When it comes to fashion staples, there is perhaps no article of clothing more timeless than a Breton striped shirt. First worn by sailors in 1858, the white and navy pattern has become a closet classic, mainly for its low-key silhouette, versatility, and how easily it can be dressed up or down. At first, the nautical design was only associated with French navy seamen, but it didn’t take long for it to go from uniform to everyday essential. Coco Chanel famously ushered the statement stripes into fashion in the 20th century, leading the way for many other style icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, and Kate Middleton to follow through with the Parisian-chic look.
Today, the perennially preppy pattern continues to reign supreme and remains the year-round wardrobe staple for men and women alike because of how much it goes with everything. Below, we share the best Breton stripe shirts that’ll be in heavy rotation for years to come.
At the top of the list of things that one might least expect today’s youths to be yearning for is Ina Garten’s wardrobe. Like a brooch or pair of suspenders, the idea of dressing like even the most well-respected domestic types feels dated. And yet, this exact sartorial aesthetic — called “coastal grandmother fashion” as of late and pretty similar in concept to writer Harling Ross’ expression, “menocore” and content creator Christina Majjar’s “rich-mom energy” — is the latest development in the grandmillennial craze for vintage style. The coastal grandmother term pertains to the laid-back-yet-luxurious lifestyle habits of well-to-do retirees who live in sleepy, beachside towns in places like Nantucket or Monterey (think Big Little Lies). It went viral when TikToker Lex Nicoleta began posting videos about how such a persona lives.
In addition to fashion, the videos cover everything from inspired food and cocktail recipes to a lifestyle “starter pack.” (The latter includes a home with coastal views, a garden, and several hundred ginger jars to scatter around said home.) Nicoleta even made a Spotify playlist filled with songs that may have you “standing on your porch in a cashmere cardigan, clutching onto your morning coffee for dear life.” In terms of fashion: button-down shirts, straight-leg pants, Provençal market baskets, linen caftans, and pashmina shawls are essential to encapsulating the coastal grandma outfit. And, as Nicoleta also points out, being a grandmother is not a prerequisite to embrace the mood.
Indeed, “[these pieces] not only give a relaxed vibe but still have you feeling polished,” J.Crew’s Head of Women’s Design, Olympia Gayot, tells TZR. Though, unlike true grandmillennialism, this trend is a tad more minimalist, as it leans into neutral hues and eschews elaborate pattern-mixing.
For further inspiration, one might study the outfits of some heroines who live in filmmaker Nancy Meyers’ movies from the early aughts, like Erica Berry (Diane Keaton) in Something’s Gotta Give and Jane Adler (Meryl Streep) of It’s Complicated. Keaton, whose character often drifted about her Hamptons beach house in chinos and knitwear that matched the washed-out decor, even posted a tribute to coastal grandma chic on Instagram. A day later, Anne Hathaway, who starred in Meyers’ 2015 film The Intern, also declared her penchant for the trend, posing in pale separates and a bucket hat for an Insta photo.
“Everyone wants to completely detach [from reality] and wrap themselves in comfort. We’ve earned a summer uniform that doesn’t consist of tight clothes and stilt-like heels. Instead cardigans, relaxed button-downs, and khakis let us live a chill summer of leisure,” adds celebrity stylist Cindy Conroy. “Think ocean breezes that lull you into the best naps, beach strolls at sunset, and gardening. All the good stuff.”
Keep reading to see, and shop, the exact pieces you need to pull off the coastal grandmother look. The fashion aesthetic is set to replace hot girl summer style.
Poplin Pajamas
A pajama set is arguably the most dignified sleepwear one could wear and, thus, a coastal grandmother essential. (Can you think of even one notable coastal grandmother who would wear a years-old college T-shirt instead?) Cotton versions are classic and cozy. To be extra indulgent, you might opt for a set that includes a robe as well.
Nights are getting longer, people are going out, and we’re ready for a hot-girl summer (part two). With a few cute summer outfits on deck, you’ll be ready to go just about anywhere—and we curated a bucketload of looks that channel the optimistic energy floating through the air.
Some warm-weather formulas, like a T-shirt and pleated midi skirt or a jumpsuit with white sneakers, can be easily re-created with staples you already own, but there are plenty more cute, casual summer outfits worth shopping right now. And if you’re looking to step up your game and experiment with personal style, we’ve got statement pieces that’ll help you nail whatever aesthetic you’re vibing these days. (It’s all about the coastal grandma look for us.)
The world is your sartorial oyster, and whether you’re conjuring up the ultimate rooftop picnic or planning a poolside escape, below are 10 cute summer outfit ideas to start planning now.
Bralette + Matching Bottoms
Matching sets have become as essential as white button-downs. No well-rounded wardrobe is complete without one. Forgo heavier fabrics (think cashmere and wool) for lighter-weight separates in pastel tones and graphics—not only are they better at withstanding summer heat, but you can get more mileage out of them by rewearing the top with jeans or the bottom with tank tops or T-shirts.
My career in fashion has taken a lot of twists and turns: I got my start in NYC, working in magazines (W, Teen Vogue, Marie Claire), rode the very first wave of Instagram street style, and hit my professional stride as the Creative Director of luxury e-tailer Moda Operandi. Fast forward a few years and I’m in my dream role as Creative and Fashion Director of THE YES — a personalized shopping app — and living back in my hometown of Texas. Another big pivot? Reworking my wardrobe with enough summer essentials to withstand the state’s incessant heat.
I was looking forward to lots of things when I moved back home: Tex Mex and margaritas, road trips, lots of outdoor space to garden… What I hadn’t anticipated (or at least had conveniently forgotten about during my time away) was the high temperatures. Summers in Texas are no joke! From basically April to September, you want to keep your clothes light, breezy, and most importantly fun. Because if anything is going to cheer you up in triple-digit weather, it’s a colorful bucket bag or a bunny-print shirt or a crochet mini. (That or an ice pop.)
Year round, my style leans toward the eccentric, but that holds especially true in the summertime when everything feels looser and more playful. School’s out, vacation’s on, and we’re all ready to shed our layers and have a backyard party. When it’s time to dress up for summer occasions, I’ve been reaching for dresses that surprise everyone who knows me — including myself. I’m not a super ruffles-and-frills girl, but floaty summer dresses with all the trimmings have just felt right lately. They’re the fashion equivalent of champagne: light, effervescent, and irresistible. Now, am I going to pair them with a Balenciaga Croc? You know it.
Ahead, shop some more of the wardrobe staples I’m stocking up on for the season ahead.
We at TZR only include products that have been independently selected by our editors. We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.
Keeping It Casual
Courtesy of Taylor Tomasi Hill
For days when it’s too hot to think and you don’t want to bother, breezy summer dresses are my go-to. Tent, shirt, slip, mini…whatever kind of dress it is, keep it light and loose and you’re golden with the one-and-done approach. One of the dresses that people went absolutely crazy for when I posted on my Insta (like, it sold out immediately) is back in stock. Frilly, chic, made for barefoot events — is Ulla Johnson’s Aurore Dress the dress of the summer? I dare predict yes.
Short And Not Too Sweet
Courtesy of Taylor Tomasi Hill
Minis were all over the runways, but lots of people have asked me if they’re practical. “Like, minis? Should we?” They’re surprisingly versatile — and a definite yes from me. I like to style them more sporty than sexy. Ball cap, sweatshirt, swimwear … it all just feels cooler and a little more modern to me that way. After all, it’s 2000s-inspired, but not a copy and paste comeback!
Bounce That
Courtesy of Taylor Tomasi Hill
Raffia, linen, madras, chambray … the traditional fabrics and materials of summer look cooler when you add a little rubber. Yep: practically indestructible, super colorful, playfully perfect rubber. Beach bags, swim slides, heels: They are all better in rubber. After all, it’s the only thing that I’ve discovered that can withstand a day at the beach, road trips, dripping popsicles, and sticky kiddos’ fingers and looks just as fresh as when it started.
The New Evening Standard
Courtesy of Taylor Tomasi Hill
Summer weddings, cocktail parties, and art galas always pose a question: How to dress up for the occasion and look fantastic without feeling like you’ve weighed yourself down with overly formal choices? I like to go for brilliant color, sweeping hemlines, and absolutely feathers when necessary. (And maybe it’s always necessary?)
Made For The Waves
Courtesy of Taylor Tomasi Hill
I knew an editor who swore by all-black swimwear. It was all she’d wear. I like this rule, but only theoretically. A vision of looking like you’re part of a Slim Aarons portrait is nice, but the prints and colors designers have been creating are just too much to resist. It’s like op art for the beach or poolside. Bonus: All Cover swimwear comes with UPF 50+ sun protection.
On A Whim(sy)
Courtesy of Taylor Tomasi Hill
As I mentioned earlier, summer feels so free and happy, even if you’re melting in the heat. For weekend BBQs, vacations, and outings to the park I like to play to the mood with pieces that match the vibe, whether it’s a psychedelic bunnies top or a candy-colored skirt.
Woven Together
Courtesy of Taylor Tomasi Hill
You can’t really sport raffia or macramé during the winter, so summer is open season. I like how designers have taken a really elevated approach, balancing the hand-crafted quality of woven materials with clean silhouettes.
Barrel Jumping
Courtesy of Taylor Tomasi Hill
I’ve been loving more relaxed denim. Right now, beachy, wide-leg cuts reign supreme. And the most relaxed of all is a cropped barrel-cut that looks perfectly worn in. When it comes to styling, go for a more cropped, fitted tee or cardigan. At the end of the day, a white tank and a smile is all you need with vintage denim.
She’s Got Layers
Courtesy of Taylor Tomasi Hill
We’re not layering much during the summer (well, aside from the KULE cardis I keep with me at all times because of aggressive A/C). So stacking your jewelry is a good, summer proof-alternative. I love mixing textures — precious stones, pearls, and gold — with fun acrylic beads and bits. This special bracelet from Roxanne Assoulin is a limited edition with 100% of proceeds going to support UNHCR, a UN Refugee Agency giving live-saving aid and emergency shelter in Ukraine.
You know us for our signature poppy and royal blue, but every season we have a signature color that really pops. This season, that color is lemon 🍋. With lemon, you can dress head-to-toe citrus, or add pops of color to your outfit. Read on to see how to add some lemonade to your life and wardrobe.
Coastal grandmother heralds a new kind of hot girl summer—with fresh produce, strong cocktails, and light linens.
Take a sip of a fresh-squeezed mimosa as we learn about the coastal grandmother aesthetic. The phrase, which has come to prominence on TikTok and Instagram, refers to the crisp, monied, perennially summertime lifestyle of a beautiful older woman in a Nancy Meyers movie or an Eileen Fisher photo shoot. A coastal grandmother doesn’t care for thong bodysuits or ketamine. She likes heirloom tomatoes and going to bed early.
To understand the coastal grandmother, picture its opposite: the grimy style of Euphoria, with its tight fabrics, facial embellishments, hamster-size purses, and sheen of sweat, cum, sebum, and gasoline. Well! That’s alright for a young person. But some of us want nine solid hours of sleep in a room with the golden trifecta: a humidifier, an air purifier, and a diffuser. Those of us who were kids of the ’80s and ’90, raised on rom-coms and having now reached an age where our sexual arousal is directly tied to real estate listings, have found solace in the teak and linen world of the coastal grandmother.
Being a coastal grandmother means wearing loose, breathable fabrics and doing strength training by shifting a full glass of Sauvignon Blanc from hand to hand. It means shelling peas on a chaise longue, or getting up at six to drink coffee with local cream in the still, cool promise of the morning. Coastal grandmother is not about conforming to male heterosexual expectations of female beauty. It is about being able to spend north of $70 on a single unscented pillar candle. Or, at least, cosplaying as someone who has money to spend on simple, good things. It is understated, wealthy-person dress up.
Lex Nicoleta, 26, popularized the term on TikTok. She tells Glamour that the coastal grandmother aesthetic is not an identity restricted to those born on a sloop or near a picturesque lighthouse. “You can be a coastal grandmother whether or not you live by the coast, and whether or not you’re a grandmother,” she explains.
She, a millennial living far from the salt air in inland California, is neither. And men can be coastal grandfathers. (Nicoleta points to Stanley Tucci as an example.) Coastal grandmother is not exclusive or elitist, she argues. It’s a style that attracts people of “all different ages, genders, races.” Imagine a little wooden gate on a stone pathway that leads to a seaside cottage. Now imagine the gate flung wide open. “It’s not like, ‘This wouldn’t apply to someone like you.’ It’s very, ‘Come one, come all, and be a part of it.’”
Since Nicoleta started preaching the gospel of gran on TikTok, the term has gained traction with the many women in the great pantheon of coastal grandmothers. Diane Keaton posted a tribute video to the concept. Nancy Meyers shared an article that noted that “coastal grandmother” videos have been viewed a billion times on TikTok. The screenwriter joked, “That’s a lot of views for a pair of khaki pants, a GAP sweater, and a bucket hat!” Anne Hathaway shared a photo of herself in head-to-toe coastal grandmother apparel, captioning the post, “I have been ready for #coastalgrandmother chic since before TikTok was born. May this moment never end.”
Whether we welcome it or not, coastal grandmother has its well-moisturized hands on us. The great accusation leveled against TikTok trends is that they’re just that—they exist only in fierce online micro bubbles and don’t deserve media scrutiny. But there’s decent evidence that the thing TikTok calls coastal grandmother exists by other names outside of our phones. In fashion, we’ve seen versions of the coastal grandmother style trending for a long time—think of Hailey Bieber with her untucked oversized oxford shirts and peeking bra. Think of the “big pants” trend.
