When Lex Nicoleta described her personal style as “somewhere between a character in ‘The Matrix’ and a coastal grandmother” on TikTok earlier this year, she started something much more powerful than a viral trend or an internet aesthetic. She awoke something in people across the world, who deeply identified with or aspired to the turtleneck-wearing, vacation home-dwelling lifestyles of the older female protagonists of films like “Something’s Gotta Give,” “It’s Complicated,” “Under the Tuscan Sun” and “Nights in Rodanthe.” (This was only fueled by the fact that the first on that list started streaming on Netflix in April.) (Also, while we’re here, justice for Dr. Keanu Reeves.)
In the few months since, Nicoleta has grown to become the Internet’s go-to source on all things “coastal grandmother,” sharing her favorite source material and thoughts on how to achieve that lifestyle. Meanwhile, the persona has outgrown a single platform: It’s been dissected and opinion-columned and, of course, shopped out — because, in addition to proximity to a beach, the fashion is an essential part.
If you’ve watched any of the definitive texts in the “coastal grandmother” genre, you know that there’s a certain capsule wardrobe, made up of easy, breezy staples in warm, neutral colors that are untouched by trends. The are the oversized white button-downs, turtleneck sweaters, lots of cashmere and linen. Ahead, we’ve broken down the pieces you need to live your best “coastal grandmother” summer. So, grab some Chardonnay or some iced tea (with a perfect slice of lemon), and start shopping.
The Button-Down
The Cashmere Sweater
The White Dress
The Turtleneck
The Linen Pants
The Leather Sandals
The Matching Pajama Set
The Bucket Hat
The Sunglasses
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