Gran’s designs
PRUDENCE WADE TELLS YOU HOW TO ACHIEVE FASHION’S ‘COASTAL GRANDMA’ TREND
IF you’ve been scrolling through Tiktok or Instagram recently, you might have seen a new trend popping up. With hashtags like #coastalgrandma and #coastalgrandmother, it’s all about easy, breezy clothes that are extremely well put together.
Think starchy oversized shirts, cable-knit cardigans, wide brim straw hats, and an optional glass of white wine in your hand.
Coastal grandma icons Oprah include Diane Keaton, Oprah Winfrey, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Garner, and anyone wearing Ralph Lauren, really – all of these people have a similarly beachy style. They exude wealth and chicness – which is perhaps why the coastal grandmother trend has taken off in such a big way, as many of us are in need of a healthy dose of escapism. Tiktok creator Lex Nicoleta claims to have coined the term, and explains what it means. “If you love Nancy Meyers movies, coastal vibes, recipes and cooking, cosy interiors and more – there’s a good chance you might be a coastal grandmother,” she says. “And no, you don’t have to be a grandmother to be a coastal grandmother, it’s for anyone.” Getting in on the trend doesn’t require a fat bank account or a house in the Hamptons – , you can add touches to your wardrobe (or pair things together you already own) to nail this relaxed aesthetic...
THE KNITWEAR
If one movie sums up the coastal grandmother aesthetic, it’s the 2003 Nancy Meyers film Something’s Gotta Give.
Set on the beach in the Hamptons, Diane Keaton’s style, above, epitomises the trend – she’s all about white, cream and beige colour palettes, in loose and elegant fits. If you want to nail the coastal grandmother look, take a leaf out of the Oscar-winning actress’s book – particularly her use of light knitwear in neutral colours.
SUMMER is well and truly upon us – and whether you are spending it sunning yourself, travelling or just enjoying your local park, chances are your hair will be going through it.
Sunshine, sea water and sweat can all do a number on your locks – so what can you do about it? We asked hair experts to help us sort out our summer hair problems...
1.My head gets sweaty but I don’t want to wash my hair every day
“Scalps can become greasy faster during the summer months, since hotter temperatures mean more sweat and increased sebum production, especially for those with naturally oilier hair types,” says Nicole Petty, hair expert at Milk + Blush (milkandblush.com).
“It may be tempting to wash your hair more often to combat the greasiness, but this can make the problem worse. An over-washed scalp will become dry – resulting in hair becoming even greasier to try to balance this out.”
Tyler Moore, stylist at Live True London (livetruelondon.com), says there are simple solutions: “Dry shampoo is your new best friend, along with styles you can wear with dirty hair. We love slicked back buns and funky braids to keep hair off the face and looking fresh,” says Tyler.
“If you need to wash your hair more often, switch to a moisturising shampoo and conditioner and stock up on hair masks.”
2.My hair feels dry and crunchy
As Tyler says: “Temperature extremes, excessive dryness and sun exposure can cause brittleness, which can lead to damage.” So, what to do?
“Ditch the heat tools, switch to a moisturising shampoo and conditioner, and load up on treatments,” Tyler advises.
3.My colour is fading quicker
Tyler notes: “UV can be damaging to hair, and it can also cause colour fade if your hair is coloured.”
To protect it, Nicole suggests treating your hair like you would your skin.
“The best way to avoid damage is to stay out of the sun, but if you have to be out and about all day, you can minimise exposure by wearing a hat or wrapping your hair in a scarf,” she says.
“Look for water-resistant UV protection sprays, heat oils/ primers, or mineral parting powders that will lock in moisture and colour,” says Nicole.
4.My hair goes frizzy when the weather gets warmer
“Air typically becomes more humid during summer months
STYLE SOLUTIONS thanks to soaring temperatures, which can wreak havoc on hair and lead to the dreaded frizz,” says Nicola. “Avoid heat products, washing your hair with too hot water, and over-styling during summer if you’re prone to frizzy hair. Instead, opt for nourishing treatments, oils and conditioners to help moisture penetrate the hair shaft.”
If that isn’t working, she adds: “You can also try switching to a boar bristle brush to help the hair cuticles lay flat, and blotting hair with a microfibre towel after washing to minimise damage.”
5.Is it better for my hair if I swim in the sea or the pool?
“Whether you’re going for a dip in the sea or having a pool day, all hair types can suffer without proper care,” says Nicole.
“Typically, curly hair will be most susceptible to chlorine damage since the hair is naturally drier and more porous, so absorbs more harmful chemicals.”
Both pool and seawater can potentially have a negative affect on your tresses.
“Chlorine and sea salt can be extremely damaging for your hair. Chlorine bonds to your hair and strips away the natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and damaged over time, while the salt in seawater has similar drying effects on the hair’s cuticle, too,” explains Nicole.
“Before going swimming, make sure you saturate your hair with plenty of fresh water. Like a sponge, your hair can only soak up so much water, so this will reduce the amount of chlorine or saltwater clinging to your hair cuticles,” she suggests.
“Following a day of swimming, always ensure you rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water to eliminate any chemicals or salt that will have
fixed on your hair.”
IS SUMMER PLAYING HAVOC WITH YOUR HAIR? IMY BRIGHTY-POTTS ASKS EXPERTS FOR THEIR HOT WEATHER