Summer Trends 2024
Apr 21, 2022

My Style Is Somewhere Between Coastal Grandma and Gen Z—Here's What I'm Buying

by Jennifer Camp Forbes

Coastal grandma is all about dressing in modern takes on cozy and breezy classics that you'd picture on Nancy Meyers–like characters living their best lives in an affluent coastal town. I'm talking crisp linens, chunky cardigans, summer tote bags, slide sandals, and more. While the name implies this style is solely for an older person, that is not at all the case—the focus is solely on the vibe and the aesthetic these looks bring to mind.

As for Gen Z style, it's predominantly geared towards those in their late teens and early '20s. The key influences here are a mix of trends from the mid-to-late '90s and the early aughts with a heavy focus on skin-baring pieces. Think cutout tops and dresses, platform sandals, butterfly clips, bold colors, and baguette bags.

I've come to realize that when it comes to my personal style, I sit somewhere in between the two dressing trends. I am pretty much open to wearing most coastal grandma pieces, but I prefer to mix and match them with more fashion-forward favorites. As for Gen Z style, I have definitely cherry-picked pieces and details that are tweaked and more toned down in a way that fits my own style. For example, I love the flip-flop trend, but rather than go with a platform version, I would opt for a more streamlined heeled take.

Ahead, shop my top picks for achieving both styles, plus what I am buying with everything in mind.

Shop:

H&M Boxy Cardigan

This cardigan is the epitome of cozy-chic.

Everlane The Easy Pants

Lightweight white pants are a staple when it comes to warmer weather.

Birkenstock Arizona Birko-Flor Slide Sandals

Arizona Birko-Flor Slide Sandals

These slide sandals are one of the most popular styles at the moment.

Everlane The Caftan Dress

The Caftan Dress

This one-and-done black dress instantly makes you look polished.

J.Crew Canvas Bucket Hat With Fringe

Canvas Bucket Hat With Fringe

I'm getting Diane Keaton vibes from her role in Something's Gotta Give.

H&M Oversized Linen-Blend Shirt

Oversized Linen-Blend Shirt

There is nothing more classic than a light blue striped button-down shirt.

Mar Y Sol Maya Tote

Here's a classic summer bag option.

High Waist Wide Leg Jeans

This wide-leg denim style feels timeless.

Mango Fringe Sweater Cape

Fringe Sweater Cape

A chic neutral cape is key for chilly beach nights.

COS Relaxed Linen Shirt Dress

Relaxed Linen Shirt Dress

This wardrobe wouldn't be complete without a white linen shirtdress.

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Indah Cupid Tie Front String Bra Top

Cupid Tie Front String Bra Top

This strappy white top can be worn with everything from jeans to a matching skirt.

WeWoreWhat Cutout Midi Skirt

Cutout Midi Skirt

Strappy cutout details are everywhere this season.

Out From Under Spitfire Cutout Corset

Spitfire Cutout Corset

Corset tops are having a moment and are often worn in a more laid-back way.

H&M Wide High Jeans

Wide High Jeans

Baggy jeans are coming back into the spotlight in 2022.

Aldo Delphy Platform Flip Flops

Delphy Platform Flip Flops

I'm having flashbacks to the to the 2000's with the resurgence of platform flip-flops.

H&M Lacing-Detail Cut-Out Top

Lacing-Detail Cut-Out Top

Lacing details turn this tank top into a statement piece.

Mango Printed Baguette Bag

Printed Baguette Bag

Baguette bags are back, baby.

Free People Mila Crochet Mini Skirt

Mila Crochet Mini Skirt

Colorful crochet pieces are very much the vibe for summer.

Lisa Says Gah Rhinestone Claw Clip

Rhinestone Claw Clip

French twists get a glitzy update with this hair accessory.

H&M Halterneck Jumpsuit

Halterneck Jumpsuit

There's no way you don't turn heads in this vibrant jumpsuit.

Shop:

Jonathan Simkhai Linden Compact Cut Out Bralette Top

Jonathan Simkhai

Linden Compact Cut Out Bralette Top

This knit bralette is super versatile—wear it alone, under a button-down or even layered over a contrasting tee.

Dragon Diffusion Egola Woven Leather Tote

Dragon Diffusion

Egola Woven Leather Tote

I am obsessed with the woven bags from Dragon Diffusion. I want one in every style.

Who What Wear Collection Drew Cutout Twist Midi Dress

Who What Wear Collection

Drew Cutout Twist Midi Dress

I could live in this cool cutout black dress.

H&M Rib-Knit Cardigan

Rib-Knit Cardigan

A ribbed cropped cardigan feels spot-on for chilly moments beachside or in an overly air conditioned place.

Janessa Leoné Felix Raffia Bucket Hat

Felix Raffia Bucket Hat

This straw bucket hat style is right up my alley.

Free People Piper Sleeveless Cutout Midi Dress

Piper Sleeveless Cutout Midi Dress

White, black, pink or tan? I can't decide which version of this dress I like the most.

Mango Wrap Cable Knit Cardigan

Wrap Cable Knit Cardigan

I love the cozy-meets-sexy feeling of this sweater.

Toteme Flip Flop With Heel Sandal

Flip Flop With Heel Sandal

A heeled version of the flip-flop trend is at the top of my list.

Agolde 90's Mid Rise Loose Fit Jeans

90's Mid Rise Loose Fit Jeans

These '90s-inspired jeans have endless styling possibilities.

The Row Marion Leather Shoulder Bag

Marion Leather Shoulder Bag

My holy-grail baguette bag at the moment.

COS Voluminous Poplin Dress

Voluminous Poplin Dress

Throw this dress on to do everything from farmers market shopping to meeting friends for brunch.