Lifestyle of a Fashionista

After writing about the coastal grandmother, I’m ready to write about upgrading the neutral looks to a look I call coastal chic (or resort wear). There are things I like about the coastal grandmother look, but I prefer jazzing up my coastal styles with bright colors, big hats, and flowing garments.

Coastal Chic, a.k.a, resort wear

My love for resort wear intensifies during the spring, with warmer temperatures and vacations close on the horizon. Then, finally, I can start planning my fun summer outfits.

Here is the history of resort wear: How Resort Wear Came to Be by Stuart Dyer

As seen on television:

The White Lotus, on HBOmax in 2021, provided a lot of great examples of resort wear outfits. The characters on this show were over-the-top and a little annoying, but I loved the fashion in this show.  https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/costume-and-culture/2021/aug/19/the-white-lotus-the-best-dressed-show-since-succession

Shopping the looks: I will include some links to key pieces of resort wear for both men and women, but if you prefer a different style, do a google or amazon search. There are many options available to buy from your favorite retailers. 

Coastal wear for women: outfits would include caftans, fancy cover-ups, robes, giant hats, big pieces of jewelry, and heeled sandals or fancy slides.

Inspired by Mrs. Roper, NPR published an article about the housedress in 2020:

https://www.npr.org/2020/08/18/902621260/the-house-dress-is-the-fashion-statement-of-2020

The maxi dress:

I’ve always been a fan of flowy garments, and the maxi dress has been a summer staple for me.

Shop the maxi dress:

The caftan/kaftan:

I got into wearing caftans during the pandemic. It’s flowy, comfy, and in my opinion, stylish.

The caftan cover-up dress is easy to find when shopping for this style. In addition, most brands carry some flowy, sheer dresses that would be considered resort wear.

I have found some caftan styles that you can wear around town and at the beach. Here’s one example:

Fancy Robes/Kimonos

A robe can be worn as a robe around the house, or it can be worn as a light jacket/outer piece.

I love all of these! https://kimandono.com/collections/kimono-robes-all

Kimonos at Anthropology: https://www.anthropologie.com/kimonos-vests

Hats:

I predict you will see many of these visors on the beach this summer.

Or go really big with a sun hat:

For men: outfits would include Hawaiian shirts, shorts, boat shoes, slip-on sneakers, sandals, and sun hats.

The tropical shirt: Magnum’s key fashion piece still rules men’s resort wear.

Shorts:

Once you find the perfect pair of shorts, find the shoes to complete the look.

Shorts Season Is Here! 30 Men’s Shoes to Wear With Shorts 

I love the retro white shoe look. Remind me of my grandfather.

Lastly, protect your head from the sun with a hat:

https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-accessories/g3381/best-summer-hats-men/