Coastal Niece Aesthetic
In film and in books, I’m all about the outlier. Someone who marches to the beat of their own drum, who doesn’t need to fit the mold, nor do they want to. There is so much room for a great character arc in a good outlier story. I think that is why I fancy it the way I do. When I first began the character work for my book HOUSE IN BLOOM, I realized my character, Dahlia, didn’t fit into a traditional coastal aesthetic. She wasn’t a Coastal Grandmother or Coastal Granddaughter. She was something altogether different.
After covering the newest trend this summer, Coastal Auntie, I realized my character had a closer kinship to this style and aesthetic. But it wasn’t quite the Coastal Niece. Refining these classic coastal styles and coming up with an alternative interpretation was so much fun. So what is the Coastal Niece?
Well, she’s something straight out of a Nancy Meyers Movie. Think the niece of Erica Barry from Something’s Gotta Give but with a sporty twist. This one has no actual parameters except she doesn’t take herself too seriously. The Coastal Niece loves tradition, but it’s because it’s a bridge to the past. She’s street-smart, understated, nostalgic, and cheeky. She’s independent and a bit lonely sometimes. She prefers animals over people (it’s safer that way), old over new, and coffee over tea. The smell of must make her smile because it’s attached to the people and things she once loved. Her perfect day starts with a swim in the bay or a light surf in the ocean, hours in the garden, followed by a good book in the bath with a glass of wine or maybe a chunky sweater by a bonfire.
Family heirlooms, books, and old photographs are of value to her, not material things. Being on the coast awakens her soul and brings her back to life. It transports her back to simpler times when colors felt brighter, the air more fragrant, and her heart runneth over. She is a romantic at heart but disguises herself as ordinary until she feels safe. Only a few lucky ones get to know the extraordinary person she is, as her circle is small. You can find her in sneakers, a sweater, or a flowy floral dress and a thrifted leather jacket. Her style is a bit messy and windblown, but she always makes it look effortless. With this aesthetic, perfection is highly overrated.
What do you think? Would you like to read a book where the FMC has THIS aesthetic?
Have a happy day, friend!
I loved reading this! Reminded me of me! Although, I don’t think I’ve always been someone who marched to my own drummer. Not when I was in my teens anyways. Always felt I had to follow the crowd to fit it. But, after many years I’ve changed and find it’s so freeing to do as I please, dress as I please ,etc. and I tend to notice quite a few people that are free spirits too. And I like seeing that. I love traditions and family history and heirlooms too that have a story behind them. If my husband and I are with a crowd of people, I’d rather talk to men than the women. I just find what they have to say far more interesting than the women. I don’t care for people that boast about themselves or their kids. I have found it so strange that people like to constantly talk about themselves, and have no interest in asking anything about the person they’re talking too. I love to walk every day and breathe in the air and listen to the wind and the birds and I’m in my happy place when the sky is clear blue and the sun is shining. I’m up and out of bed around 4am each morning, because I don’t want to waste a minute of my life and the beauty around me, sleeping. Life is short and goes by very quickly. .. Anyways..I do like the character you describe and would most definitely read a book with a character just like that! Thankyou for sharing this!
Hi Colleen, it’s nice getting to know you better! I am an outside the box kind of girl too, so this resonated with me. I’m excited your intrigued by my character. Stay tuned! Have a lovely weekend, Jen
Hi Jen, I would most definitely read a book about a character like this as it sounds very much like the way I feel about many things. Ironically I just read “Colleen’s ” comments, and while I know ( as do you ) that I am probably quite a bit older than she, I felt like she nailed it if I were to write about who I am and the things that make me feel happy and feel alive ( after all age is just a number and you are really only as old as you feel. I have a lot of experiences to recall and reminisce about and to draw joy from all over again ! However 7:00 Am not 4 Am is more my speed these days but still I find I can fill my days with the kind of joys you both relate to . I am looking forward to reading your book!
Hi Mrs. P! Yes, I agree about the 4 am wake up calls. Although I’d love to some days, my body betrays me later in the day. It’s really about the simple things. And as you get older that becomes the gift itself:). Thank you! I am hoping readers find her relatable. Enjoy this incredible day! Jen