115 Comments

1. Interesting topic! I find terms like ‘Granny Chic’ and ‘Coastal Grandmother’ quite endearing—they celebrate a timeless, elegant style with a cozy twist. However, I can see how some might find them a bit stereotypical. It’s all about perspective and how these terms are used and embraced!

   1. Hi Mary Lisa

      Very true!!

2. Your style is so unique compared to many other people Thank you for publishing when you have the opportunity,Guess I will just make this bookmarked2

   1. Hi Mechelle

      I think we should all champion our own style. We have earned it!!

3. I am fully aware that as a grandmother people do label me. It’s funny because people don’t like labels for themselves. “Millenial” “Gen X, Y, Z” “Boomer” etc. but somehow it’s ok to label women in my time of life. A bit of a double standard, don’t you think?

4. ANNOYING

   1. ha ha!

5. Whenever I think of the term “Coastal Grandma”, I think of these fabulous women, who have energy, are out in the world doing whatever interests them, are known in their communities and look relaxed and casual, while still looking amazing, sexy and interesting. If someone wants to call me a Coastal Grandma, I have decided to take it as a compliment!

   1. Arell this was a wonderful answer. I am quoting you on Instagram I hope it is okay!

6. I really don’t care for labels and some of them I consider quite offensive. For instance, the word boho , annoys me as is completely misused.

   1. Liana don’t even get me started on that one! Detest that label

7. I don’t mind the terms at all, and I don’t take them personally. That is despite the fact that I’m a grandmother, love the style of all Nancy Meyers movies and would gladly wear every outfit you’ve curated for this article. In a way, The terms are pretty clever and target a huge and profitable demographic. It’s also given any age a comfortable, more sophisticated way to think about home decor that is a little less pared down. A trend that is past it’s prime in my opinion anyway. (see, I am a grandmother) So the terms bring collecting, antiquing, natural fabrics, and an all round elevated way people see aging to the forefront. I’m good with that!

8. It doesn’t matter what you call me. I’m confident in myself and what I wear and how I decorate my home. I think people that label you are insecure people.

   1. Hi Nancy

      The labels can be comical at times

9. I don’t like to be pigeon holed, but I love the coastal grandma vibe. I’m also a Master Gardener in Northern California so I’m often pigeon holed as crunchy with dirty fingernails. Most people accept me just as I am. I love interior design and fashion. Thank you for you hard work and great content!

   1. Hi Julie

      A master gardener! Wow thank you for sharing! Now we know who to ask our gardening questions! I would love to pick your brain!

10. As I eagerly opened your email today, I was wearing EF muted linen and consulting Ina Garten’s book for ideas for fresh vegetables from the Farmers Market. I’ve had my Helen Kaminski raffia hat for so long that it’s now 5x what I paid, and I’m running out of space for more baskets, coastal paintings, and blue and white anything. If that’s a coastal grandmother (CG), I’m happily guilty on all counts! When I first heard a young woman coined the term “coastal grandmother” to label the style I’ve embraced for decades, more than anything, I was amused and curious. When I came across snarky blogs calling CGs elitists in Eileen Fisher baggy burlap sacks, I was not annoyed but disheartened. Women putting down other women for any reason is just wrong. I’m anything but elite and have worked for everything I own. My love of all things coastal comes from summers with my grandmother, who was my greatest inspiration and, for me, the original coastal grandmother. A tradition I hope to continue with my own grandchildren. Thank you, Cindy, for another thought-provoking article and for sharing your beautiful sense of style. I’ve enjoyed reading every comment, too.

    1. Lisa!

       You made my day! This was spot on!!

11. Cindy, like you, I don’t care for labels, so I’m not sold on the cute-ish “Coastal Grandma” concept or any of the other trendy names for grand-parenting. Some of the crazy new nicknames for grandmothers seem a bit self-conscious and awkward, or maybe they just strike me as a symptom of age-avoidance. When we were younger, we all thought of our grandparents as “old,” and some baby boomers balk at the idea of being “old.” 🙂

    On a personal level, I think nicknames evolve naturally, so I let people call me whatever they want to call me. My college friends had a different name for me, years ago, and some folks in my family have a special nickname for me as well. Same goes for my grandchild, who simply calls me “Gamma” and calls my husband “Pappa” because those names are easy to pronounce, for him.

    1. Hi Cindy

       Summer and I have discussions regularly now that she is older. She always asks me why she calls me Gabi. I tell her that she couldn’t pronounce grandma and it just stuck. I always say you can start calling me grandma anytime if she likes and she always says no I like Gabi…

12. Hi Prue,
    I so relate to what you said, you are my type of person. You said it all so well.
    When I became a grandmother 17 years ago I was asked what I wanted to be called. I said “Glam Kat,” it was more for a play on words, also because I love cats. Today if I was being asked that I would not say “Glam Kat” because I no longer can dress in a glamorous way. I just like going with the flow. I find stereotyping not a good thing to do, unless it fits who you are “Go for it.”

    1. Thank you for agreeing! XXXX

    2. Great points Glam Kat!!

13. Hi Cindy,
    I love how you described what it feels like being a Grandmother to Summer. You are both blessed to have one another. The honesty and being direct and saying how it is extremely refreshing. The picture of you together warms my heart, beautiful smiles.,
    I’m not into putting people into boxes and say you are, you fit this category. These terms are purely marketing terms, taken from a movie or are coined to market a certain look. It also tells a certain look and age they aren’t being forgotten. I like terms more like chic, laid back, creative, arty, classic if you need to describe a grandmother. I remember when one of my neighbors said to me, “you’re so fancy.” I wasn’t so sure how to take it at first. Then I embraced it, only fancy if the occasion, and weather allows it. I think the worst is when you are called an old lady.
    If grandmothers embrace these terms then it’s a good thing.

    1. Hi Katherine

       Very good points. I guess it is the marketing side that gives me pause…

14. Does not annoy me at all. Like you I love being a Grandma

    1. Great!!

    2. Great to hear Holly!!

15. These terms annoy me. They’re absolutely filled with affectation. Created purely for social media which means they’re as shallow as a tidal pool when the sea is at its lowest ebb.
    Let’s just be us, whatever age! One doesn’t have to wear linens, beiges and cook a certain chef’s food to be us, .that’s for sure.
    I’m Australian, a true coast dweller, rarely wear linens as I’m too busy ‘doing’ things. I don’t want my home to be a movie set, I just want to live quietly, mindfully, with my adored and very unpretentious family and friends. I remember the first time I came across the term coastal grandmother, I burst out laughing and then set to and wrote a Substack column on the ridiculousness of it. https://pruebatten.substack.com/p/coastal-grandmothers-aesthetic

    1. Prue! I did not know you had a blog and I love that post! Thank you for linking to it!!

       1. Thank you for allowing me to, Cindy. Appreciated.

    2. Hi again Prue I am finally getting to all the comments. I am very comfortable in my own skin at this age thankfully. I had some things to overcome as a child but they made me stronger. My hope is that Summer always keeps the joie de vivre that is such a big part of her personality now. She is kind, thoughtful and full of fun.

16. Not unlike “Boomer” and other labels used as a put down- I think these words are meant to be ever so slightly offensive. Perhaps not everyone finds this to be true but we live in a world of divisiveness and hate speech that allows people to say whatever pops into their heads to injure others. I for one love Grandmothers whether you’re “Coastal” or not and have a soft spot in my heart for all women that have great style, like Cindy- that work toward empowering other women!

    1. Hi Kathryn

       Well said. You ladies are so inspiring. I did a podcast yesterday and I was asked what the best part of my job was. It was easy…our community of like minded women. I am blessed to have you all as readers.

17. These ‘grannie’ terms are new to me. I live at the bottom of the world, in New Zealand and whilst it is possible those terms are in use in some quarters, I haven’t heard them here. Long may that last I say. It all seems a bit shallow and contrived – or maybe I’m just old and crusty!

    Lovely photo of you and your granddaughter Cindy. She is delightful. I have 3 granddaughters and they do bring wonderful light into our lives.

    1. I’m with you, Patricia!

    2. I agree Patricia. I’m in Australia and I’ve only come across these terms when reading American blogs/insta. I’m not a grandmother,

18. Does anyone outside of the fashion world use those terms?
    As a west coast artist and great grandmother, my peers are 75 – 85 years of age, are active, mindful, book readers, dress fashionable, volunteers, world travelers, it’s difficult to pigeonhole any of them into one category.

    I enjoy the artistry of women dressing creatively, thus enjoy Cindy ‘s style.

    That said how would the fashion world describe women in the midwestern states style?

    Ralph Lauren’s last year California fashion vibe really rocks my soul.

    1. Gra,nie, no. But Coastal Grandmother, okay.

       1. Hi Eva love it!

    2. Hi Ann

       Probably not…Love Ralph Lauren…

19. I hate those terms and refuse to be labelled! I dress how I want to feel and don’t need names associated with how I look!!!

    1. Go Deb!!

20. i DON’T LIKE THE VARIOUS GRANDMA MONIKERS. IT’S A BETTER FAD THAN “OK BOOMER”, BECAUSE IT’S NOT AS INSULTING.
    BUT IT DOES DIMINISH THE PEOPLE IT’S ATTACHED TO.
    YOUR TYLE, BY THE WAY, IS GREAT.
    I GUESS WE CAN JUST IGNORE IT UNTIL THE NEXT TREND COMES ALONG.

    1. Hi Ellen

       I wonder what the next one will be? Good point.

21. I’ve just been reading about the way the human brain constantly seeks to identify patterns and then assign rules to those patterns, i.e., “labeling” and “pigeonholing” are normal functions of the brain. I don’t take it personally and don’t associate any particular feeling with the “granny” terms. As a Southern Californian, I’ve always preferred natural fabrics, raffia and sisal and a coastal vibe but I’m guessing the age reference is to indicate a more mature version of chic with less skin and looser fit. That’s how I interpret it anyway.

    1. Great points Terry…

22. I’m sad how everything is reduced to a sound bite. Everything has to be pigeonholed. It makes life so unimaginative. It makes people think in boxes. It always insults some group of people or another. Just like the name ‘Karen’. I always wonder what all middle aged women named Karen think, now that their name has been trashed for the rest of their lifetime.
    While I’m at it, yeah, social media has definitely destroyed a lot of what used to be good.
    We haven’t even seen the beginning yet…

    1. Hi CC

       How on earth did that Karen thing ever get started? Excuse me but that is god awful. You hit the nail on the head “thinking in boxes” that is what bothers me personally. I feel that way about wearing brands emblazoned with someone else’s initials. I don’t fault anyone for doing it, but own your own style with your own initials.

23. Love the look. I will go with coastal chic. Some ladies are not grandmothers , but may love the look , not the grandma title ?

    1. Yes!

       1. Hi Sue sorry I had another thought. What about the younger women that are told they have the “coastal grandma” look. I bet they “love” that.

24. I’m not sure I like the whole “grandma” moniker for the design stuff and I agree with Cynthia B on the “coastal chic” name.

    1. Hi Carollynn

       I agree. I am guilty of using the term granny loosely as well

25. This post.leaves lots to think about!
    I had a grand woman as.my grandmother who set an excellent example foe me as a woman in all stages of life.
    I just rejoice to have the pleasure of being a Nanna.
    I now have great grands and still young in heart and spirit to enjoy them. Life is grand. Hold.on for the ride.

    Cindy so enjoy your post.
    PS. Your Summer is beautiful.

    1. Hi Ethel

       Thank you she is even more beautiful on the inside. I am so proud of the girl she has become.

26. I’m proud to be the grandmother of four, and those terms don’t bother me at all. I’m actually inspired by the Coastal Grandmother look although the clothing style would not be so practical where I live. If you don’t like the label, don’t let it define you. Too many other things to worry about than some innocuous wording.

    1. Great point Kathy “if you don’t like the label, don’t let it define you”. I bring these things up only because they give me pause. I am always curious what you all think.

27. Good Morning “Chic” Cindy,

    The day my granddaughter complimented my style as “chic,” remains a delightful memory. Shortly after, we began a tradition of clothes shopping together for her birthday and other special occasions. Consequently, she will leave for college the middle of August with a wardrobe honed from thrifting and shopping with me.

    So, at 80, you can add “grannie” to “chic”. It’s fun and reminds me of my exceptional granddaughter and her journey to her own style of “chic”.

    Diney hugs from Mercer Island

    1. Hi my old pal Diney!

       Always enjoy your thoughtful comments!

28. Love the labels, love the looks, love being a Grandma ! Your style and blog are inspiring.

29. As a grandmother of 10, I have no problem with any of those words used to describe my style. I love all things traditional and coastal, but most of all, I love being a grandmother! That being said, I do get tired of the term “Boomer” used in a disparaging way.

30. Proudly a grandmither, and proud of the label Coastal Grandma. I love that older women have a designation that puts them in a positive light. I love Eileen Fisher, straw bags, neutral colours, simpke styles, linens and cottons – and living on Vancouver Island a 5-minute walk from the ocean definitely puts me on the coast.

31. Thanks for asking as every time I see the term, I cringe. To me it’s just another way of saying old. I have many friends who love being a grandmother and are also very chic. One of the previous comments was to just say coastal chic if that applies and I agree.

32. I find all of the comments amusing. Personally, I’ve never really thought about the terms. I know that when I became a grandmother, I wanted a distinctive moniker and since I was living part time in Hawaii, Tutu seemed apropos. I think that our generation (speaking for myself and Cindy), is setting new standards for what it means to be a grandmother. We are not letting ourselves become frumpy nor are we slowing down. In fact, I think having grandchildren gives you new energy for living. I guess being Coastal Chic works for me if I must be labeled.

    1. I so agree with your comments, although my grandmother was PoPo, my kids called my mother PoTai, my grandchildren call me grandma, my great grandchildren call me TaiTai.
       I’m a decade or two older than Cindy.

       1. Hi Ann

          I will be 70 this year…and very proud of that I might say!

          1. P.S

             I did a podcast with some younger ladies (my daughter’s age and younger). I started by stating my age and I asked the interviewer if she would prefer that I didn’t mention it (I thought I might scare off some of her viewers ha ha).

    2. Hi Wren

       For those of you that don’t know, Wren and I have become friends via this blog. I am very grateful to call her my pal!!

       1. 🥰

33. I’m not offended by the label; in my opinion it’s used not to indicate dismissal but as an endearment. We all use labels, because it helps others understand a reference. “Mid-century modern” is a label that conjures a certain aesthetic . So is “the collected look.” So I don’t worry too much about being referred to as a CG.

    1. Ha good point Sarah!

34. I love the vibe, not so much the term. I think because it’s been so overused.

    1. Hi Julie

       Yes that is part of it…it is so overused…

35. Hi Cindy,
    I wish women were not so categorized; the other day one of my daughter’s friends came over and was talking about “go get em” OWLS she knows-older white female-and l thought that was new to me. Granny chic l think is a bit derogatory but hey, as others have noted, it is nice to be seen!!Now l have grey hair and 60 being ignored is happening a lot! I follow my own path and dress and “be” to what appeals to me.Labeling is a form of laziness.
    The biscuit Frank and Eileen dress is back in stock and l just jumped on it as you inspired me with your marvelous eye !
    Have a happy weekend Cindy! xo

    1. Hi Francesca

       Oh dear that is a new one to me as well! I think you will love that dress. I spoke with the owner of a local boutique yesterday about Frank and Eileen. She sells a lot of it and said she has never had a piece returned or heard a complaint. She said she even throws hers in the dryer!

36. Well I wish I get to be a grandmother. I’m 73 and my daughter 28! It would truly be an honor. But most of my friends are grandmothers and loving it. I’m really not into labels. Why does society like to pigeon hole people. I’m an artist and live in my art studio which is a fabulous mid century modern home. Every room is about fun and the delight that it brings to the eye. I’ve developed my own style and it took decades to get here.

    1. Hi Leslie

       I am glad you brought the point up about it taking decades to develop your own style. I have a friend who is still constantly trying to stay on top of the latest trends. I want to tell her…you don’t need to do that. Be you! That is the beauty of being our age. We are no longer slaves to a certain trend, or terminology.

37. I would love to be a grandma but it isn’t working out that way for me. The way the label is used in your post seems a bit insulting as if others are calling grandmas old and frumpy. Let’s continue on our paths of learning and loving life. We’ve come a long way Baby. I love your style and vibe and look forward to your emails.

    1. Hello!

       Learning and loving …love that

38. I LOVE THE TERM “COASTAL GRANDMOTHER.” I THINK IT NAILS BEING FROM THE SOUTH, WHICH I AM. WE LOVE OUR COAST/GULF AND THE STYLE JUST FITS OUR WAY OF LIFE AND HOT, HUMID SUMMERS. IT’S ROMANTIC AND WELCOMING. I TOO AM A GRANDMOTHER, AND I AM EMBRACING EVERY MOMENT OF IT. LOVE YOUR BLOG CINDY. HERE’S TO THE GRANDMOTHERS!!!!!!

    1. Hi Sabrenia

       Amen to that!!

39. I am not sure if I am a Coastal Granny but I do like linen clothing and sandals, baskets, sea shells, and personal treasures that aren’t silly. I was in an office yesterday that was all white with real orchids, a glass triangular coffee table and an onyx mantel! This was minimal to the max. The staff was all in black. The landscaping was pebbles and small barrel cactus. It was amazing. I like that, too, so I guess my design ideas are confused…but glass, cactus, and all white does not go with a group of grandchildren!

    1. Hi Dianne

       I don’t think you are confused at all. You have seen something that is well done and appreciate it. You just know that it doesn’t fit your lifestyle.

40. Yeah this was an eye opener. I am a grandmother and agree there is nothing finer. I too am a collector and a lover of the unique, scruffy, and the unsung hero’s of the design world. An Interior Designer by passion and trade I hate these terms. Why do we have to pigeon hole the design esthetic. Why can’t we just be us, with the unique individual qualities that make us different from everyone else. In helping a young client the other day (in her 30’s) who told me she wanted a Serena Lilly style, after we selected the new sofa and chest, after we selected the fabrics, I told her we had moved from Serena Lilly style to her own style. I don’t want anyone to walk into a room I have designed and say “oh Shelley Humpal designed this space.” Home should be a reflection of you. Who you are. Amen the end of my rant!!!

    1. Hi Shelley

       You are “preaching to the choir” so to speak. I have been there. That is why she hired you so her home doesn’t look like everyone elses!

41. Labels are limits

    1. Precisely in every sense of the word.

42. I find the labels amusing and helpful for internet searches. I’m a grandmother and hopefully chic so you can label me as such. People have been labeling and categorizing other people forever and at least now granny is a good thing.

    1. Hi Valeri

       Yes granny is a good thing most of the time!! Well said.

43. I am a grandma, I live at the CA coast, I wear big hats, I guess that makes be a coastal grandma. My 3 grown granddaughters still like to hang out with me, take beach walks together, I’m happy to be called a coastal grandma ❤️

    1. Hi Nancy

       You are my idol! I hope Summer will still think I am cool when she is that age. My son always says my days are numbered…

44. I personally don’t find the terms annoying & actually feel that these terms have given more visibility to women of a certain age in a somewhat positive way. I appreciate the coastal grandmother aesthetic both in fashion & decor. I think the term granny chic is actually somewhat charming. Lastly, my opinion is these labels are just that, words that are trying to convey a feeling. It’s not personal to me. I can choose to apply these to myself or not. But I do love your style Cindy!

    1. Hi Judy

       I am glad you pointed that out…Nancy Meyers would probably agree…

45. I love being called Granny Chic or any other Grandma name ! I’ve earned that title ! There’s. Nothing like the love of grand children ❤️
    LOVE your style 😊

    1. Hi Candace

       You and Judy have made some great points

46. Hi Cindy
    You look great! (that is the sum of my comments!)
    (oops-one-more–your blog is fun to read!)

    1. Hi Mary

       Thank you so much!!

47. As a proud grandmother of two wonderful girls, you can count me in as one who finds the decorating terms annoying. It just hits me wrong….

    1. Ha ha!

    2. Hi Cheryl

       ha ha!!

48. Why are any labels at all needed? Why do we have to fit into a mold someone created? What’s wrong with being an individual free to express ourselves no matter our age, gender, belief or persuasion?

    1. Hi Leslie

       Labels have become so prevalent, haven’t they?

49. I love the esthetic, I love being a grannie, I love the coastal vibe, and I love feeling stylish and chic. I hate being pigeon holed by anyone or any title. We can rock whatever look we want. As my husband says, “ we make this shit look good”!
    You look fab BTW
    Xo

    1. Hi Jennifer

       You are a great grannie! Kudos to your hubs!!

50. I think the terms are somewhat disparaging. Not sure why, but I do know I would never have referred to any of my grandmothers in those terms. They were chic, they lived on the East coast, they dressed nicely, but still, it wasn’t polite to refer to their appearance or age as some kind of descriptor. It seems dismissive. I look forward to hearing what others have to say about the terms!

    1. Hi Bette

       It is a bit dismissive isn’t it?

    2. My father’s mother died before I was born, but apparently she was a wonderful lady. My mother’s mother was not exactly warm and fuzzy, so I don’t have a good frame of reference…

51. I have no problem with the wording. I love the whole concept and the wording directs me to what captures my eye and likes.
    Before Coastal Grandmother or for me, Bayside Nana, I didn’t quite know how to label my decorating style. It wasn’t traditional or contemporary but Bayside Nana.
    I’ll read the comments as I’m open to other opinions.
    Robin
    Glidingthrusixty

    1. Love Bayside Nana!!

52. Ooops, one more thing…. Is the coffee table in your daughter’s living room reclaimed and the legs sawed shorter? It’s just wonderful!

    1. Hi Cynthia

       Yes that was our coffee table many moons ago. We purchased it in Maine. One of the legs had been damaged, so Steve evened it up and made it into a coffee table. The top is one board. I am so happy it works so beautifully in that space.

53. Totally annoying. However I embrace the aesthetic with vigor😁
    If we take the grandmother/grandma part out, you’ll just have coastal chic – I’m in!

    1. Great point!

    2. Good Point Cynthia!

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