2025 Fashion Trends: Coastal Returns
Happy Saturday, everyone! As we wave goodbye to May, let’s look at the 2025 Fashion Trends: Coastal Returns.
This is the day we look at the 2025 Fashion Trends and after three years, Coastal returns to the trends.
Most places are just calling the trend, coastal, and dropping coastal grandmother perhaps to appeal to all ages of women.
Let’s begin today with a quick review of what Coastal style is and then I will share some pieces I found for you.
Just relax, breath deep (unless you have a cracked rib!), and join me in the sand.
2025 FASHION TRENDS: COASTAL RETURNS FROM 2022
In 2022, the Coastal Grandmother trend hit fashion in a big way.
The styles reflected the relaxed elegance of stars like Diane Keaton, Meryl Streep, and Kelly Rutherford.
Coastal Grandmother was all about simplicity; breezy, sustainable fabrics; effortless sophistication; and mostly neutral palettes.
Linen had a new voice; oversized white shirts were acceptable; and summer styles included sweaters even if just worn over the shoulders.
Chosen accessories were all about straw or raffia, and mostly gold.
The coastal trend was never about what colors are best on you, but about a vibe which included white and gold for everyone who loved the trends.
It is a lifestyle that goes from one season to the next, and is embraced by many women.
At that time, coastal also permeated into home decor.
No matter where you lived, the minimalist styles of New England beach homes were brought into many spaces.
Now, that coastal returns, please allow me to share with you some thoughts and pics as we look at the trend.
I could honestly sit hear all weekend and show you coastal styles since it is in the trends…but I have a few to highlight.
2025 FASHION TRENDS: COASTAL RETURNS IN MANY WAYS
The original coastal grandmother trends were all about quality and not quantity.
Many wrote that investment dressing was the way to do coastal.
I do agree that even as coastal returns some higher end brands do it very well.
Like …one of the best brands for sustainable fabrics, minimal style, neutral palettes, and breezy fabrics.
However, I would like to suggest that if you are drawn to dip your toe into the Coastal Returns trends, then you might want to consider pieces from Old Navy.
Then you can see if you like it and not break the bank.
Old Navy features coastal styles and pieces…some at amazing prices.
And it is very easy to style head to toe neutral outfits there.
This flax linen color is perfect for coastal ladies and it is in the HIGH-WAISTED LINEN-BLEND STRAIGHT LEG PANTS.
A flowy garment to use as a topper over these would be the neutral LINEN-BLEND MINI SHIRT DRESS.
Coastal returns again with oversized white shirts and striped tops on trend.
I am always surprised at how effortless and chic the oversized garments can look on the coastal women.
This is the OVERSIZED BUTTON DOWN BOYFRIEND SHIRT…which is still available in 10 colors.
Also, for those of us who do not wear white, Old Navy features this LINEN-BLEND LOOSE BUTTON DOWN in a color called natural linen.
Still very coastal.
Also, part of the coastal returns trend are oversized, slightly floppy sweaters…either worn or tossed over the shoulder.
Old Navy features this V-NECK SHAKER STITCH CARDIGAN in white heather.
Or check out the SOSOFT LITE LOOSE V_NECK SWEATER in sea salt or oatmeal heather (This color is a little over $9)!
2025 FASHION TRENDS: COASTAL RETURNS: AT TALBOTS AND CHICO’S
There are several coastal pieces you will find at Talbots and Chico’s.
But here are a few you may not want to miss,
This lovely beachcomber is wearing the OPEN STITCH V-NECK PULLOVER in white.
I am observing within the trend as Coastal Returns, a few more colors that are bright and lots of light blue.
It looks like this time around there are more styles than the all-neutral ones.
Horizontal stripes are a part of coastal styles.
This is the JOHNNY COLLAR SWEATER VEST.
And at Chico’s, you might like this coastal STRIPED COTTON-GAUZE SHIRTDRESS.
The accessories here are very coastal.
Or check out the SMOCKED PULL-ON MIDI SKIRT in a color called Cafe Aroma.
Chico’s currently has all LINEN ON SALE at 40% off so coastal shopping can happen there with savings.
Remember, coastal style is easy, breesy, flowy and Chico’s does it well in the poncho and kimono area.
This is the CROCHET LACE PONCHO in ecru.
2025 FASHION TRENDS: COASTAL RETURNS AND ACCESSORIES STILL MATTER
These are the sandals my daughter was wearing in the Friday post and they are definitely coastal…
Not to mention…super comfortable. In fact, Jess says they are the most comfortable shoes she has ever worn.
THIS IS THE SOREL KINETIC IMPACT Y-STRAP HIGH WOMEN’S WEDGE SANDAL in the colors honey beige and Honey white.
In fact, she is singing the sandals praises so much that I may get her these sneakers for her birthday this summer.
Coastal returns to the scene still in sneakers, loafers, and fisherman sandals.
This are the SOREL KINETIC IMPACT II WONDER LACE WOMEN’S SNEAKER.
Good news…Talbots carries Sorel as well.
These are the TALBOTS SOREL KINETIC IMPACT II LACE UP SNEAKERS.
This shoe combines the gold and the white for best accessories under coastal returns.
This is the GOLA MARK COX TENNIS SNEAKER.
I told you I could go on forever since coastal returns in a big way to the 2025 Fashion Trends.
But, here are a few hats with the coastal vibe that you may enjoy seeing.
This is the VINCE CAMUTO WHEAT STRAW WIDE BRIM FLOPPY HAT at Dillard’s.
Also at Dillard’s check out the LAUREN RALPH LAUREN RAFFIA SUN HAT.
I have always enjoyed looking at the hots at Anthropologie.
I have two…this one with a beautiful tie for the windy climates.
It is the CHEVEUX CORP. STRA BUCKET HAT.
And a very high end hat that I just wanted you to see for the fun.
I like the look of it…just not the price. If I wore hats often, I might be tempted.
This is the FREYA FLEUR FLORAL STRAW BUCKET HAT.
I will be carrying straw handbags and shopping bags this summer.
And they all come from my new friend, Ivy.
I wrote about her in this post: PURPOSE DRIVEN BRAND FOR STYLE.
I love supporting her and her weavers in Africa.
ONE MORE THING…..
You can also find the sustainable fabrics and coastal styles at Quince
And for the fifth time, allow me to explain that Quince notifies you about inseam measurements in two ways.
You will either see it immediately on the new arrival pants pages…
Or for all of them…loos to your left, under the picture, where it says DETAILS…go to the left of that where it says SIZE & FIT. That is where you will find inseam measurements.
Thank you for joining me today as we celebrate Coastal returns to the 2025 Fashion Trends. Do we have any coastal grandmothers out there?
If so, please share some of your favorite ways to show it.
Until tomorrow…..
BE THANKFUL & KEEP SMILING!!
I’m literally a coastal grandmother (our area of the Great Lakes is sometimes called the North Coast). I like some of it. I used to spurn linen because of the wrinkles, but I’ve gotten over that, especially after purchasing a good steamer. The 2022 iteration felt fresh to me, as does this one, where I feel the coastal breeziness is also expressed with some color, knits, and nautical vibes as you said. That said, super wide clothes on my plump, medium-sized body can be overwhelming. I would say my summer style expresses me the least, because I just don’t love summer clothing. I guess my summer vibe leans more into resort style than coastal style, given that active is one of my adjectives. I have the Old Navy linen blend straight pants and they are great, but a little scratchy. I still would recommend them though. I’ve loved that Sorel style for years, as the boots have been out some time, but the whole brand runs narrower than my foot. I would describe them as more sporty than coastal, but I do think they are a great casual foil for coastal clothing.
Thanks for sharing, Linda. I am exactly like you in the sense that my summer clothing is not my best and that may be me…just liking the cooler months more. Since sneakers and sandals are a part of the coastal trend…and because my daughter says these are the most comfortable shoes she owns, I decided to toss them into the post. Thanks so much.
I personally admire the casual coastal trend, and when we’re on the coast I have seen some tall ladies wear the look with grace and elegance. I am a shorter petite and cannot wear the look, but that doesn’t change my appreciation for those who can.
Love the coastal look. So relaxed and yet classy. Will never go out of style? These flax colors are great for warm-toned ladies. I have a cool skin tone, so the blues work well. I really like that dress from Old Navy. All colors are cute, but I would wear the blue stripe. Thanks for featuring these looks, Pam.
Thank you, Audrey. I wasn’t aware that petite women could not pull off the styles.
You are so welcome, Marcia. In the past few months, I have been more and more impressed with Old Navy…and how many women wear their offerings.
Nice post. 😊 My latest Talbot’s order arrived yesterday, and had a couple of tanks (white and aqua), an aqua heathered sweater, and the navy and white skinny striped skirt and tank – all very summer, and pretty coastal, too. I think I will get a lot of wear from the skirt, in particular, as I can pair it with the white tank, an older navy tank, and a navy open-weave hoodie from last summer for a more casual vibe. Also, the skirt is casual enough (done in a light fleece fabric) I can wear white sneakers as a cute alternative to sandals.
Sounds like you will get a lot of wear out of it, Connie! Casual skirts are perfect with sneakers!
Like Audrey I admire this look on taller women. Oversized and flowing pieces make me feel like I’m playing dress-up. The white I wear is below the waist and when its hot I like pairing beige & natural tops with white pants which is more or less the coastal vibe but my personal style is more tailored. I missed out on the beige version of the Talbot’s open weave sweater. Apparently it was very popular. I will check out Old Navy the next time I am at the mall. I have bypassed it thinking from the window displays that it was geared toward a younger vibe.
I find it ironic that I live in a coastal town in Maine, and we have had only two or three of what I would call ‘beach days’. My coastal (grandmother) vibe is usually only incorporating a few items, mostly accessories like a straw bag and hat, cute shoes, and an oversized linen shirt with leggings. As fun as many of the items are today, they swamp me, and the classic part of my natural classic says ‘no’! Year round neighbors around me are more into covering up, usually with sun protection clothing. Maybe that is because we are not on vacation, we just happen to live a few minutes walk to the beach. When visiting museums or restaurants in Portland or Kennebunkport, Maine, one is more apt to see tourists with a more upscale look of coastal. The right body architecture is necessary for this look. As a deep autumn, summer is the hardest time of year for me to shop for and dress. I keep it real simple. As I enjoy the season, I secretly pine for the arrival of autumn clothing. By the way, the post today was beautifully done; you covered a lot of ground, and you inspired me to look at Old Navy.
I have met so many women in their 60s+ that shop Old Navy. The like the EF/JJILL style they can find there for very little money. Thanks for explaining why petite women might not care for coastal style.
I don’t live near the ocean, but I also do not see many women following this trend. If you study it online, you would think all women our age are there. I think for me, it is too limiting…my creative adjective needs to be expressed and that very often means color. Thanks Deborah
Hi, like Audrey, I am petite and have a small frame, so I agree that some of the looser flowing pieces can be overwhelming. However, I’m learning to choose carefully and watch proportions. Sometimes I’ll go down one size in an oversized linen shirt, for example. Rolling up the sleeves helps, too. And dresses and skirts need to be the right length with maybe a top that is a bit shorter (or tucked if you like to do that). Also adding a belt to a flowing dress is a good option that sometimes works. I’m not so good at all this, but it’s fun to experiment.
It is fun to experiment and you are as good at it as anyone else, Marcia. Just have fun and play in your closet…that is how we discover new possibiities.
Thanks to Linda M for mentioning that Sorel runs narrow. I have a narrow foot and have not tried that brand. I have found Remonte to be a good fit if others are looking for a narrower brand. I also will take a look at Old Navy. I have bought clothing for my grandchildren there but never for myself. I don’t believe they carry petite in Canada but will have to check it out. I do wear white and the white linen/cotton pants look like good cruise wear.
As a true petite at 5’1” tall I beg to differ from previous comments that we can’t wear coastal. In the hot mountain summers of southern Colorado, I have to have gauze or linen blend clothes. My Old Navy white with navy vertical stripes are crops but they come to my ankles. They are a linen rayon blend and are very airy and soft. I love my crop gauze button front shirts as well. They just cover my waistband. The white or flax on the bottom works best for me then I add pale blue or pink on top. I wear a hat always when outside as I’m very pale and I have mostly white hair. The sunshine feels wonderful but isn’t my friend. My summer clothes buying has been at JCP, Kohls, Old Navy, and Easy Spirit Shoes.
I rarely leave Old navy without something for grandchildren…but I have stopped by more this year to see what they have for women. Thanks Linda
Thanks for sharing, Sydney
I am another lady who feels summer clothes do not represent me well as I prefer classic tailored looks. While do admire & applaud those ladies look beautiful in the oversize coastal looks, I am not one of them. Being short & round, I do not feel my confident best in oversize clothing. I feel frumpy or as if I am wearing pajamas. I do have a structured straw bag & a couple of straw hats, so that is how I will participate in the trend. I visited Old Navy today & saw several of the pieces you featured. They were being purchased by women of all ages. I like their t-shirts as they are very soft & comfortable for hanging out at home & don’t break the bank. That is a plus for my at home wear.
We should always feel our confident best! And do what it takes to reach it and be unique!
Thanks for this very informative post on an unfamiliar trend. I must be too far inland! Thanks to you, I have learned that some of the pieces I purchased last summer for my Charleston trip fall into this category, but I am not really seeing this look in Fort Worth. I think it’s perfect for those in actual coastal areas, or anyone who loves the look, but I lean more classic and like many others, spend summer yearning for fall to arrive. I would encourage anyone wanting to try Old Navy shopping to look online, as that’s where they have the greatest range of sizes, including Tall, Petite and Plus. I regularly wear their tall dresses and pants, and find them affordable, well made and long-lasting. I rarely find anything in my local stores when I’m shopping there for my grandkids, but often shop their online offerings. I am all for wearing whatever helps us survive summerr, especially in the warmer climates!
Summer survival is key…isn’t it. So let the fun begin!