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!