So what is it … this Coastal Grandmother way of life that’s sweeping across the world? If you’re not one of the million-plus who’ve spotted the trend, started by TikToker Lex Nicoleta, here’s the lowdown.
Firstly, and massively important, you don’t need to be a grandmother. Nor do you need to live on the coast. Rather, it’s a way of life, a classic, timeless look that’s stylish and comfy and effortless.
It’s ageless, so think Dianne Keaton in Something’s Got To Give (in fact, watch Nancy Meyer’s The Parent Trap and It’s Complicated, too, for inspiration), but then know it’s also the younger Anne Hathaway, who posted a photo of herself in a casual but classic white and off-white outfit, complete with bucket hat, saying “I have been ready for #coastalgrandmother chic since before TikTok was born. May this moment never end.”
It’s all muted colours – white with egg-shell and ivory and milk, gentle seaside-blue and seaweed-green, in soft fabrics – linen, pure cotton, cashmere.
Wardrobe essentials are oversized button-down shirts, chinos and drawstring palazzo pants, flowing, easy-to-wear maxi dresses, bucket hats and espadrilles.
But it’s not all about the wardrobe. Coastal Grandmothers is also about the way you live. It’s gardening, and growing your own herbs. It’s hydrangeas. It’s long leisurely walks – on the beach if you’re there, or in the park. It’s shopping at the local farmers market, and entertaining at big, long outdoor tables with rattan placemats and pure linen napkins, oversized glasses of wine and a meal from one of Ina Gartan’s Barefoot Contessa cookbooks … think truffled mac and cheese, or lobster pot pie, or fresh fig and ricotta cake. And there’s always – always – a bowl of fresh lemons on the table.
There’s even a Spotify Coastal Grandmother playlist by lexnicoleta … all Marvin Gaye followed by Gladys Knight and the Pips, Four Tops and Norah Jones, John Legend and Steve Tyrell … and you’ll definitely hear Elton’s Bennie and the Jets and Natalie Cole’s This Will Be.
Luxurious, laid back, comfortable, generous … it’s dressing, decorating and living your best life. And if you haven’t already embraced it, this Summer’s the perfect time to start.
Wardrobe essentials
A floaty, loose, tiered dress for days spent in the sun and dusks on the patio. This Lola maxi linen dress has adjustable shoulder tie straps, is soft linen and has side pockets (we’re suckers for pockets!). R1199 from sweetpeas.co.za • Another strappy day-to-cocktails option in the colour of sun-dried seaweed. R299 from picknpayclothing.co.za
• Classic, organically-grown white linen palazzo pants, R1499, a raffia bucket hat, R799, and espadrdille slip-on loafers, R499, from woolworths.co.za • And a casual woven maize leaf tote, big enough for shopping at the local farmers market. R450 from takealot.comClassic, organically-grown white linen palazzo pants, R1499, a raffia bucket hat, R799, and espadrdille slip-on loafers, R499, from woolworths.co.za
It’s a life-at-the-beach vibe … even if you don’t live at the ocean
While Costal Grandmother’s a newish phrase, the actual trend has been around for decades. It’s really old-style, seaside-chic … natural, understated, slightly rustic but always elegant … think white walls and slipcover sofas in pale shades of the beach and the ocean, open plan kitchens with open shelves showing off your wonky platters. There are cable knit throws on the chairs and flowers from the garden plonked casually in jugs or vases, loads of natural light and open windows and almost-sheer gauzy curtains. It’s all books – coffee table and beach reads, and scented candles – lit every night and not just on occasion. Oh. And it’s stripes. Ticking never looked more at home.
Dulux’s Colour of the Year for 2023 is Wild Wonder … inspired by nature and chosen after looking at the insights from international design experts, who share their thoughts about where the world is heading. The earth, they say, is the source of everything, bringing us solace, inspiration and a myriad of blueprints for living. And each of the four 2023 stories – Lush, Buzz, Raw and Flow colours help you capture the magic of nature and bring into your home. Wild Wonder is used here with Ghost Grey and Silver Trophy …. the exact shades of the sky above, the sea on an overcast day. Details: dulux.co.za
Decor Essentials
Entertaining big parties of family and friends calls for oversized, preferably wonky, platters. This one works as a centrepiece when not being used for pastas and salads at your dinner gatherings. From R1490.
Thick rattan wine basket for eight bottles of your favourite wine. R1890.
And for sandy feet, a Madwa beach and sand brush … small traditional brushes which are perfect for getting rid of sand after the beach. They can also be grouped together to create a decorative accent in a small basket. R380, all from bespokehome.co.za.
A bowl (preferably a market find … so hunt around for a gorgeous rustic textured bowl or platter) of lemons – non- negotiable in the Coastal Grandmother’s home.
Fluidity Reactive dinner and side plates and bowls in the colours of the ocean, from R119 to R149, from Woolworths.
