Confession time: I do not live near the coast. No salty breeze, no ocean view, no sun-drenched boardwalk. But for some reason, I’ve become obsessed with the “Coastal Grandma” aesthetic. Maybe it’s the cozy elegance. Maybe it’s the feeling of being effortlessly chic while sipping iced tea and reading a paperback on a sunlit porch (even if my “porch” is really just a tiny balcony with a sad potted plant).
At first, I thought — well, this must be impossible. How can someone like me, living in the middle of a landlocked city, pull off a style that screams “ocean breeze and linen sundresses”? But then I realized something: the essence of Coastal Grandma isn’t geography, it’s mood, texture, and comfort. And yes, you can absolutely make it work anywhere.
Let me walk you through how I’ve managed to capture the vibe — without ever touching saltwater.
What Exactly Is Coastal Grandma Style?
If you’ve seen it floating around TikTok, Pinterest, or Instagram, you might have noticed a few recurring elements:
-
Linen and cotton pieces in soft neutrals
-
Relaxed, oversized silhouettes that scream “I just threw this on and somehow it looks expensive”
-
Chunky cardigans, crisp button-ups, and flowy skirts or wide-leg pants
-
Minimal, classic jewelry — think gold hoops, pearl studs, or a simple chain necklace
-
Leather sandals or loafers that feel timeless
It’s chic without trying too hard. It’s calm, collected, and comfortable. But it doesn’t look boring — it looks intentional.
The trick? Coastal Grandma is less about the clothes themselves and more about how they make you feel. Breezy, relaxed, and effortlessly polished.
Step 1: Embrace Neutrals and Soft Tones
This was my first breakthrough. If I was going to make Coastal Grandma work without the coast, I needed the palette right. Forget bright, neon, or overly busy prints (for now).
Soft creams, beige, taupe, muted blues, and soft whites are your friends. These colors make even the smallest balcony feel like a sunlit seaside porch — at least in spirit.
I started with a simple linen blouse in off-white and wide-leg cotton pants in beige. I felt like I’d just stepped into a Ralph Lauren ad, even though I was standing in my living room, sipping instant coffee. Small wins, right?
Step 2: Layer With Cozy, Elevated Pieces
Coastal Grandma is all about cozy sophistication. I invested in a few staples:
-
Chunky cardigans — oversized, soft, preferably neutral
-
Lightweight trench coats or cotton jackets — great for layering
-
Soft cashmere sweaters — yes, they feel like a hug and make any outfit look polished
Even living nowhere near a coastal town, I discovered layering these pieces instantly gives that relaxed, sophisticated vibe. Bonus: it’s practical for actual weather changes too.
Step 3: Mix Textures, Not Patterns
I made the mistake early on of thinking Coastal Grandma had to be all one texture — smooth linen or crisp cotton. But the style actually thrives on mixing textures:
-
Linen dress + chunky knit cardigan
-
Cotton blouse + soft cashmere scarf
-
Wide-leg pants + woven leather sandals
Texture adds depth and interest without relying on bold prints. It’s understated but visually satisfying — like whispering “I tried, but not too hard.”
Step 4: Footwear That Works Anywhere
You don’t need a boardwalk to pull off Coastal Grandma shoes. Think simple, classic, and comfortable:
-
Leather loafers — chic for errands or Zoom calls
-
Minimal sandals — great for summer days
-
Crisp white sneakers — if you want casual vibes without losing polish
I paired my loafers with cotton trousers one afternoon, and suddenly, even my concrete city street felt like a cozy seaside café.
Step 5: Accessorize Subtly, but Intentionally
Accessories in Coastal Grandma are small, thoughtful, and timeless. I’ve learned that less is more:
-
Gold hoops or pearl studs
-
A simple chain necklace
-
A leather tote or structured bag
-
Oversized sunglasses for that effortlessly chic “I just went outside for a stroll” vibe
Even small touches, like rolling up your sleeves or loosely tying a scarf, can elevate the look dramatically.
Step 6: Lifestyle Vibes Matter Too
Here’s the thing I didn’t expect — Coastal Grandma isn’t just clothes. It’s a mindset. Even living in a concrete jungle, I can channel it by:
-
Brewing loose-leaf tea instead of grabbing instant coffee
-
Reading books with linen bookmarks
-
Keeping my space tidy, minimal, and sunlit (fake sunlight works too!)
-
Wearing my outfit around the apartment just to feel good — yes, I do this, and yes, it’s slightly ridiculous
It’s about creating moments that feel intentional and calming — even if there’s no ocean in sight.
Step 7: Make It Realistic for Your Life
Not everyone has a porch or wide-open windows, and that’s fine. Coastal Grandma should feel doable, not aspirational in a way that stresses you out.
For city dwellers:
-
Linen dresses + sneakers = easy commute vibes
-
Oversized cardigan + trousers = perfect for cozy cafés or errands
-
Accessories kept minimal to avoid clashing with everyday tasks
Even a tiny balcony or sunny windowsill can be your “coastal corner” — I promise, it works.
My Personal Twist
Since I live nowhere near the coast, I’ve started blending Coastal Grandma with elements of my city life:
-
Neutral-toned trench coats over casual jeans and sneakers
-
Oversized cardigans paired with structured leather bags
-
Linen blouses with cropped trousers for casual office days
It’s not the “Instagram-perfect porch” look, but it feels authentic, wearable, and me. And honestly? That’s the point.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of Coastal Grandma is that it’s adaptable. You don’t need a seaside town, a big house, or perfect lighting to pull it off. The style is about comfort, elegance, and intention. It’s about feeling put-together without trying too hard.
If you’re like me — landlocked, city-dwelling, slightly obsessed with chic minimalism — start small: neutral tones, soft textures, one cozy cardigan, and one thoughtful accessory. Play around. Experiment. Let your environment inspire you, even if it’s just your tiny balcony.
Coastal Grandma isn’t just a style; it’s a mood. And that mood? You can create it anywhere.
