Over the past few years, the internet has seen many fleeting trends come and go, from balletcore to quiet luxury to the mob wife aesthetic. Every couple of months, another viral aesthetic pops up, has its moment in the sun, and then quietly fades from our collective consciousness. However, there’s one trend that’s been there through it all—dating all the way back to 2022—and that is the coastal grandma aesthetic. Maybe it’s because timelessness is a key part of the appeal (the aesthetic is built around a movie from 2003, after all), but year after year, I find myself drawn back in to the coastal grandma’s beachy, effortlessly chic vibe.
It’s exactly what I want my summer to feel like: laid-back and relaxed, with plenty of beach days, crisp white wine, and a little bit of luxury mixed in. But as someone who most definitely does not own a house in the Hamptons (or even live on the coast), I’m going to need a few things to really get the vibe right. So, I rounded up everything you could possibly need to live out the coastal grandma dream this summer. From breezy linens to the perfect beach tote, these coastal grandma summer essentials will make you feel like you’re summering in the Hamptons.
L.L.Bean
A canvas tote is THE bag of summer, and L.L.Bean’s Boat and Tote is the OG. It is extra handy for beach days or farmers market runs, and you can even add your monogram for a fun personalized touch.
Walmart
This melamine salad bowl comes with serving utensils that fit neatly inside the lid, making it the perfect hosting essential for backyard gatherings this summer.
Target
Keep the bugs at bay while you’re sipping cocktails out on the patio with this citronella candle. The pretty blue scalloped jar doubles as decor.
Old Navy
Wear it as a swimsuit cover-up or for an easy summer outfit idea—an oversized white button-down will be your closet hero all season long.
Vacation
Long beach days call for plenty of SPF. This sunscreen mist is designed to go over makeup and dry fast, so it’s perfect for topping up your SPF throughout the day.
Amazon
A pair of statement sunnies can elevate any outfit, and these tortoise shell frames are so coastal grandma-coded.
Quince
Linen sheets are key to giving your bedroom that light, airy, Nancy Meyers-esque look. Plus, they’ll help keep you cool on balmy summer nights.
J.Crew
Diane Keaton’s cream-on-white beach outfit in Something’s Gotta Give might just be one of her most iconic looks. Grab this linen bucket hat in white to effortlessly channel her look.
Rifle Paper Co.
With an embroidered hydrangea design on the front and a blue and white pattern of hydrangeas under the bill, this baseball cap is the perfect summer accessory to throw on over a sporty-chic outfit.
locket necklace | striped button down | bucket hat | sunglasses | seashell earrings | linen shorts | tote bag | watch | woven sandals
Sam Edelman
These raffia flats put a coastal spin on the classic Mary Jane style. They’re the summer shoe you’ll reach for over and over again when you want something a little dressier than sandals.
Amazon
Keep drinks and snacks cool while at the beach or on a picnic with this adorable gingham cooler bag. It can fit up to two dozen cans (or several bottles of wine), so there’s plenty of space for a whole day’s worth of refreshments.
Mango
For a more structured bag you can easily dress up or down, this straw tote is the perfect option. It has an interior pocket for your phone or keys and a zip closure to keep all your belongings from falling out.
Pottery Barn Teen
The scalloped edge is such a fun detail on this otherwise classic striped beach towel. It reverses to a solid color and even offers protection from UV rays.
Anthropologie
Whether you tie it in your hair, on your bag, or around your neck, this sailboat-printed scarf will add a fun coastal touch to any outfit.
Crate & Barrel
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a glass or two outside on the patio, this marble wine cooler will keep that bottle of sauvy B perfectly chilled.
Old Navy
I can’t explain it, but this sweater just screams, “I summer in Cape Cod.” Throw it on over some linen bottoms and pretend you’re getting ready to take the sailboat out for the evening.
GAP
The perfect thing to pair with your aforementioned American flag sweater.
sunglasses | yellow top | earrings | watch | linen pants | seashell bag | woven flats
Cole Haan | Nordstrom
There’s a lot of crossover between coastal grandma and the fisherman aesthetic, but the slightly more elegant silhouette of these sandals plants them firmly in the coastal grandma camp.
Amazon
These seashell earrings are the perfect summer upgrade to your everyday gold hoops.
Etsy | TheSouthernPostShop
Etsy | Monkeyside
For an easy summer decor update, swap out some art you already have framed for this cute striped print.
Amazon
If you’re entertaining outdoors this summer, these portable table lamps will ensure you can keep the party going long after the sun sets.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.
Products included in graphics linked within the article.