These Dresses From Old Navy Ooze Coastal-Grandma Chic

The latest — and arguably strangest — fashion trend to sweep TikTok is none other than something called the "coastal-grandmother aesthetic." OK, so the name doesn't immediately scream "chic." It may even conjure up images of threadbare pool towels that predate your birth and splinter-induced trauma from running barefoot on your grandparents' unsanded deck. But the term actually describes the kind of beachy, minimalist outfits you might see while taking a stroll through a charming seaside town.

The key to nailing the coastal-grandma trend is to stick to a neutral color palette — whites, beiges, or light blues — and breezy fabrics like cotton and linen blends. Subtle prints that skew preppy will also work, such as gingham and stripes. And most importantly, you want to keep the silhouette relaxed and effortless — in other words, nothing too fitted or short.

Ultimately, the coastal-grandma look is not just about outfits. It's also a lifestyle: an all-encompassing summer vibe. To fully embrace it, you'll want to start your days with long walks on the beach and end them by cooking a full roast chicken with a glass of very dry white wine on hand. Bonus points if you dress the chicken with handpicked herbs from your own garden (we're only sort of joking). But this is the energy you'll want to channel when shopping for the right pieces.

We've made it easy for you to try your hand at this unexpected trend by compiling a list of dresses that radiate coastal-grandma style. Pick your favorites and accessorize them with fisherman-inspired knits, canvas sneakers, and bucket hats.