You’ve probably heard of the coastal grandmother style; after all, the trend has taken the internet by storm. You may have seen it on social media platforms, in fashion magazines, or even heard your friends chatting about it. If you’re wondering, “What is coastal grandmother?” you’ve come to the right place. 

Coastal grandmother style is sophisticated yet youthful, easy yet elevated, and always effortlessly cool. The aesthetic is heavily inspired by the Cape-approved grandmothers of the early 2000s, such as Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give and Meryl Streep in It’s Complicated. Entertaining mavens like Ina Garten and Martha Stewart have also been wearing coastal grandmother fashion for decades. 

Say goodbye to restrictive clothing and heavy fabrics, and hello to coastal grandmother chic.  Read on to learn about coastal grandmother essentials to add to your wardrobe, or use the links below to jump to a section of your choosing. 

• What is Coastal Grandma Style?
• Key Features of the Coastal Grandma Aesthetic
• Rothy's Coastal Grandma Fashion Picks
• Tips for Nailing the Coastal Grandma Trend
• Embracing Coastal Grandma Style

What is Coastal Grandma Style

Like all aesthetic trends, coastal grandmother is a new name for a look that’s been around for years. Coastal grandma style is named for its beachy vibe. You may be conjuring up visions of bikinis and flip flops, but the coastal grandmother aesthetic is anything but. It’s the wardrobe of your understated, wealthy grandmother with an eye for style. 

Coastal grandmothers understand elevated simplicity. We’re talking flowy white button-ups in organic cotton, breezy linen pants, and woven, wide-brimmed sun hats. Coastal grandmothers aren’t flashy or loud. They’re simple in a way that says, “I know my worth and don’t need cheap tricks to spice it up.”  

Overall, this style is perfect for beachside brunch, a summer garden party, and strolling around the farmers market. With the coastal grandmother aesthetic, you can keep it cool—literally and figuratively. 

Key Features of the Coastal Grandma Aesthetic

Here are a few key features of the coastal grandma aesthetic: 

• Light, natural color scheme: Opt for a beachy palette that includes crisp white, creamy flax, sky blue, and sandy neutrals.
• Comfortable yet elegant fabrics: Breathability is essential. Choose natural linen, chunky knits, and breezy cotton.
• Timeless silhouettes: Shop classic silhouettes, including wide-leg pants, boyfriend shirts, and fisherman sweaters.
• Practical and refined accessories: It’s all about elevated practicality, like oversized sunglasses, woven purses, and sensible flats.
• Crisp and clean looks: Forgo busy or complicated fashion—coastal grandmother is effortlessly cool.

Rothy's Coastal Grandma Fashion Picks

Rothy’s has just what you need to add coastal grandmother sophistication to your wardrobe. Our understated luxe wardrobe essentials come in various colors and versatile styles you'll love. Here are our favorite coastal grandma picks. 

The Espadrille

Don’t limit your woven accessories to your beach bag. The Espadrille is your perfect, everyday coastal grandma footwear. These aren’t the scratchy espadrille shoes of your youth. Woven from hemp, organic cotton, and recycled plastic bottles, The Espadrille is comfy, cool, and earth-friendly. 

Choose from beachy colors like Gold Stripe, Diamond Metallic, fun Sailor Stripe, or classic Navy. Lace up the removable ankle tie for special occasions, or set it aside for a shoe that’s easy to grab and go. 

The Casual Crossbody

For an everyday bag that’s equal parts coastal grandmother and endlessly practical, shop The Casual Crossbody in Coconut or Parchment. These earthy colors pair perfectly with light denim shirts and wide leg pants, or go neutral for a monochrome outfit. The Casual Crossbody is smartly designed with interior slip pockets to keep track of your phone or small items, making it a great travel companion. It’s the perfect bag when packing for a quick getaway—to the beach by your house, the shores of Europe, or anywhere in between. 

The Weekend Slide

When it comes to summer fashion for the coastal grandma look, a classic footbed sandal is essential. The Weekend Slide is effortlessly stylish and contoured for comfort—and that’s what coastal grandma is all about!

Shop Oat or Vanilla Cone, both made from natural hemp and organic cotton. Better yet, each pair of The Weekend Slide repurposes about 8 plastic bottles, keeping them out of the ocean and landfills. 

The Reversible Summer Tote

The Reversible Summer Tote

If you want a coastal grandma bag that’s as practical as it is chic, look no further than The Reversible Summer Tote. As the name suggests, this bag can be worn inside out or outside in. Wear it pockets-out for easy access to smaller items, such as your phone and keys, or flip it in to keep your valuables securely stowed away. 

Each bag is made with approximately 356 grams of ocean-bound marine plastic—what’s more coastal grandmother than protecting our oceans? 

The Summer Sandal

Sometimes you need a sandal that’s practical yet slightly elevated. For that, we recommend The Summer Sandal. Its innovative knotted strap is reminiscent of sailing knots, making it a perfect coastal accessory for a sailboat or yacht. Paired with a square toe footbed, these are also great shoes for a garden party or relaxed special occasion. 

The Max Square

Coastal grandmother isn’t just a summertime aesthetic—it’s a year-round lifestyle, and The Max Square is coastal grandma-approved. There are no harsh lines here; The Max Square is made from a luxe knit fabric that softens these flats for gentle structure. 

Plus, like all Rothy’s shoes and accessories, The Max Square is machine washable and knit from our signature thread spun from recycled plastic bottles. 

The Lightweight Tote

Looking for a stylish way to carry your supplies to the water for a beach day? Look no further than The Lightweight Tote. With a roomy interior large enough to fit your towel, favorite book, wallet, keys, sunglasses, and more, The Lightweight Tote is the perfect beachside companion. 

Shop from several coastal grandmother colorways, like Soft Sesame, Diamond Metallic, Polar Stripe, or Sailboat Blue for a pop of color. Who says coastal grandmothers can’t have fun, too? 

The Casual Clog

For those days when your pedicure looks a little worse for wear, or you simply don’t want to feel the sand between your toes, there’s The Casual Clog. Coastal grandmothers are the original clog influencers; picture Frankie in Grace and Frankie—she went nowhere without her clogs.

If you're looking for luxury with a sustainable twist, shop the Dove and Birch Tan colors, both made from RWS-Certified merino wool. That means the wool comes from farms that meet rigorous animal welfare, land management, and social requirements. Fashionable and ethical—what’s not to love? 

The Flip Flop 

These aren’t your cheap rubber flip-flops. The Flip Flop is made from Rothy’s ultra-durable recycled plastic fabric for a flip-flop that can withstand any plans you have—coastal or inland. A square-toe foot sole adds an elevated touch, creating a flip-flop that is—dare we say—elegant.

Coastal grandma fashion must-haves 

Tips for Nailing the Coastal Grandma Trend

Ready to enhance your everyday style with the coastal grandma aesthetic? Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Wear a neutral color palette. Our advice: if it’s a color you’d find on the beach, it’s coastal grandma approved. Sandy neutrals, sky blues, and sea glass greens are all coastal grandmother friendly. 
• Alterations are key for achieving the coastal grandma look. While coastal grandmother style is flowy, it’s not meant to leave you drowning in your clothing. A quick hem of a sleeve can take your look from frumpy to chic. 
• Opt for natural fabrics whenever possible. Even if you find a synthetic dupe for a natural linen, chances are synthetic fabrics won’t hang the same or last as long. Sustainability isn’t just about shopping for earth-friendly fabrics, but about extending the lifetime of what you already have, too. 
• Layering is key, especially in colder months. Coastal grandmother styles tend to be lightweight, but layering your oversized shirts with chunky cashmere or merino wool knits will help you achieve the coastal grandma look all year long. 
• When in doubt, look to coastal grandmother icons. Get style inspiration from Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton, and Ina Garten. If they’d wear it on the big screen, it’s certified coastal grandmother apparel. 

Embracing Coastal Grandma Style

It’s time to embrace the easy, breezy things in life with coastal grandmother style. Replace your heavy denim with lightweight cotton, swap your heels for a footbed flat, and go neutral. 

For coastal grandma essentials that don't just look but are good for the environment, check out Rothy’s. Our footwear, handbags, and more are made with sustainable fabrics in a LEED Gold and TRUE Zero-Waste Certified factory for an environmentally and socially responsible end product. 

With an array of shoes and accessories in neutral colors and comfortable styles, you’ll be on your way to coastal grandmother chic in no time!