How to Embrace Your Inner 'Coastal Grandmother' This Summer
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Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton in Nancy Meyers' Something's Gotta Give, the ultimate "coastal grandmother" inspo.
Forget the Hamptons. The perfect place for celebrating the coastal grandmother trend that's all the rage on social media right now is Sarasota. In fact, thanks to our proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the average age of our citizens, you could argue that we're the original coastal grandmothers. We were into the trend long before it was cool.
Per influencer Lex Nicoleti, who coined the term, coastal grandmother style is all about looking like you stepped out of a Nancy Meyers movie. Coastal grandmothers always have a bouquet of fresh (never wilting!) hydrangeas on their dining room tables and can hand you a glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade as easily as they can an ice-cold martini. Coastal grandmothers love to shop for organic produce in their bucket hats and linen pants, and their furniture is over-stuffed, cozy and white—but there's never a stain on any of it. Fluffy blankets abound, as does blue and white anything. And there's always cashmere—lots of cashmere.
We've rounded up a few pieces that we think epitomize the coastal grandmother style, but also take into account that we're heading into Sarasota's hottest time of year. After all, a coastal grandmother would never let you see her sweat.
Jenni Kayne crochet raffia sun hat
Image: Courtesy Jenni Kayne
Crochet Raffia Sun Hat, Jenni Kayne
$175
If there's one item that screams "coastal grandmother," it's the bucket hat—particularly in raffia, a fabric we're seeing everywhere right now. This one, from Jenni Kayne, fits the brief perfectly.
T.La's classic white T-shirt
Image: Courtesy Anthropologie
T.La Classic V-Neck Tee, Anthropologie Local
$48
140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, anthropologie.com
We buy this T-shirt—which has a V-neck, easy fit and pocket—in every color, but white is a favorite for a reason. Crisp and classic, it's the perfect summer swap for fall and winter's heavier long-sleeved toppers.
Ancient Greek sandals
Image: Courtesy Lotus Boutique
Ancient Greek Apteros Sandals, Lotus Local
$295
These slip-on sandals are a step up from flip-flops or Birkenstocks—perfect for beach walks, the farmers market, dinners al fresco and everything in between. We love the cut-out detail, too.
Rails Charli stripe linen blend blouse
Image: Courtesy Nordstrom
Rails Charli Stripe Linen Blend Blouse, Nordstrom
$168
Ina Garten is the queen of the button-down, and we're channeling her effortless "how-easy-is-that?" look with this striped linen number.
Athleta's Cabo linen pants
Image: Courtesy Athleta
Cabo Linen Pants, Athleta Local
$79
140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, athleta.gap.com
If cashmere is a coastal grandmother's preferred fabric, linen is a close second—and in the Sarasota heat, it keeps us feeling easy-breezy. Zippered pockets keep your phone and keys safe.A drawstring waist makes these pants extra comfy.
Aqua's extra-large woven tote
Image: Courtesy Bloomingdale's
Extra Large Woven Tote, Aqua Local
$128
Big enough for your farmers market haul or beach essentials and chic enough to take to dinner, this bag holds everything. You could almost fit one of Ina's oversized quarantine Cosmos in there.
Eileen Fisher cashmere links cardigan
Image: Courtesy Eileen Fisher
Cashmere Links Cardigan, Eileen Fisher Local
From $379
1501 Main St., Sarasota, eileenfisher.com
Think we were going to do a roundup of coastal grandmother fashion without including some kind of cashmere? Think again. It does get chilly in the air conditioning, after all. This Eileen Fisher cardigan is made of 100 percent cashmere and is an easy and elegant piece to throw on whenever there's a nip in the air.
Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses
Image: Courtesy Ray-Ban
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses, Sunglass Express Optical Local
$163
343 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, sunglassexpressoptical.com
The gold standard of sunglasses (they were designed in 1952!), you'll have your Wayfarers for years. They go with everything and, most importantly, keep your eyes protected from that abundant Sarasota sunshine.
LAKE pima robe in hydrangea
Image: Courtesy LAKE
Pima Cotton Robe in Hydrangea, LAKE Local
$136
We're big fans of LAKE Pajamas around here—the pieces are soft, durable, light enough for Sarasota's sweltering summer days and warm enough for cooler winter nights. The brand's pima cotton robe is no exception. In chic blue-and-white stripes, it's pretty enough to take your morning coffee or on your front porch—an activity that's 100 percent coastal grandmother-approved.
Pottery Barn's Glenwood fringe throw
Image: Courtesy Pottery Barn
Glenwood Fringe Throw, Pottery Barn Local
$129
140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, potterybarn.com
Every home needs a cozy throw blanket or five, and this one is perfect for curling up with. Or just artfully arrange it on your sofa or armchair for maximum coastal-chic vibes.
Wine glasses from Juliska available at Pecky
Image: Courtesy Pecky
Juliska White Wine Glasses, Pecky Local
$88 each
100 Central Ave., Suite 1026, Sarasota, peckysrq.com
We think wine tastes better in beautiful stemware, like Juliska's wine glasses. They're special enough for candlelit dinner parties with your fellow coastal grandmothers, and equally lovely when you're having a glass of oaky Chard at home by yourself, too.
Summer Classics Ashland teak Adirondack
Summer Classics Ashland Teak Adirondack, Norris Furniture & Interiors Local
Call for price
8001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, norrisfurniture.com
At the end of the day, you need a cozy chair to sink into—preferably one that's positioned in front of the bay, the Gulf or your pristinely landscaped backyard. Summer Classics' Ashland teak Adirondack chair offers a modern twist on that old standby, the Adirondack. We're fans of the smooth teak and sleek design—and we also love that it's designed to withstand the test of time.
