Have you heard of the “Coastal Chic” trend? It is frequently referred to as “Coastal Grandma Chic”, but I find that term somewhat problematic. Firstly, the word “grandma” should not be used in a derogatory way; that should go without saying. You might not think “Coastal Grandma Chic” is in any way offensive, but let’s break it down. As a fashion trend, it comes across as reductive and frankly, rather patronising. Influencers on TikTok dressing in beige cardigans and white linen trousers while claiming to dress like a grandma is, in my opinion, insulting. Plus, it labels all women over 60 as grandmothers, when obviously they are not.
Do you remember the “Instagran” label that was bandied around a few years ago? That was used to describe mature influencers on Instagram, regardless of whether they were actually grandmothers or not. So can you see why this trend – or more specifically, its name – has caused a bit of a rumpus. Not all (or even most) women over the age of 60 dress like Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give. (And you don’t have to be over 60 to be a grandmother either – I know of ladies who have become grandmothers in their 40s.)
As you probably know by now, I’m not overly fond of wearing neutrals; others carry off that minimalist look to perfection, but it’s just not my thing. I need colour in my life, the more the better. So this month’s Stylish Monday theme pushed me out of my comfort zone. Not one to shy away from a challenge, I wanted to see how I could make it work for me. I don’t have much linen in my wardrobe…and certainly no beige! I was going to dig out the white trousers I wore for a previous Stylish Monday challenge – an outfit that would have also worked for this theme. But then I stumbled upon this jumpsuit in a charity shop.
It’s linen, a muted shade of khaki and understated; to me that fits the bill. I added a white bag and sandals, a straw hat and a wooden bangle to give the outfit a natural feel. (I had to sneak in a couple of statement rings though!)
You know that I’m all for wearing whatever you want, as long as it makes you happy…BUT…women of midlife and older are not visible enough as it is. Blending into the background in beige is not for me. Don’t be afraid to wear bright colours and bold prints, they are for women (and men) of any age. If neutrals are your thing then great, but they shouldn’t be an ageist stereotype. It’s time to push back on that kind of marketing nonsense and show the younger generation – and marketing agencies – that we’re so much more than beige when we get to 60. I still have 12 years before I get to that age, but I have no plans to ditch the colour and become invisible when I get there.
SHOP THE LOOK
Asos jumpsuit (charity shop) | Mango hat (old) | Marks & Spencer bag (eBay) | Ri-Belle sandals (old) | SkinnyDip sunglasses | bangle from a charity shop | Anthropologie earrings | oNecklace initial necklace
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“Coastal Chic: Want to try a new style trend on a budget? Check out my mostly thrifted outfit that brought this trend to life for me without breaking the bank!”
“There are so many different ways one can embrace the coastal trend, my favorite is the classic, neutral look where you mix different shades of whites, creams, and beiges in one outfit.”
“Well I don’t live near the coast, and if I’m near the coast it’s in England. And I’ll tell you I’ve never seen anyone walking there in the coastal grandmother style, more raincoats and Hunters style. I think you should picture more of the California coast then. And warm neutrals, trousers with elastic at the waist and especially comfortable…you hear it, I’m really not a fan of it. Maybe my fashion friends can make me change my mind. But do take a look at what I made of it!”
“Coastal Chic, or “Coastal Grandmother” as the TikTok crowd calls it, is a whole vibe, and I’m so here for it! I’m a sucker for linen pants, so my take on the trend consists of a comfy pair of linen pants from Target, paired with a breezy chambray tunic from Chico’s. I added the straw bucket hat as an homage to the OG Coastal Grandmothers – Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton.”
“For me, “Coastal Grandma” is less of a style (look), and more of an aesthetic, one we’ve been embracing in our Coastal Communities, unaware that we were trending. Think Oprah, Ina Garten, Martha Stewart, or my personal favorite, Diane Keaton, who by the way, was 56 years YOUNG, when she filmed the movie Something’s Gotta Give. The best part? You don’t have to be a grandmother, or live in a coastal community to try out this look. Furthermore, there’s a good chance you can recreate a Coastal Chic look, with items you already own in your closet!”
“If you follow me, you know that I love all the bright colors, more is better and unique pieces call my name! Therefore, when this theme was decided on, I was quick to bow out. Not sure why I tend to do that but I always rethink my decision and like pushing myself to try new styles, and new things I wouldn’t normally wear or pick out without a little nudge! So here is my spin on this TikTok originated trend!”
“Coastal Chic depends on so much more than just personal style. Consequently, there is no one-fits-most solution. Factors like ocean and air temperatures, color and type of the beach, weather, time of the year, culture, location, your activities, etc. play a role. When living in Europe, I loved long beach walks in The Netherlands in fall on a windy day with gray skies. My typical outfit was a yellow men’s rain jacket with hood, jeans, and rubber boots.”
Nina of Sharing a Journey
“While I am not keen on the “Grandma” in the title, I love coastal chic vibes in clothing, lifestyle and interiors. Coastal Chic is for everyone and can be created from our wardrobes –no need to go out and buy anything new!”
“The coastal look involves lots of light colours. Light pastels look great at this time of the year, as do bright colours (take yellow for instance!). The important thing is to keep the fabric light- preferably cottons, linens, silks, muslins…you get the picture. The whole essence of this vibe is based on the lightness of the fabric, so that the draping is airy and moves with your flow. For today’s collaboration I chose this light pink striped dress with ruffled collar/sleeves.”
“The Coastal Grandma trend has a silly name which is kind of offensive and ageist but what the trend means itself is indeed beautiful. To me – and I am nowhere close to being a grandma – it stands for effortless breezy summer looks that you would wear by the coast on a beach, especially in blues and whites (the color of sea and sand), floppy hats, sunglasses, sandals, flip flops & wedges. I chose this beachy look from my Florida vacation because it is perfect for the coast and the beautiful neutral crochet dress reminds me of grandmas.”
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I agree with a lot! In fact, when we took photos for the series I said to Gerben to take some more as I wanted to write a blog post about it. I’m glad your own style is colourful…..
Emma, this jumpsuit was a brilliant find and so perfect for this theme while remaining true to your personal style (minus the color, of course!). I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on grandmother bit of this trend. In fact, I have really enjoyed reading everyone’s thoughts on it. Yet, I am still very neutral about it! (Ha, that pun was not intended but it works!) I do prefer the label “coastal chic” much better though. I have always loved easy breezy beachy styles since I was in my 20s and wore outfits similar to these way long before As Good As It Gets and even longer before social media! I say ditch all the labels and everyone just wear what makes you happy!
Shelbee
Emma, your jumpsuit is fabulous. It’s fresh and modern while tying into the aesthetic perfectly. And I agree with your “hate the name” reasons. Older women dressing in drapey linen would normally be called frumpy but when 30 somethings wear it, it’s cool and “granny chic”. (same goes for highwaisted mom jeans).
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
You definitely don’t look like an old grandmother, Emma. You look very stylish, this jumpsuit fits you perfectly and you look lovely in the hat.
Have a nice week ahead
https://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com/
Love the jumpsuit!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
That is the cutest jumpsuit. I love the “Coastal Grandma” trend and I don’t find it offensive at all, just the opposite.
thank you so much for taking up this style challenge! it’s so interesting to see everyone’s take on this style and the topic.