Coastal style has a timeless appeal that’s hard to resist. Inspired by relaxed seaside living and classic nautical style, it’s built around wardrobe staples like linen shirts, white jeans, striped tops, breezy dresses, and woven accessories that look just as stylish today as they did years ago.
The best part is you don’t have to live by the ocean to wear it. I’ll show you how to create a modern coastal wardrobe with classic pieces, easy outfit ideas, and simple styling tips.
What Is Coastal Style vs. Nautical Style?
People often use the terms coastal style and nautical style interchangeably, and it’s easy to see why. They share many classic pieces, but they’re not exactly the same.
Coastal style has a relaxed feel that’s inspired by life near the water. Linen, cotton, woven bags, easy dresses, white jeans, and simple sandals all fit right in. The color palette is usually light and airy, but don’t feel limited to just blue and white.
Nautical style leans a little more classic with Breton stripes, navy blazers, crisp whites, and those signature touches of red. I like borrowing a few of those nautical elements rather than wearing them all at once. That’s what gives coastal style its fresh, modern feel.
Coastal Style Colors: The Best Color Palette for a Coastal Wardrobe
One of the easiest ways to achieve the coastal look is to keep your color palette light and simple. White, cream, navy, chambray, soft blue, and sandy beige all have that relaxed, beachy feel without looking too casual.
I also love mixing in natural textures like linen, cotton, raffia, and woven leather. They add interest without making an outfit feel busy. It’s a combination that always looks fresh and never tries too hard.
That doesn’t mean you have to give up color. A touch of coral, seafoam green, or red can brighten an outfit. Just use it as an accent.
Coastal Wardrobe Essentials: Pieces Every Woman Needs
The nice thing about coastal style is that you don’t have to overthink it. Start with a few classic pieces, mix in a couple of nautical touches, and you’re halfway there. Chances are, you already have some of these staples in your closet.
Start with Lightweight Layers
A white linen shirt is one of the first pieces I’d add to a coastal wardrobe. It’s easy to wear with white jeans, linen pants, shorts, or layered over a simple tank. I also like having a lightweight cotton sweater or cardigan nearby for cool evenings or overly air-conditioned restaurants. Navy, cream, white, and soft blue are colors you’ll wear again and again.
Pair with White Jeans and Linen Pants
White jeans are a summer staple because they brighten up every outfit and pair with stripes, linen, and lightweight knits. Linen pants are another must-have, especially on those really hot days when you want to stay cool without wearing shorts. Then add one great pair of tailored shorts in white, navy, or khaki, and you’ll have the foundation for dozens of coastal-inspired outfits.
If you’ve always loved the look of white pants but haven’t felt confident wearing them, I’ve shared my best tips in 10 Ways Not to Look Fat in White Pants. It’s one of my most popular style posts!
Choose Dresses That Feel Relaxed
Not every summer dress has a coastal feel. I look for easy styles like linen shirtdresses, striped midi dresses, simple shifts, and cotton poplin dresses. They’re comfortable in the heat and easy to dress up or down with a change of shoes and accessories.
Add a Few Nautical Touches
You don’t have to dress head to toe in navy and white to enjoy nautical style. A classic Breton striped tee, a navy blazer, or even a striped sweater is often all you need. These timeless pieces add just the right amount of nautical charm without making your outfit feel too themed.
Nautical Accessories to Wear
Accessories are where you can really have some fun with coastal style. A woven raffia bag, leather sandals, a great pair of sunglasses, and a classic straw hat are the pieces I come back to every summer because they work with just about everything. If you’re looking for a new warm-weather handbag, don’t miss my roundup of the best summer purses for women over 40. It’s full of styles that pair well with coastal and nautical outfits.
If you want to give your outfit a more modern nautical feel, this is also the season to try some of the fun accessories that are everywhere right now. Seashell earrings, fish pendants, rope-inspired bracelets, and bags with rope handles are all having a moment.
My Favorite Coastal and Nautical Style Brands
When I’m shopping for coastal style, I look for brands that do the classics well. Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, Tuckernuck, Talbots, J.Crew, and Ann Taylor are some of my favorites for linen shirts, striped tops, white jeans, easy summer dresses, and lightweight layers. Quince is another great option if you’re looking for quality basics at a more affordable price.
Modern Coastal and Nautical Outfit Ideas
|1. Soft Blue Stripes
You really can’t go wrong with blue and white when you’re creating a coastal look. The soft stripes on this linen dress give it just a hint of nautical style without feeling too themed. I kept everything else simple with white pebbled sneakers and a woven crossbody bag.
2. A Pop of Red
Red, white, and blue will always be a classic nautical combination, but you don’t have to wear all three at once. This red embroidered top paired with white linen shorts feels fresh for summer, and the striped slides are just enough to tie in that nautical influence. It’s bright, cheerful, and so easy to wear.
3. A Classic Navy Blazer
If you only add one nautical-inspired piece to your wardrobe, make it a navy blazer. Layered over a striped tee and white jeans, it creates a timeless outfit that works almost anywhere. It’s polished enough for dinner or a casual meeting but still feels relaxed enough for vacation.
4. A Red Linen Dress
A linen dress is one of the easiest pieces to wear all summer long. This bright red shirtdress with the cute rope belt brings in a classic nautical color, while the woven handbag and artsy metallic sandals keep the outfit feeling modern. It’s proof that coastal style doesn’t have to be limited to shades of blue and white.
5. Coastal Style Outfit with a Pink Linen Dress
Linen and summer just go together. I love how this coral pink dress feels light and relaxed, and with simple metallic sandals and a whimsical beach tote. It’s an outfit I could wear almost anywhere.
More Summer Style Inspiration
One of the things I love about classic styles like this is how easy they are to make your own. Maybe you’re drawn to crisp navy and white, or maybe you prefer soft linen, woven accessories, and lighter neutrals. There isn’t one right way to wear coastal style.
If you’re looking for more summer outfit inspiration, you might also enjoy these posts:
Fantastic suggestions, great styles. I enjoy checking in to see what your styling. I also want to say that I love the way you’re styling your hair, with some soft curls. It’s so pretty. Very youthful and classy.