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.
Another blogger called the look Coastal Chic, but regardless of the name, it’s a look that I love! It fits my personal style perfectly… classy, casual, and comfortable.
A boat! How fun! I look forward to reading about your adventures on the water.
Jennifer, your post could not be more timely. I just learned I am going to be a grandmother. My son and his wife are expecting a baby boy and it is my first grandchild. I will love to embrace the grandmother theme but won’t be too coastal here in Atlanta. Hoping you can do a post on what to know as a Grandma.
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you Cheryl.
I actually am a “coastal grandmother,” living on the Oregon coast. But I don’t think that vibe is quite right for me. I’m more of a bright colors girl with a fair bit of whimsy.
Beautiful pictures and looks! Have a lovely week all !
I’m glad you’re still enjoying Vancouver despite our weather. I’m a regular reader but non-poster. Just wanted to say Hi. I love reading your posts and comments. Thank you for all your hard work. Cheers.
Hi Mary!
I’ve never been to Vancouver but it looks and sounds like an amazing place for a second home. The biggest perk is getting to see your daughter. Sounds like you are having fun with her in picking out furniture for her new home.
I’m definitely a coastal grandmother but live in the Colorado mountains. I have on linen blend pale striped wide leg pants that I bought a couple of years ago and never wore until today. I got ambitious yesterday and shortened these and a pair of white linen blend so I can actually wear them. I also ironed shirts and two pair of Quince linen. It wrinkles pretty easily but is so soft and comfy. My coastal style all summer includes linen, linen blend, cotton and cotton gauze all in loose comfy styles. I do not do boats or water either.
Lol, we have so many similarities Sydney! Love the sound of your outfit.
I love the coastal grandmother look and it looks amazing on you! We are headed to Vancouver Island for a week to visit family and then back to Vancouver for a week to visit friends. I live in Northern California, not far from you, and I am looking forward to the cooler and fresher coastal air. I love California but Vancouver never leaves my heart. Enjoy that sailboat with your husband!
I can tell that by your email address! Have a wonderful trip, Louanne. It’s just starting to warm up.
I’ve embraced the coastal grandmother look with several pairs of linen pants and gauzy blouses. It’s very warm south of Houston, Texas so the lightweight fabrics are a necessity!
I remember the Coastal Grandmother look! I like it. I think it was coined in 2003, as you say, with Diane Keaton in “Something’s Gotta Give.” She wore soft neutral sweaters and pants throughout.
The look is so pretty. Can’t say that I’ve adopted it, but I do have some outfits that qualify. Can’t beat the comfort. I think too, the clothing company, “Barefoot Dreams” out of California is the same principle.
Can’t wait to see more of it featured on your blog!