loungewear
  3. Reformation (opens in new tab): Ideal for linen dresses
  4. Gap (opens in new tab): For light button-ups and classic denim pieces
  5. Uniqlo (opens in new tab): One of the best places to find basic t-shirts and pants in pastel colors

Where to shop in the UK

  • H&M (opens in new tab): Offers best-selling linen trousers and loose, suit-style trousers
  • Pull&Bear (opens in new tab): Ideal for basics and is famous for their surfer-girl vibes
  • NA-KD (opens in new tab): Go-to place for knitwear, from chunky winter pieces to scandi-style stripes
  • &Other Stories (opens in new tab): A great place for knitwear and simple accessories
  • Cos (opens in new tab): Chic jackets and scarves

Coastal grandmother aesthetic outfits:

Coastal grandmother basics for spring

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Reformation Gitane Linen Dress

RRP: $248 / £248

This midi linen dress is perfect for spring as you can easily pair it with a cardigan or sweater for those chillier days. The sleeves will also keep you protected until the summer months hit. 

It comes in four colors, but we recommend opting for this Oatmeal shade or the white, to fit with the coastal assignment. 

This dress was literally made to be worn with a straw bag (opens in new tab)!

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Weekday Close-Fitted Tank Top

RRP: $10/£8

Everyone needs a basic tank in their wardrobe and this Weekday tank top is ideal to wear throughout the year. 

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Linen Blend Jogging Pants
RRP: $49.90/£32.99

Light, comfortable and a warmer option for those transitional spring days. These pants also double as a cute loungewear option, so they're a win-win!

View Deal (opens in new tab)

Coastal grandmother basics for summer

Think button-downs, neutral shades, bucket hats and lots of linen—all great additions ideal for your Summer wardrobe but are also basic, versatile pieces that work for all seasons.

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Basic Linen Shirt
RRP: $39.90/£25.99

A white linen shirt is a no-brainer for summer and the coastal grandmother look. Plus it's super versatile—in fall you can wear your shirt over a T-Shirt, in winter under a sweater and in the warmer months on its own or over a bikini.

View Deal (opens in new tab)
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Reformation Nashville Linen Short

RRP: $68/£70

A true coastal staple—linen shorts. These are perfect for lounging at home on a hot summer's eve or frolicking along the coastline. They're available in five colors, including brown and white.

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ZARA Jute Cotton Botton Hat

RRP: $29.90/£19.99

Bucket hats are proving themselves to be quite the timeless trend and are right at home by the coast. Opt for a cute cream hat so that it easily compliments your outfits. 

View (opens in new tab)

Coastal grandmother basics for fall

Something that we just adore about this trend is how easily you can change it up for the colder months. You can keep all your summer coastal pieces and simply layer them with some chunky knits and canvas jackets before pulling on some cozy grey marl socks.

@lexnicoleta (opens in new tab)

♬ original sound - Lex | Coastal Grandmother (opens in new tab)

This is probably one of the most cost-effective and timeless clothing trends we've ever seen, as all the pieces are interchangeable. Whether you're pairing a linen dress with a heavy knit jumper, or a pair of smart pants with a white tank-top, the 'coastal grandmother aesthetic' equals the ultimate wardrobe for any minimalist!

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ZARA Striped Knit Sweater

RRP: $49.90/£32.99

This polo sweater features a chic navy strip design and long sleeves and is the ultimate piece to build your coastal style around. It's timeless and can be easily layered with white T-shirts and linen shirts.

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ASOS DESIGN relaxed dad shirt with dipped hem in chambray blue

RRP: $36/£26

Not only does a blue Oxford-style shirt complete the coastal assignment but also works if you're a fan of the scandi-style or need an ultimate office staple. Pair with a crew neck knit, or layer over a white T.

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H&M Ankle-length trousers

RRP: $29.99 /£19.99

A nice pair of light-colored, smart pants are essential for the coastal grandmother look, opt for a cream, white or blue so you can easily mix and match.

Coastal grandmother basics for Winter

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Vero Moda lightweight knit turtle neck top in cream

RRP: $34/ £22

This turtleneck is ideal for completing your winter look. You can either wear it on its own or layer it under a knit crew neck. This top is soft, cozy and made from 80% Viscose and 20% Nylon. 

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NA-KD Basic Soft Roundneck Sweater

RRP: $41.95/ £30.95

This cable-knit jumper is perfect to layer with your linen shirts and turtlenecks. It's soft and features a rounded neck.

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LEVIS 501 '90s straight-leg mid-rise denim jeans

RRP: $98 / £100

A good pair of vintage blue jeans are definitely a must for your winter coastal look and you can never go wrong with a pair of Levis 501s. 

They feature a five-button fly, a mid-rise, a straight leg and can be easily styled with a wooly knit.

Coastal grandmother kitchenware

*Sips Pinot Grigio* If you're looking to take this aesthetic to the next level, you can also incorporate it into your home decor...

@lexnicoleta (opens in new tab)

♬ This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole (opens in new tab)
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Acacia Wood Cutting Board 14”x7”
RRP: $21.99/£33.32

Picture the board covered in cheeses, crackers and cured meats as you host your friends. This wooden board is ideal for party spreads or just to give your kitchen a rustic feel.

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JoyJolt Layla White Wine Glasses, Set of 4
RRP: $27.95/£42.59

A must-have for any kitchen, especially those wanting to embody a Nancy Meyers character. These glasses feature a classic rounded shape and will make you, and your kitchen shelves look instantly elegant. 

View Deal (opens in new tab)

Coastal grandmother movie picks

Spending a night in? What better way to embrace the coastal granny life than with a glass of wine and snuggling up to watch some of the best romantic comedies on Netflix will do the trick!

Here are some of our top movie picks:

  • Something's Gotta Give
  • It's Complicated 
  • Parent Trap (Elizabeth James' outfits are elite)
  • Home Again
  • Because I said so
  • Mamma Mia (it's not Nancy Myers but it's got all that beachy goodness and ABBA!)
@lexnicoleta (opens in new tab)

♬ original sound - Lex Nicoleta (opens in new tab)

Speaking of Netflix, Deadline (opens in new tab) just reported that Nancy Meyers is set to write, direct and produce a new feature film for the platform, which means plenty of CG content is coming our way. The film is untitled, the plot details are scarce and we don't know who's starring in it, but we have a feeling that it'll bring a familiar vibe. 

While you're gearing up for her next big film—we'll provide the details as soon as they're available—Lexi will keep you busy with a CG playlist that's reminiscent of our favorite CG movies' soundtracks.