Embrace the Effortless Elegance: Celebrities Redefine Summer Style with the Viral “Coastal Grandma” Aesthetic
This summer, a captivating fashion movement has swept across social media, particularly dominating TikTok feeds and inspiring wardrobes worldwide: the “Coastal Grandma” aesthetic. Far from being an outdated trend, this look embodies a sophisticated yet relaxed approach to dressing, celebrating comfort, timelessness, and an undeniable aura of breezy elegance. It’s a style that whispers of serene mornings by the ocean, leisurely strolls through a sun-drenched garden, and quiet evenings spent enjoying a good book on a spacious porch. Think light fabrics, natural tones, and an overall sense of effortless chic that exudes a comfortable, lived-in luxury. Many fashion enthusiasts and TikTok creators credit the indelible Diane Keaton’s character, Erica Barry, from the beloved 2003 romantic comedy Something’s Gotta Give, as the quintessential muse for this trend. Her on-screen wardrobe, filled with oversized white shirts, linen pants, and cozy cardigans, became an instant style icon, inadvertently laying the groundwork for a viral sensation nearly two decades later. The Coastal Grandma aesthetic typically features a blend of light and airy beach-style clothing, often complemented by practical yet stylish accessories like wide-brimmed straw hats, sophisticated knit cardigans, and comfortable espadrilles. It’s about looking effortlessly put-together without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. Below, we’ve rounded up some of your favorite celebrities who have masterfully adopted — both knowingly and unknowingly — this charming and undeniably chic fashion trend, showcasing their unique interpretations of the Coastal Grandma aesthetic.
Decoding the Coastal Grandma Aesthetic: More Than Just a Trend
Before diving into how celebrities are rocking this look, it’s worth understanding the core philosophy behind the Coastal Grandma aesthetic. It’s less about age and more about a lifestyle—a serene, comfortable, and sophisticated existence often associated with a luxurious, relaxed coastal dwelling. The style champions high-quality, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, and cashmere in a palette of soft neutrals: whites, creams, beiges, light blues, and soft greens. Key pieces include oversized button-down shirts, wide-leg linen trousers, classic knit sweaters draped over shoulders, comfortable but chic sundresses, and straw accessories. The beauty lies in its simplicity and versatility; these are pieces that can be mixed and matched, transitioning seamlessly from a beach outing to a casual brunch or an evening gathering. The appeal is universal, offering a refreshing departure from fast-fashion trends and embracing a more enduring, classic sensibility. This effortless elegance has proven irresistible, drawing in a diverse range of celebrities who appreciate its comfort, sophistication, and timeless charm.
Selena Gomez
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Selena Gomez, at 30, effortlessly showcased her embrace of the Coastal Grandma style with a beautiful photo shared on Instagram on April 20. Captioned simply with “thought this was cute,” her image captured the very essence of relaxed sophistication. Selena wore a soft, beige-colored knitted cardigan, allowing one shoulder to playfully peek through, adding a touch of casual allure. The warm, golden hues of a glorious orange sunset provided a dreamy backdrop, enhancing the overall serene and idyllic mood of the snapshot. To complete her chic ensemble, she accessorized with stunning oversized gold hoop earrings, a subtle yet impactful choice that elevated the natural beauty of the look. Selena’s ability to blend cozy comfort with elegant simplicity made her interpretation of the Coastal Grandma aesthetic truly shine, demonstrating how effortlessly this style can be adopted by anyone seeking a refined yet comfortable fashion statement.
Taylor Swift
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Taylor Swift, at 32, proved her fashion foresight by perfectly embodying the Coastal Grandma aesthetic years before it became a viral sensation. On November 12, 2019, she shared a captivating selfie on Instagram that subtly hinted at the trend’s eventual rise. Her look was beautifully understated: a classic white button-up shirt, a staple of the Coastal Grandma wardrobe, paired with minimal, natural makeup. The simplicity of her ensemble spoke volumes, showcasing an inherent understanding of timeless style. Taylor’s caption, “According to my jet lag it is one hundred o clock celsius,” added a touch of her characteristic humor, but it was her serene and fresh appearance that truly resonated. Her choice of attire captured the essence of effortless beauty, evoking images of salt-kissed air and laid-back summer days. This picture cemented her as an unexpected early adopter, demonstrating that the Coastal Grandma vibe is all about an intrinsic appreciation for classic comfort and relaxed sophistication, regardless of current trends.
Anne Hathaway
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Anne Hathaway, the radiant 39-year-old actress, perfectly channeled her inner Erica Barry, the iconic character from Something’s Gotta Give, when she enthusiastically embraced the Coastal Grandma trend this past April. Her Instagram post, humorously captioned with, “I have been ready for #coastalgrandmother chic since before TikTok was born. May this moment never end,” underscored her long-standing appreciation for this timeless style. In the delightful picture, Anne sported an almost identical ensemble to Erica Barry’s quintessential look: a crisp white button-down shirt paired with sophisticated white linen high-waisted pants. These key pieces are fundamental to the Coastal Grandma wardrobe, highlighting a blend of comfort and understated luxury. To further enhance her chic beach-inspired look, Anne accessorized with a charming straw beach hat, providing both style and sun protection, and a pair of classic black sunglasses. Her complete outfit was a flawless homage to the aesthetic, proving that the elegance of the Coastal Grandma style transcends generations and remains a beacon of sophisticated, relaxed fashion.
Oprah Winfrey
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Oprah Winfrey, a style icon in her own right at 68, has long been a proponent of comfortable yet sophisticated fashion, making her an accidental trailblazer of the Coastal Grandma look well before its viral explosion this spring and summer. In January, she graced her Instagram feed with a joyful photo, radiating smiles and warmth. Oprah captioned the post, “Thanks to everyone for a love-filled birthday this weekend. And thanks to Chef @zairah for a delicious coconut pineapple soaked cake,” sharing a glimpse into her celebratory moments. In this sweet snapshot, she perfectly captured the relaxed charm of the Coastal Grandma style. She wore a sunny straw beach hat, adorned with bright yellow embellishments that added a cheerful touch to her ensemble. To maintain a sense of ultimate coziness and casual elegance, Oprah opted for a light green sweatshirt, perfectly matched with coordinating sweatpants. This choice of soft, relaxed loungewear, elevated by the classic straw hat, demonstrated her innate ability to blend comfort with an inviting, laid-back aesthetic that resonates deeply with the core principles of the Coastal Grandma trend.
Jane Fonda
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Jane Fonda, the iconic 84-year-old actress, has arguably played a significant role in popularizing the viral Coastal Grandma trend, particularly through her beloved character Grace Hanson in the Netflix series Grace and Frankie. In the show, Grace consistently embodies the quintessential Coastal Grandma look, residing in a lush beachfront home and embracing a wardrobe of sophisticated, relaxed pieces daily. This natural alignment with the aesthetic made Jane Fonda a perfect guest for a hilarious skit about the trend on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on August 3. During the skit, Jimmy comically serenaded Jane, expressing his “lust” for the iconic Coastal Grandma style that she so perfectly showcased throughout the segment. Her makeup artist later shared Jane’s look on their social media page, providing a closer view of her impeccable styling. The image revealed Jane flawlessly rocking a classic knit cardigan elegantly draped over her shoulders, paired with crisp white linen pants – two non-negotiable staples of the Coastal Grandma wardrobe. Her appearance on the show further cemented her status as a muse for the trend, proving that her character’s timeless style continues to influence fashion beyond the screen.
Mindy Kaling
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Mindy Kaling, the witty and stylish 43-year-old creator, might have inadvertently contributed to the Coastal Grandma movement, but her beachfront snapshot from February 12 undeniably embodied its chic and relaxed spirit. Her caption, “Pretty good for a girl who has been coughing for three days,” added a touch of relatable humor to her undeniably stylish appearance. In the photograph, Mindy flawlessly integrated key elements of the Coastal Grandma aesthetic, proving that the look is all about an intrinsic sense of casual sophistication. She wore classic blue capri jeans, offering a practical yet stylish foundation for her ensemble. Paired with a relaxed blue striped button-down shirt, her outfit exuded an air of effortless cool, reminiscent of a leisurely day spent by the ocean. Crucially, no Coastal Grandma look would be complete without the iconic straw beach hat, and Mindy wore hers with perfect, natural ease. Her choice of attire demonstrated how versatile this trend can be, adapting effortlessly to different personalities while maintaining its core appeal of comfortable, timeless, and chic coastal living.
Kerry Washington
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Kerry Washington, the elegant 45-year-old actress, celebrated last spring with a breathtaking floral dress that perfectly encapsulated the burgeoning Coastal Grandma aesthetic, long before it reached its peak popularity. Her April 2021 Instagram post, humorously captioned “Florals? For Spring. Groundbreaking,” showcased a stunning ensemble that was both vibrant and gracefully relaxed. The dress itself was a work of art, adorned with bright yellow roses that radiated a cheerful, summery glow. Kerry meticulously set the mood for her photo, posing amidst an abundance of real roses in the background, creating a harmonious and picturesque scene that amplified the natural beauty of her outfit. To put a perfect finishing touch on her exquisite look, she added a matching floral headband, seamlessly tying together the elements of her ensemble. This choice of a flowing, nature-inspired dress, coupled with delicate floral accessories, demonstrated Kerry Washington’s inherent knack for embodying sophisticated comfort, making her an early and beautiful advocate for the effortless charm that defines the Coastal Grandma style.
Why the Coastal Grandma Aesthetic Resonates Now More Than Ever
The enduring popularity of the Coastal Grandma aesthetic among celebrities and everyday fashion enthusiasts alike speaks volumes about its inherent appeal. In a world often dominated by fleeting trends and intricate styling, this look offers a refreshing return to simplicity and authenticity. Its emphasis on comfort, quality fabrics, and timeless pieces aligns perfectly with a desire for practicality and a more sustainable approach to fashion. Moreover, the aesthetic evokes a sense of escapism—a longing for the serene, unhurried pace of coastal living, where the biggest decision is often whether to wear a cardigan or a linen shirt. Celebrities like Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Anne Hathaway, Oprah Winfrey, Jane Fonda, Mindy Kaling, and Kerry Washington, each in their unique way, demonstrate the versatility and universal charm of this style. They show that the Coastal Grandma aesthetic is not confined to a specific age group or demographic; rather, it’s a mindset—a celebration of relaxed elegance, natural beauty, and a life lived with grace and ease. As we continue to navigate busy modern lives, perhaps the Coastal Grandma trend serves as a gentle reminder to slow down, embrace comfort, and find beauty in the effortlessly chic.