Forget The Coastal Grandmother — Meet The Palm Beach Bitch
A summer aesthetic that stands the test of time.
Far more chic than any NYC socialites sipping martinis at the latest downtown hotspots are the little old ladies lunching poolside at The Colony on Worth Avenue. On a recent visit to Palm Beach with my boyfriend, we made an afternoon reservation and quickly found the people-watching to be as delicious as our designated meals (and I love crispy cauliflower tacos, so that’s high praise).
Perhaps the highlight our meal occurred when a new clique showed up to dine and a perceptive waiter instantly brought out a porcelain jungle cat statue to act as a stool for one woman’s purse. It was at that moment that I realized I wanted a life as luxurious as this woman’s — or, at least, as luxurious as her handbag’s, as it now had the best seat in the house.
I left lunch that day eager to stroll Worth Avenue and soak in Palm Beach’s inimitable glamour. It seemed like everyone I passed was perfectly poised and put-together, and I vowed to keep these women and their highbrow approach to getting dressed top of mind as I prepared my summer wardrobe.
And I’m not the only one. The Palm Beach Bitch is having a major moment in fashion.
In 2022, the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic made waves as the It look of the summer, with fashionistas gravitating towards Nantucket-worthy knits and Nancy Meyers-esque apparel. The goal was seaside ease; think crisp white linens, navy stripes and sand between ones toes.
Twelve months later, Euro Summer took over, and the vibe shift saw a masterful mix of logomania and quiet luxury, depending on which way you approached it. If you didn’t have a trip to the Amalfi Coast, Malta or Portugal booked, you were at least dressing like you did.
Fast-forward ten or so more months and summer 2024 is almost upon us — and with it, the rise of a new (old) aesthetic. And before you read me the riot act on “dressing for your personal style” and “ignoring the trends,” let me be clear: that goes without saying.
I’m anti completely changing your fashion identity the second a new look is in. But I’m all for seeking out inspiration to get you excited about dressing up on the daily. And the Palm Beach Bitch is just the girl to inspire me to elevate my basics, lean into colors and prints, and accessorize with impact.
Wear what you want. I’ll be wearing Pucci poolside, thanks.
Beachy, bitchy but surprisingly wholesome, the Palm Beach Bitch employs the very best of Coastal Grandmother and Euro Summer vibes, but with an upscale Floridian flair. If the Coastal Grandmother is reading a romance novel in the sand, and the Euro Summer Diva is skinny-dipping in the sea, the Palm Beach Bitch is lounging poolside, fully kitted out with a sunhat, shades, and enough jewelry for a Met Gala attendee. She may take a dip, but only if she has a blowout booked for later that afternoon.
If the Costal Grandmother enjoys a lobster roll on the boardwalk, and the Euro Summer Diva delights in cocktails and caviar, the Palm Beach Bitch equivalent is a shrimp cocktail, perhaps enjoyed at The Breakers while gossiping with friends in the courtyard.
The overall look is elevated and timeless — which is why I deem it more acceptable than so many of the fleeting, fast-fashion-focused micro-trend aesthetics being peddled these days. It’s classy and somewhat conservative, and although not technically logo-heavy, the Palm Beach Bitch’s wardrobe consists of “if you know, you know” signifiers of status. Think: Pucci silk scarves, Hermès handbags, Zimmerman frocks, and a dash of designer jewelry. Or, perhaps a strand of pearls.
And of course, every piece is tailored to perfection. That attention to detail is part of what gives the Palm Beacher her bitchiness. She could be sweet as pie; it’s her polished exterior that’s as intimidating as it is admirable.
Throw in some linen shifts in bright colors, a wicker bag when a Birkin feel too fussy, and voilà. It’s a look that hasn’t changed much since the ‘60s.
My trip to Palm Beach might’ve reignited my own love for this look, but I’m far from the only one hoping to channel the Floridian elite this summer. TV junkies and fashionistas alike are gushing over the costuming in Apple TV+’s new series Palm Royale, which follows a woman eager to join Palm Beach’s high society in the late 1960s. The same audience enjoys scrolling through Devorah Ezagui’s Class of Palm Beach on Instagram and TikTok, for on-the-spot ‘fit checks featuring impossibly chic Palm Beach passersby (in my next life, I’d love to come back as the girl in the middle, thanks).
When shopping a la the Palm Beach Bitch, seek out a punchy palette of carnation pinks, ocean blues, grassy greens and sunshine yellows. And of course, never say no to florals. Stick to timeless silhouettes that aren’t too revealing, but still feel decidedly femme. When in doubt, accessorize — do yourself a favor and invest in a great pair of sunnies or a silk scarf. As for jewelry and handbags, anything with a beachy nod helps dress down the rest of the look, be it a pearl, a clamshell or a pop of raffia.
Below, shop a few Worth Ave-worthy selects — and don’t hesitate to let me know what’s on your Palm Beach Bitch must-have list.
This Abercrombie Seamed Linen-Blend Midi Dress ($110) is the ideal coastal blue hue.
Oversized white shades that look designer, but aren’t? Sounds like a job for these Anthropologie Blocked Cat-Eye Sunglasses ($38).
A linen mini is a Palm Beach Bitch go-to, and this J. Crew Maxine Button-Back Dress ($98) has an easy shape and comes in multiple colors.
I could’ve listed a million pieces from the Frances Valentine site, but the Hannah Lunchbox Wicker Pink ($368) immediately trumped the rest.
It would be wrong to talk about Palm Beach aesthetics and not give a nod to a Lilly shift. This Lilly Pulitzer Mila Stretch Shift Dress ($198) is just right.
In the event that I can’t get an Hermès Picnic Kelly, I suppose this ridiculously cute Vineyard Vines Wicker Clamshell Clutch ($148) will do.
You can find silk or satin scarves with Palm Beach flair at your local thrift or consignment shop, but if you want something new, start small with this Pucci Rombi-Print Silk-Twill Scarf ($145).
Tory Burch is a Palm Beach Bitch wardrobe staple, and this Silk & Viscose Tory Tunic ($199, was 328) is the kind of thing you’d see on stylish heiresses in their 20s and glamorous grannies in their 70 alike. Talk about playing the long game with your wardrobe.
x BG
Love everything about everything on here. Making me need to go dig out old lily pulitzer pieces from my teenage years!!!