Us Weekly has a managed partnership. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Read more!
Many spring fashion trends are predictable, such as florals, pastels and lightweight knits. But this season has a few surprises at the top. Beachy granny cardigans are very much in, and we’re leaning towards a soft, seaside-inspired vibe. Although it first appeared around 2022, this popular social media trend pays tribute to linen-loving, beach-wearing women who embody the comfort of a quiet beach. We’re talking about Nancy Meyers–style icons like Meryl Streep and late Diane Keaton – women who make beach-inspired fashion look fresh and beautiful, not frumpy and forgetful.
In honor of this chic aesthetic, we’ve rounded up 17 beachy granny cardigans that capture the breezy charm, sleek design and effortless elegance the look is known for. From puff-sleeve silhouettes to colorful styles and open seams, these picks from Amazon, Nordstrom, Macy’s and Abercrombie & Fitch make beachy comfort feel totally wearable. Shop the view below – starting at $17.
17 New Beach Cardigans for Grandmas for Spring
1. What we like: With a super relaxed fit, this lightweight cropped cardigan lets you rock the beachy granny trend while keeping things fresh, flirty and totally comfortable. Admirable style comes in many colors, including red, green and yellow.
2. Nantucket Vibes: Go full nautical-chic in this blue-and-white cardigan, complete with eye-catching scallop trim. The relaxed silhouette makes it easy to match with distressed denim, boho maxi skirts and everything in between.
3. Store Style: Achieve rich mom style on a budget with a woven cardigan from Amazon. The wide piece has that heirloom quality that brings a touch of quiet luxury to even your simple look.
4. Work from Home: It looks and feels like cashmere, but Petal & Pup’s full-length cardigan is breathable, affordable and perfect for spring. Reviewers rave that it’s a comfortable base that takes them from desk to lounge.
5. Slimming Silhouette: Subtly draw attention away from your centerpiece with a peplum-style card cut from All In Favor. Even better, it’s finished with sweet feminine details like ruffled sleeves and classic pointelle.
6. No Difficulty: Get a cable-tied look without the hassle with Lucky Brand’s short-sleeved cardigan. It captures the feel of a beachy grandma while staying modern rather than edgy.
7. Local Style: Put your love of beach fashion on display in this open-back layer from Abercrombie & Fitch. The cream knit has an attractive sailboat shape that quickly transforms into a breezy beach style.
8. In point: At first glance, this gray pointelle cardigan looks understated, but the intricate stitching details make it a beachy classic with a quiet luxurious appeal. Reviewers can’t get over how soft it feels and how premium it looks.
9. Approved for Spring: We love a cardigan you can rock well into spring (maybe even summer), and this cropped short-sleeve option is the perfect lightweight layer for warmer days. Choose from neutral spring colors like red, green, cream or blue.
10. Beach Babe: A long trip to the beach feels possible and fashionable in this short sleeve open cardigan. Reviewers say the breezy layer gives off great vacay vibes.
11. Affordable Luxury: No brand nails the affordable luxury style like Quince, and the brand’s cropped cotton cardigan is a prime example. Soft, breathable and high enough to wear with anything, it’s a great addition to any beach grandma’s capsule collection.
12. Celeb-Favorite: Luxury lovers, don’t miss Quince’s short-sleeved Mongolian cashmere cardigan. Jessica Alba she’s wearing a similar style from the brand, offering a celebrity-approved piece of coastal polish.
13. Keep It Light: If you’re not ready to commit to fully unbuttoning, consider this tie-front crochet cardigan. A great spring layering piece that instantly brightens up your coastal-chic wardrobe.
14. The Housed-In Look: For that cool vibe, reach for this free cardigan for the masses. The tie front silhouette, open sleeves and distressed wash give it a beachy appeal.
15. Opt for a Puff-Sleeve: Color Us we were surprised because we never expected Levi to release a puff-sleeve cardigan as chic as this. Everything from the oversized buttons to the delicate pointelle weave gives it a soft, feminine feel that’s a world beyond its usual denim material.
16. Cool Design: We’ve seen our fair share of crochet cardigan sweaters, but none quite as chic and wearable as this cropped one. It will look especially good with monochrome trousers and a pair of easy-to-slip sandals.
17. Understandable in Season: Want to nail the beachy granny look without being too trendy? CeCe’s V‑neck cardigan – available in stunning lavender and classic navy – keeps things flirty and fun while still feeling timeless enough to be worn year after year.
At 5’3″, it’s hard to find clothes that I can’t swim in, especially when it comes to jackets. However, many fashion companies have been releasing smaller designs, making outerwear that doesn’t look too big. Over the years, I’ve found that cropped silhouettes always work best for a petite frame, and this spring, […]
