Monday Musings on Coastal Living
Our first week back in Vancouver has been chock full of coastal activities. Earlier in the week, my husband and I motored our new sailboat to the boatyard to get it hauled out for maintenance. It was the first time either of us had been out on it, so we had fun. It needs lots of work because it’s very old, but my husband is loving it all.
As many of you know, I’m not much of a water person (putting it mildly), but I’m surrounded by the beauty of the northwest coastlines, and my husband is a lifelong sailor, so I spend a fair amount of time near the water. Our first day working on the boat was exhausting. We scrubbed moss off as many surfaces as possible and generally exhausted ourselves. My back hurt for 3 days, so I quit, but my husband has been there every day working, and frankly, he loves it! He should have it in shape for the water pretty soon.
BAG UNAVAILABLE
As expected, June-uary has spotty weather here, so I’ve always got a sweater with me. Mostly it has been gorgeous and sunny, but I am layering up for the cooler moments, especially down by the water.
Outfits of Week
Being along the shore has me thinking of how much I love the coastal grandmother style. It was hugely popular several years ago and is back for the summer of 2025. It has nothing to do with being a grandmother, but it’s a style coined a few years ago that describes a relaxed, timeless look inspired by beachside living and classic elegance. It makes me think of Diane Keaton – all those Nancy Meyer movies from the early 2000’s.
The look typically features soft neutrals, natural fabrics like linen and cotton, and effortless pieces like button-down shirts, wide-leg pants, and cozy knits. Think beach-living with a pulled-together, unfussy, and quietly luxurious look. It’s exactly how I love to dress in the summer, so I guess it’s fitting that I am now, in fact, a coastal grandmother.
Linen is a big part of the coastal style, and it’s one of my favorite fabrics for the summer. This outfit features comfy Old Navy linen pants with a J.Crew Irish linen shirt. I topped the look with this lightweight travel wrap, which is 90% cotton, kissed with 10% cashmere, making it a perfect weight for wearever the summer takes you. I added simple gold-tone earrings and a linen beach hat that has ties to hold it on your head during breezy days in the sun or out on a boat. Comfy slip-on slides have crossover straps to feel secure on your feet and are easy to kick off when you reach the sand. A handwoven French Market tote carries everything you need for a supermarket trip or a day at the beach.
Here’s a classic beachside or deckside look for the summer featuring an L.L. Bean classic cotton polo, with Eileen Fisher organic linen shorts (on sale at Nordstrom Rack, and comfy Keds, topped with a soft, slouchy cotton cardigan for the ocean breezes, which always show up. I accessorized with added Ralph Lauren simple knot earrings, a Madewell wide-brim raffia hat, an L.L. Bean boat tote, and classic Wayfarer sunglasses. This is perfect for a day at the beach, a picnic in the park, or a farmers market run.
Furniture Shopping
My daughter and I spent the weekend perusing furniture stores because she’s on the hunt for some pieces to add to her new home. We spent a fair amount of time in the big box stores, looking for some modern inspiration, and then eventually made our way to a large antique store in the City.
There were some real treasures in there! I saw versions of chandeliers I have owned (and paid way more for…) and dining room tables with carvings so familiar I’m racking my brain and phone for photos of my old tables and armoires.
She ended up buying a beautiful antique Louis XVI style oval-shaped table, with leaves, from the late 19th century. Now we’re on the hunt for some modern chairs to help it fit in with her overall decor. We spent some time scouring Pinterest for ideas, maybe a ghost chair or a chunky boucle rounded chair.
Back to the Forest
One of my favorite places of all is the forest, and we had some time to wander through it this weekend and the fresh air was intoxicating. I’m trying to be consistent with my fitness routine for the summer, and these weekly walks are a great way to get me out and moving.
It was chilly in the morning, so I wore a knit beanie and layered up with my navy sweater and a light rain jacket. My shoes left something to be desired, but I needed to be able to trudge through the mud in my happy place.
Looking back at my last week of outfits, it seems so clear that I am a coastal grandmother through and through! Soft knits, neutrals, coastal colors…
Are you a fan of the coastal grandmother style? You’ll be seeing me wearing the look often this summer.
Beautiful outfits you show today. I do love the coastal grandmother look.
Have you seen the Nordstrom collection Seasalt Cornwall? Such lovely coastal colors. Also, my son and his wife found fantastic dining room chairs at West Elm. They are so comfy and beautiful. I hope you have a lovely summer in Vancouver. Such a beautiful city.
Thank you Sylvia. West Elm is on our agenda. I haven’t seen that line but I’ll certainly check it out!
You do an awesome job. I just love your log. We have just moved from Florida to Marina del Rey CA. And I haven’t figured out my style yet. We moved where our daughter and grandkids are. I’m almost 82 and I’m very much a jean person. Florida weather compared to this chilly weather here in the marina is much different. You are helping me to find my style. I love sweaters and I’m a Quince girl so you have helped me there. Thank you! You are going to have a ball sailing in your new boat. We had a lot of fun with our good friend when we lived in Mass. sailing to Maine New Port Boston etc. We almost bought a boat when we retired but God was looking out for us. Howard is not really a putter and you really have to be when you have a boat. Here in the Marina people are always out doing something., Great Memories for us. Do it while you are healthy because Howard now has residual of his stroke years ago and is in a wheelchair and walker. Have a lovely summer in Vancouver with your daughter and family! Zeke
I’m so sorry to hear about Howard. It’s fun to figure out a new wardrobe when you move. I think you’ll love it there Zeke!
Boating is so much fun!
I took the power squadron course which was so informative…you’ll have many adventures ahead of you!
That blue cashmere sweater is lovely! I bought a similar one a few weeks ago. Cozy for breezy Westcoast weather!
Have fun on the boat…perhaps you’ll sail over to Pender?
That would be adventurous for me!! But hopefully we will get to Victoria and can meet for tea.
I always enjoy your candid, informative and positive posts, on every subject.
Your posts are my « first read «
Thank you! from Minnesota
Thanks for being here with us Patricia! My readers are what make it such a great place.
I think I’m coming around to the grandmother coastal style. Just wished I lived on the coast. We love visiting Vancouver. Your forest walks look amazing. My husband and I walk every morning on beautiful trails all around our neighborhood. It really is a great way to stay in shape and enjoy nature. Good luck with the sailboat ⛵
Nature walks are so wonderful! “Coastal” is just another way to describe relaxed, but slightly elevated comfy style. You can wear it anywhere.
Oh a boat-we had a sailboat 34 ft-sailed all over the west ( Hawaii etc) and what a commitment ( AKA money pit) It was too big to be hauled-had to be docked -so a rental slip cost, hauling it once a year to paint the hull, the maintenance-it is a full time job, a small boat is the answer. I keep telling my husband to get a baby version of the old boat, but he is over it, I guess! He loved the rough seas ( scared the daylights out of me) and the higher the winds the better for him.
Me-give me calm seas and clear skies. Some good times, but give me a Duffy boat in the harbor and I am good. Cheers to your adventures!!
My husband is the same so I prefer to wave from shore!
Our boat brought many happy, peaceful hours cruising the local waters. It also became my husband’s hobby and when not on it, he was down washing, polishing, upgrading something. A money pit, for sure. Enjoy!
It doesn’t matter where we travel and how much we enjoy it, getting back home on the island is our happy place. We instantly relax. Ahhhh I hope you recharge your batteries while enjoying your second home.
Vancouver Island does the same for me, even though we no longer have our second home there.
You have a beautiful sail boat. Your husband did a good job. Seems you are having wonderful time in Vancouver. I love visiting Vancouver.
Thanks! He’s working really hard on cleaning it up for our first season.
I love the photo of you and your daughter! Precious moments for sure.
I don’t often comment but rest assured you are the first thing I read upon awakening every morning.
Thanks Jennifer!
You’re so sweet, thanks Mary Ann
Yes! I love the coastal grandmother style. Although my interpretation is not quite as refined as yours. I’m all about the loose, comfy, wide-legged capris and pants paired with a hooded tunic or sweatshirt. Linens, cotton and cotton gauze are my favs. Fabrics that move. I live in hot central California so look forward to staying at the coast for a month in July or August each year. This style is perfect for living at the casual, laid back vibe of a small coastal town. Vancouver sounds like a wonderful place to spend the summer. Lucky you!
I do feel so very lucky. It will get hotter here in August so the sweaters will be less necessary, but still always handy. I adore cotton gauze too, and the wrinkles are intentional 🙂
WOW! The area you are in looks amazing! I would love forest walking.
There’s no place I’d rather be than surrounded by huge trees!
I am a new subscriber and love your posts. I have been a coastal granny for years just didn’t know it had a name. I am 82 and live in FL so we get to wear linen year round but not many jackets.
Welcome Diana! I’m so glad you’ve joined us.
Great looking boat! Your boat looks like the one we used to have. Our sailboat was an older one, and we had work done on it as well. We had it on a lake in Dallas for many years. We sold it a few years ago. Yes, a lot of work keeping it up. My husband would love another sailboat , but we are a little older than you and we were not spending much time on it , plus our weather either has too much wind or not enough.
Enjoy your days sailing! I would have a boat if I lived in Vancouver.
Boats are a lot of work and a bit of a money pit 😉
Yes, coastal grandmother! It’s our lifestyle here on the Gulf Coast with much warmer temperatures. The logo for our shop was Coastal Chic!
Skorts are my go-to look around the house with fun dresses for most occasions from now until mid November….
Good morning Jennifer !
I love the coastal grandmother style. We are in Michigan for the summer and my go to outfit is cotton or linen ankle pants, a tank and a long sleeve linen button up shirt. As the day warms up I can take off the blouse. Sandals or sneakers and I ready for anything. Add some extra jewelry and lipstick and I’m ready!
It sounds like you are having lots of fun. Isn’t it wonderful to be able to have two special places to live. We are very lucky !
I feel so blessed to be able to live near both of my children now!! One in California and one in Vancouver
I love the coastal grandmother look. You make the style look effortless and like “yes I know who I am so deal with it”.
It’s such a classic, timeless, easy way of dressing.
I have to admit, I’ve never heard the term “coastal grandmother style”. Sounds derogatory but, like you, I guess that’s what I am so I shouldn’t be insulted LOL! I also love linen in the summer, but sometimes I can’t get past the “looking like a rag bag” by the end of the day. How do you deal with the wrinkly look linen gives you after wearing it for a few hours? Your boat is beautiful! Isn’t it great when retired husbands have a hobby?
Hobbies are mandatory 😉 I’ve just made piece with the wrinkles. The more heavyweight the linen, the softer I find the wrinkles though.
Love the coastal grandmother. It’s basically preppy! I have to do it in my colors, so lots of navy, white and darker cool green (my LLB boat and tote). I’ve been shopping for some vintage LLB items (because I love madras) and it hit me that is where Frank and Eileen get some of their style inspo. So if you want the look for less…still I can’t believe I repurchased a LLB polo just like the one I had in college in the 80s! The circle of life…
Wonderful idea Shari! It’s so funny how things come back in style.
Yes Jennifer, I am a fan of coastal grandma :):) as a matter of fact, I was dressed that way yesterday, so comfortable and the outfit made me feel very happy. I live only 50 miles from the New Jersey coast.
Have a great day
Yes, love costal the grandmother looks. Here in Hilton Head, SC it’s
right on!!
You live in a gorgeous spot!
Sounds like your happy place- Vancouver! It is a great city but I’ve only been a visitorthere-. from time to time over the years.
It’s a very beautiful place!
Living on the Washington coast, I love all the Oregon, Washington and BC cities towns. So happy to live here. I am also a major fan of Johnny Harris and his small Canadian towns series. I love the Coastal style, even though beige does not look great on me. I wear a lot of navy, blues and whites with a dash of yellow.
You live in a gorgeous place!!