There’s something special about the breeze by the sea. It’s not just the salty air, or the mix of sunshine and sand—it’s more like a feeling of freedom. The kind that washes over you the moment your feet touch soft sand, making everything else feel light and far away. Maybe that’s why I’m drawn to that effortlessly chic, slightly rugged style—what people are calling Coastal Cowgirl or Coastal Chic these days.
For this short getaway, I picked a quiet little beach town. No tight schedule, no must-see tourist spots—just me, the waves, and time moving at its own pace.
On the day I left, I wore a loose white button-down shirt, the kind that flutters just right in the wind, like an unfinished postcard. I’ve always believed that a crisp, lightweight white shirt is the soul of a seaside vacation. You can tuck it in for a neater look, or wear it open over a bikini as an easy beach cover-up. Either way, it gives off that effortless charm.
I paired it with my favorite high-waisted denim shorts—a slightly faded blue that feels perfectly at home beside the sea. I love the way high-waisted cuts elongate the legs, but more importantly, they give just enough structure to balance out the laid-back vibe (and yes, they also help disguise the generous portions of seafood I’ve been indulging in—no regrets!). The frayed edges add a touch of nonchalance—like this whole trip, really—unrushed and a little wild.
Of course, I had my wide-brimmed woven hat with me. It’s a soft beige shade and probably my most-worn summer piece. Not only does it shield me from the blazing midday sun, it also gives any outfit a quiet sense of intention. Especially when I’m by the shore—hat on, bare feet in the sand, seagulls calling in the distance—I could be doing nothing and still feel like I’m living in a magazine spread.
For my bag, I brought a netted market tote—a simple mesh design, surprisingly practical. It held all my beach-day essentials: sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, a half-read novel, and even a small bottle of perfume (yes, I’m dramatic like that, but there’s something romantic about catching a whiff of sea breeze and citrus notes while sitting by the water). The mesh lets a hint of everything inside peek through, adding depth to the outfit without looking overdone. It says, “I didn’t try too hard—but look how it all just works.”
Life by the sea moves in slow motion. I’d start my mornings barefoot on the balcony with a glass of iced coffee, watching sunlight slide across the floor. In the hot afternoon, I’d wander into town with my net bag to pick up postcards and handmade soaps. And in the golden hour, I’d re-tie my hair into a low ponytail, knot my white shirt at the waist just so, slip on my woven hat, and head back to the beach—where the wind felt strong enough to blow me straight into a memory, or maybe even a childhood dream.
That’s what I think the heart of Coastal Cowgirl style is. It’s not about looking perfect. It’s about striking that sweet spot between carefree and composed. There’s a bit of cowboy spirit—bold and untamed—but softened by the breeze of the coast. It tells you: you don’t have to try so hard. Just be. And when I look in the mirror wearing these pieces, I don’t feel like I’m dressing up for anyone—I feel like I’m dressing for myself.
On the last morning, I woke up early and dressed again in my trusty white shirt and denim shorts, slipped on the woven hat, grabbed my mesh tote, and walked to the pier to watch the sunrise. The light turned the water a soft orange, and just as the wind caught the edge of my sleeve, I felt like I was part of a painting.
Life doesn’t always need grand adventures. Sometimes, all you need is a few just-right pieces of clothing, a hat to shade your eyes, a bag that carries the breeze, and a heart that’s ready to pause—and that’s already beautiful enough.
