Nail Polish Shades for the Coastal Grandmother in All of Us

The coastal grandmother trend swept the internet two summers ago, and it’s never really left. The aesthetic inspired by Nancy Meyers movies, wealthy New England matriarchs, and the likes of Oprah and Martha Stewart tending to their garden is a classic for good reason. To give a subtle nod to the trend and ensure our nails go with our vibe, we’re bringing the aesthetic to our manicure. We’ve collected a handful of nail polish colors that have that coastal grandmother undertone we love so much. Think muted seaside shades and summertime neutrals.

Nail polish colors we know coastal grandmothers would love

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Sun-bleached blues

Navy and deep blue hues are everywhere on the coast, but to nail the coastal grandmother aesthetic, we recommend more sun-faded shades. These polish shades are so unique, you won’t regret adding them to your lineup.

Ones to try: Sundays No. 33 ($18), Olive & June Social Studies ($9), Sally Hansen Slow M-Ocean ($8)

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Beige

The base of any good coastal grandmother’s palette is a classic beige. It goes with everything and helps evoke that sandy muted aesthetic. These shades inspired by pampas, sand and clay are all great to have in your collection.

Ones to try: Chillhouse Miami Clay ($12), Londontown Pampas Beige ($16), Nails.INC South Beach ($9)

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Mint and Matcha

From sea foam to verdant grass, you’ll get a glimpse of fresh green shades throughout the coast. The coastal grandmother is more likely to lean into minty pastel greens or muted sage colors.

Ones to try: Chanel Cavalier Seul ($33), Olive & June Sleeping Bag ($9), Chillhouse Sage the Room ($12)

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Mauve

Muted colors have an important place in the coastal grandmother palate. A mauve or dusty rose is a great way to add some color to your nails without going too bright or poppy.

Ones to try: Essie Princess Charming ($13), Londontown Do Not Disturb ($16), Essie Ladylike ($10)

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Baby blues

Cinderella-esque baby blue shades are widely welcomed by coastal grandmothers everywhere. There’s something about these misty blues that makes you feel like the sea spray is hitting you while strolling the shore.

Ones to try: Gelcare Water Lilies ($20), Olive & June BP ($9), OPI Raindrop Expectations ($13)

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Peach

The fruit and color of the summer, peach, is just perfect for a manicure moment. Peaches that are teetering on nude are the best way to get the coastal grandmother nail aesthetic.

Ones to try: Chanel Poète ($33), Olive & June CS ($10), Orly Are You Sherbert? ($10)

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Champagne

Champagne nails offer not too much color and not too much shine but just enough of each. Reminiscent of the pearls coastal grandmothers wear around their necks a bubbly-inspired nail shade is a go-to for festive summer events.

Ones to try: Essie Imported Bubbly ($10), Butter Champagne Princess ($9), OPI Mirror, Mirror on the Awe ($12)

 

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Baby pink

There are few manicure shades more classic than a ballerina pink. The shade is always chic on nails and adds a polished, put-together element to your look that perfectly accents your linen button-downs and floppy hats.

Ones to try: Chanel Ballerina ($33), Sally Hansen In a Blush ($8), Olive & June Strawberry Scone ($9)