Forget the coastal grandmother aesthetic — the new Gen Z obsession is the coastal granddaughter aesthetic
Gen Z creators are adopting a reimagined summer aesthetic — and it draws inspiration from the coast.
With summer just around the corner, the influx of content pertaining to the year’s hottest months is warranted. Some TikTok users, however, have taken to a particularly niche but all-at-once glamorous vibe known as the coastal granddaughter aesthetic. And while it’s not exactly new, the aesthetic gained traction in the summer of 2022 and derived from its predecessor, the coastal grandmother aesthetic.
TikTok creator Lex Nicoleta (@lexnicoleta) coined the term “coastal grandmother,” which refers to someone who loves a variety of “coastal-related” things like Nancy Meyers movies, cooking, beloved celebrity chef Ina Garten, cozy interiors and more.
The “coastal granddaughter,” on the other hand, ages down the demographic and subsequent interests. The aesthetic emulates “a 20-something year old, who lives a relaxed life filled with leisure and happens to leave near a coastline,” according to blogger Kaylannk.
For summer 2023, TikTokers appear to specifically reference the buzzed-about teen romantic drama series “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” based on the coming-of-age book series by Jenny Han that returns for its second season in July. The show’s protagonist, Isabel “Belly” Conklin (played by Lola Tung), finds herself amidst a complicated love triangle with two brothers while summering at their beach house in the charming, fictional town of Cousins, Mass.
On June 11, TikTok creator Steph Bohrer (@wydstephbohrer) declared, “belly summer begins,” noting that she loves being a coastal granddaughter.
“Initially called ‘coastal chic,’ coastal granddaughter is essentially the more ‘untucked’ version of coastal grandmother, according to TikTok user @carlyvandyke_ who popularized the term,” Emma Garza wrote for Bustle. “Just like its predecessor, the coastal granddaughter aesthetic can be recreated anywhere and still pass the vibe check. Beach house and sunsets on the boat welcome, but not required.”
It’s also worth noting that having a grandmother on the coast isn’t necessary to achieve the coastal granddaughter aesthetic.
‘i would literally sell my entire life to be a coastal granddaughter.’
TikTok users are envious of Bohrer’s ability to embark on a coastal granddaughter summer.
“i would like nothing more than to be a coastal granddaughter (i am an immigrant and that is actually impossible for me),” @amnamansha13 replied.
“i need to be a coastal granddaughter,” @viviile also wrote.
“i would literally sell my entire life to be a coastal granddaughter,” @anjulisburner replied.
Other creators have fully leaned into the dreamy, beachy aesthetic, too.
Of course, as any coastal granddaughter can attest, ensuring you have a thematically accurate wardrobe is key.
“The coastal granddaughter aesthetic draws color palette inspiration from, well, the coast. Think of all those beachy tones—navy blue, seafoam green, sandy taupe and off-white are all perfect shades for staple items,” wrote Riley Yates of Girl’s Life. “For a day where you’re planning on getting wet, your fave bikini with denim shorts and a thrifted button-up shirt is the way to go. For a day spent shopping and brunching with the besties, a midi sundress, straight-leg jeans paired with a blouse or linen pants and a cropped tank are all options. The general vibe is beachy — but in a put-together way.”
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