5 Ways To Have A Yiayia Summer
Or coastal grandma summer if you want to be less regionally specific
If I gave you even a second to forget, I went to Greece for my honeymoon in May, and I’ve let that experience inform the rest of my summer. Growing up by the beach, I’ve always had easy breezy sun-soaked summers, but since moving to more urban areas, the summer has become a chore.
After falling back in love with summer in Greece, I decided to pack that re-found romanticism on my carry-on and bring it home (along with some pistachio butter — that shit is unreal!!). We decided that this summer is going to be a Yiayia Summer, but I’ve seen people on TikTok talk about coastal grandma aesthetic, and it’s probably the same thing.
I know by the time you’re reading this, summer is 2/3 of the way over, but why would I give you advice without trying it out myself? So, you can try this out for the rest of the summer, maybe a Yiayia August, or you can keep it in your back pocket for next year. Either way, here are 5 ways to live the coastal grandma life no matter where you are.
Dress the part
The way you dress can change your entire mindset, which is why we’re gonna start there. First of all, when was the last time you saw a comfy coastal grandma in a pair of denim shorts? You need to be wearing head-to-toe linen at all times if possible. Go to Old Navy and get yourself some comfy linen pants in several colors. If you want to go the extra mile, get a matching top that goes with it. If not, linen pants basically go with any top that you already own. Your wardrobe should be as light and airy as your attitude. Extra points for head scarfs, handkerchiefs, ascots, or anything of that nature!!
The second key to a Yiayia summer is sensible footwear. I got myself a pair of Tevas that has a heavenly layer of gel this year, and last year I got Asics Gel Nimbus 25s which I swear are the comfiest sneakers I’ve ever worn (and yes, even better than Hokas!).
Those two pairs of shoes, along with my more trendy New Balance 574s, and the only shoes you will likely catch me in. If I have to dress up, I got my cushioned kitten heels on lock. I have ruined many a night in my younger years for wearing shoes that are too tall, too tight, too tedious. In my wise, pragmatic Yiayia season, I know the value of being comfortable. I’m even batting around the idea of getting Crocs sandals! My mood is no longer determined by my feet, and the world is my oyster!
Walk everywhere
Having comfy shoes leads to the next component of Yiayia summer, which is walking. I’m lucky enough to live somewhere that I can walk to most places I need to get to: Trader Joe’s, restaurants, friends’ apartments, dispensaries. I’m set!
I used to avoid walking places out of laziness, but I realized my disdain for parking greatly outweighed my lack of motivation to move. I have my little grandma cart and reusable bags, and I just hoof it. Don’t forget your SPF though!! Coastal grandmas’ thick leathery skin is not what we’re going for (no offense 🫶).
Walking outside leads to more outdoor activities in general, which is the best part of summer. Cities usually run concert series or movies under the stars or other outdoor events that you can stumble upon (or plan to go to, there’s not a huge emphasis on spontaneity here). Community events are a beautiful way to get in touch with the ways of the Old Days in the Old Country, where everyone gathered for a nice night together and everyone knew everyone. Even if you just go to a park and sit on a bench, you’re doing it.
Dinners with friends
Speaking of gatherings, summer is for friends. I know that we don’t have summers off like we used to, but you should act like you do. The child-like excitement should meld with the freedom of coastal grandma retirement. To the best of your abilities, don’t wait for the weekend to do something fun. Have large dinners with friends old and new on a rooftop and feel the coalescence lift your spirit. Meet up in a park and sit under a shady tree. If you can’t do after work, see if you can sneak in a coffee before work. Take your days back and spend them with friends who refill your cup.
Handmake household items
I started sewing my own clothes at the beginning of this year, and it has led seamlessly into Yiayia summer, especially with all the linen I’ve been making. I also wanted to be able to do something with my hands at the same time as watching TV, so I got a Wooble and taught myself how to crochet. We took a weaving workshop on our honeymoon and made little coasters that sit on our little dining set. We’ve dipped our toes into hand-building with airdry clay, and Dalia just signed up for a Sunday morning pottery class. There’s something so special about seeing something that you’ve made and letting the making process take you into a flow state. Yiayia’s have no schedules and nowhere to be, so they have the time and creative energy to just make things just to make them. What a relaxing existence.
Soundtrack appropriately
I don’t think it’s possible to romanticize something fully unless there is music to go with it. Not all Yiayias or coastal grandmas like the same music, so here are a few recommendations to get you started. I’ve been opting for YouTube playlists and DJ sets over Spotify playlists for variety’s sake, but I’ll include a little of both:
Love!