There’s an effortless elegance that comes with coastal dressing — a laidback, charming style born from sun-bleached days, salt breeze, and the rhythmic calm of the sea. From Coco Chanel and Ralph Lauren to the ‘Coastal Grandmother’ viral trend, here’s a comprehensive guide to seaside chic.
“Coastal Style” is a natural evolution that sits at the intersection of minimalist resortwear, the rise of quiet luxury fashion, and the shift toward slower living. Think linen, cotton, ocean palette, and fluid silhouettes that allow for easy movement and breathability.
Whether you’re planning a Mediterranean escape or a weekend at the local shore, coastal dressing embraces a relaxed and carefree attitude. From timeless coastal outfits to collections by resortwear brands, we’re unpacking the essentials to elevate your coastal wardrobe. Here’s how to be the most talked-about woman in the Hamptons or Capri—for all the right reasons.
The Origins and Evolution of Coastal Style
The origin of coastal dressing is deeply rooted in early 20th-century leisurewear, when affluent Europeans began vacationing along the French and Italian Rivieras. This seaside lifestyle called for clothing that was both elegant and functional, introducing lightweight fabrics, relaxed silhouettes, and nautical motifs to mainstream fashion. Breton stripes, boat shoes, and crisp whites became synonymous with Riviera style, combining maritime practicality with timeless sophistication. Across the Atlantic, New England prep offered a similar approach with a collegiate spin — think chino shorts, button-downs, and navy blazers worn during summers in Nantucket, solidifying the blueprint for what we now recognize as coastal style.
Iconic designers like Coco Chanel were instrumental in evolving this look into a symbol of effortless luxury. Chanel revolutionised women’s resortwear in the 1920s by introducing jersey knit sailor tops and wide-legged trousers — garments that redefined elegance for the modern woman. Ralph Lauren built on these foundations, elevating coastal dressing through the lens of American luxury, incorporating yachting references, clean tailoring, and East Coast aesthetics. His campaigns featuring windswept hair, sandy toes, and linen-clad silhouettes became visual icons of a life lived seaside, further embedding nautical and resort influences into global fashion consciousness.
Fast forward to the digital age, and coastal style is once again riding the wave of cultural relevance — this time through the lens of social media. The rise of the “coastal grandmother” aesthetic on TikTok, inspired by Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give, reintroduced relaxed button-downs, oversized knits, and neutral palettes as style staples. Simultaneously, the “Luxe Resort” trend has taken hold on Instagram and Pinterest, showcasing curated coastal wardrobes that combine beach-ready ease with polished minimalism. As fashion designers embrace this serene, sun-drenched aesthetic, coastal dressing continues to evolve — timeless yet current, nostalgic yet forward-thinking.
Coastal Dressing
Coastal dressing balances comfort with understated sophistication. Expect kaftans, high-waist wide-leg pans, midi dresses, and shirt dresses—all designed to move with the body and catch the breeze. Luxury fashion brand Jacquemus has a coastal collection “Le Splash” packed with relaxed tailored suits layered over a bikini top or colourful printed sets. The looks are crafted from sea-ready materials, including lifejackets spun into puffer vests and sorrels into leather! Inspired by water droplets, glass embellishments created by artist Tanya Lyons are used as embellishment on the suits.
Jacquemus “Le Splash”
Loro Piana x MyTheresa is a masterclass in elevated coastal luxury. Known for its impeccable craftsmanship and understated elegance, LLVMH-owned Loro Piana brings its signature textiles—linens, cottons, and cashmere—to a capsule collection of tailored palazzo pants, tunics, and oversized linen shirts in a palette of ivory, sand, and soft marine tones. It’s the ultimate resortwear, offering investment pieces that transition effortlessly from the yacht deck to an alfresco dinner on the Riviera.
For travellers seeking seaside fashion that balances style and accessibility, the J.Crew x St. Tropez Edit delivers a sun-soaked dose of French Riviera charm at an attainable price point. The capsule features cotton sundresses, striped button-downs, linen shorts, and raffia accessories—ideal for packing light and dressing smart. Inspired by the effortless glamour of coastal towns like St. Tropez and Antibes, this collection is a go-to for beachgoers who want to channel coastal chic without breaking the bank.
A combination of Parisian charm and coastal nostalgia, Sézane brings romantic, vintage-inspired sensibility to seaside wardrobes. Striped tops, embroidered blouses, high-waist shorts, and retro swimwear reflect the effortless glamour of France’s southern coast. Made with organic fabrics, Sézane’s collections feel timeless and conscious. Whether you’re sipping café au lait in Biarritz or strolling the boardwalk in Normandy, Sézane offers fashion and function for anyone chasing that chic French coastal dressing vibe.
Of course, no coastal outfit is complete without the right accessories. Raffia hats shield from the sun while adding texture and shape; espadrilles and leather slides keep feet grounded. Canvas totes—like those from Apiece Apart or Cuyana—carry all the essentials while vintage-inspired sunglasses lend a nostalgic nod to mid-century resort glamour. PS Jacquemus’ “Le Splash” accessories are on point — bright mules and the Chiquito, Sac Rond, and Bambino bags.
What to Pack for the Perfect Seaside Wardrobe
Packing for a trip to the Amalfi Coast or the French Riviera is as much about curating a mood as it is about assembling a wardrobe. These iconic coastal destinations demand effortless elegance—think pieces that move with the breeze, transition from day to night, and photograph beautifully against sun-drenched backdrops. Start with lightweight staples: linen trousers, white shirts, cotton midi dresses, and high-waist swimwear that channels vintage Riviera glamour. Pack versatile items like a silk slip dress or a linen set that can be dressed up with accessories for a sunset dinner in Positano or a terrace lunch in Saint-Tropez. Prioritize breathable fabrics like cotton voile and silk-cotton blends, which keep you cool while looking polished.
Accessories are the key to transforming simple outfits into coastal chic statements. A wide-brimmed raffia hat, oversized sunglasses, and leather sandals add character without effort, while a structured canvas tote or basket bag completes the look. For footwear, stick to stylish walkable options like espadrilles or chic flat sandals—cobblestone streets don’t welcome stilettos. Layer in a lightweight blazer or a cashmere wrap for breezy evenings, and don’t forget a swimsuit that doubles as a bodysuit under a sarong or skirt.
The Rise of Coastal Dressing in Pop Culture & Social Media
In the age of visual storytelling, coastal dressing has found its perfect canvas on TikTok, where hashtags like #coastalcowgirl, #beachcore, and #coastalgranddaughter have transformed seaside fashion into viral aesthetics. These trends celebrate a nostalgic, sun-soaked lifestyle that combines rustic charm with oceanfront luxury—think denim cut-offs paired with eyelet blouses, oversized button-downs worn as cover-ups, and fluid dresses layered over swimsuits. TikTok creators are curating entire identities around this aesthetic, romanticising barefoot strolls along the dunes.
Celebrity influence has further cemented the aesthetic’s cultural relevance. Zendaya’s vacation looks in Positano—linen sets, vintage sunglasses, and minimal makeup—embody modern coastal chic, instantly circulating across Instagram and Pinterest. Simultaneously, fashion houses are embracing the coast as their preferred backdrop, with campaigns from luxury fashion brands like Jacquemus, Chanel, and Zimmermann staged on the Amalfi Coast, Bali’s cliff-sides, and Montauk’s windswept beaches. These locales, chosen as much for their cinematic quality as their symbolic luxury, amplify the escapist narrative of resortwear trends.
Practical Tips for Dressing for the Coast
- What fabrics are best for coastal climates?
Opt for natural, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton voile, seersucker, and lightweight silk-cotton blends. These materials wick moisture, allow airflow, and keep you cool without sacrificing elegance.
- How can I stay stylish but protected from the sun?
Choose wide-brimmed raffia hats, oversized UV-protective sunglasses, and lightweight long-sleeve cover-ups or linen shirts. Brands like Lack of Color and & Other Stories offer stylish sun-safe accessories that elevate your look.
- What footwear works best for walking along the coast?
Avoid stilettos and sneakers. Instead, pack espadrilles, leather sandals, or slides with cushioned soles. For more rugged paths or marina settings, go for sleek water-friendly sandals like those from Freedom Moses.
- How can I pack light but still have versatile outfit options?
Stick to a capsule wardrobe with a cohesive color palette—neutrals, whites, and sea-toned blues—and include multi-functional items, like a linen shirt that doubles as a cover-up or a slip dress that transitions from beach to dinner.
- What outerwear should I bring for cooler coastal evenings?
Pack a lightweight cashmere wrap, linen blazer, or oversized cardigan for layering. Coastal temperatures drop at night, so it’s essential to have one elevated piece that adds both warmth and polish.
- Are swimsuits part of coastal dressing?
Absolutely. Choose structured, high-quality swimsuits in neutral hues that double as bodysuits under skirts or trousers. Brands like Matteau, Eres, and Hunza G offer minimalist swimwear perfect for layering.
- How do I dress for a beachside dinner or sunset drinks?
Go for elevated resortwear: a silk midi dress, tailored linen trousers with a halter top, or a kaftan with statement jewelry. Finish the look with strappy sandals and a woven clutch for a refined coastal evening vibe.
- What accessories elevate a coastal look without overpacking?
Stick to a few standout accessories: a raffia tote, gold hoop earrings, a silk scarf (that doubles as a headband), and neutral-tone sunglasses. These small additions can transform basic outfits into statement looks.
- How do I prevent looking too casual or “beachy”?
Balance comfort with structure. Pair flowy pieces with one polished element—like a belted waist, tailored pants, or buttoned-up linen shirt. Stick to refined colorways and avoid overly distressed or novelty beachwear.
- What are some sustainable options for coastal dressing?
Look for eco-conscious brands like Faithfull the Brand, Mara Hoffman, Reformation, and Amour Vert, which use recycled materials, organic fabrics, and ethical production practices—perfect for a wardrobe that’s as thoughtful as it is beautiful.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
