When we say Portland, you probably think of Oregon first. But there’s another hip Portland to the east (ya know, in Maine) that, come summer, is all about a bustling waterfront, days spent strolling the local shops, and evenings spent eating the day’s freshest catch. It is also a great jumping off point to explore Maine’s vast coastline, or to even dip into New Hampshire for a hike in the stunning White Mountains. Now, what to bring?
Women
Bar Harbor Days
If your trip allows, save some time for a trip to Bar Harbor and the gorgeous Acadia National Park. The rocky beaches, where these navy water shoes ($29.99) will come in handy, are something special.
Though it varies with the season, rain is consistently part of the picture. Bring a chic rain coat like this cheerful coral version by Ilse Jacobsen ($289).
An all-American chambray shirt, here with a sweet pin dot, makes for an excellent beach cover-up ($24.95).
Shield your eyes as well with these cat-eye frames ($98).
With both busy ports and idyllic harbors, Maine has plenty of nautical spirit. Keep with the theme in this mariner’s style day dress ($69.99).
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Don’t forget your SPF and a destination-specific beach read, like Shorecliff, a debut novel by Ursula DeYoung.
Portland Nights
Maine dressing keeps casual and comfortable even into the evening hours. In Portland, which has lively pub scene, this charcoal flower print sweatshirt ($188) balances fashion and function.
If you feel like getting a bit more dolled up, this short sleeve sweater in mustard ($119.50) has a vintage feminine feel.
Either would pair well with classic-cut jeans, which has extra charm with a few worn-in details ($118).
Meanwhile, an evening bag in off-white speaks of warmer seasons, and the cross-body design keeps hands free ($148)
Keep footwear short on heel but high on style with these two-tone brown booties ($198).
Men
Kicking Back in Kennebunkport
Grab your rucksack from Maine-based L.L. Bean ($199) for a trip to the oceanside town of Kennebunkport ($199).
Stroll Ocean Avenue in chino shorts with a rakish roll-up hem ($50).
You can’t go wrong with a classic boat shoe, but this custom, handmade by Maine company Quoddy is an especially handsome winner ($265).
A casual football tee with natty stripes on the sleeves is a weekend no-brainer ($40).
Where else can you wear lobster red (here paired with stripes in this polo for $69) than in Maine?
Lobster Feast
Speaking of delectable crustaceans, Kennebunkport has an extensive selection of eateries that do well by the local specialty. For a more dressed up dinner, head to 50 Local, just outside of the city, where these military twill chinos ($90) will be a good fit.
On top, button up this indigo check flannel shirt, which has a clean, trim fit ($198).
If the weather is on the warmer side, this gray marled henley will do ($120) better.
For accessories, a seaside flair is a thoughtful touch, like this anchor bracelet in blue and silver ($60).
Or an espadrille base always says “summer,” as in these cream sneakers ($110 by Ted Baker).
Photo Credits: Women Day: Courtesy of 2013 Hachette Book Group; 2001-2013 BananaRepublic.com; 1997 – 2013 Gap Inc.;2013 SPLENDID AVENUE; 2013 Lands’ End; 2002-2013 ModCloth.com. Women Night: Courtesy of 2013 Madewell Inc; www.ellamoss.com; 2013 Club Monaco Corp.; 2013 IIIBeCa. Men Day: Courtesy of 2013 Nordstrom, Inc.; Gap Inc; L.L.Bean Inc. Copyright 2013; www.quoddy.com. Men Night: Courtesy of 2013 Nordstrom, Inc.; 2013 J. PRESS; 2013 J.CREW; 2013 Need Supply Company; 2013 Mr Porter.