Whether you live in Maine year-round or are one of the throngs of people “from away” who visit in the summer, you need a wardrobe that easily adapts to our unpredictable weather. That means clothing that transitions easily from sunny and 80 degrees to rainy and 50 degrees in a matter of hours.
So far this summer, we’ve had one truly warm week where temps climbed into the 80s. Other than that, we’ve struggled to get out of the 60s here on the mid-coast. We might hit 70 next week. Still, I wouldn’t be surprised to see us back in the 80s before the month ends. There’s been rain, fog, sun, and clouds, too. And so it goes for a Maine summer.
Faced with all of that, knowing what to wear can be a bit tricky. If you live here, you’ve probably got it down to a science. For visitors and new residents, we’ve summarized some of our tips and tricks over the past five years. Some are fun and all about style. Others are practical and all about staying healthy and comfortable.
Comfort and Style Can Co-exist
Learning number one: casual doesn’t mean giving up on style. It is possible to be comfortable and look good at the same time – crazy, I know!
Need proof? Just check out this pic of Kristy from the Kristy & New England blog – a super cute look for a shopping excursion in Kennebunkport. I LOVE the lobster sweater!
To make the most of your fashion choices, first determine what you will be doing. A summer day in Maine runs the gamut from:
- Exploring one of our quaint, coastal towns
- Spending a day at the beach
- Boating on one of our lakes, rivers, or the ocean
- Hiking the woods and trails
Of course there are other activities, but these four are some of the most popular. We’ll break down recommended styles for each one, but first, a few tips for dressing no matter where your day may take you.
Everyday Style Tips
- Always check the weather before heading out. A cloudy day can turn sunny and warm quickly and vice versa. You want to have the right clothes with you – like a pullover or rain jacket.
- Layers are key for Maine summers (see #1). No one wants to do a full wardrobe change every time the temperature drops or spikes, so starting with a good foundation and layering on extras as needed gives you the flexibility to adapt to changes quickly.
- Leave the designer duds at home. While you might get away with it in Portland, for the most part, anything Gucci, Louis Vuitton, or the like screams “I’m from away – look at me!” Save it for your trip to New York or LA where it won’t stick out like a sore thumb.
- Makeup is optional; sunscreen is not. If you’re wearing makeup, go lightly. You’re in Maine, not headed to the Met Gala. Whether you go bare-faced or made up, don’t skip the sunscreen. Ever.
On to our styles!
Exploring & Shopping in Town
With so many cute coastal towns, it’s no wonder both residents and visitors find themselves exploring local shops, restaurants, and the surrounding landscape. Historic architecture, local wares, and walkable distances make for a relaxing day on the town.
This kind of light activity calls for stylish comfort. Capri pants, a cute top or t-shirt, and comfy shoes ensure you’re ready for a day of sightseeing. Have a light jacket or pullover handy in the event of a cool down, which is common in the evenings. Bring a tote to hold your purchases (Maine charges for shopping bags) and sport a crossbody bag to free up your hands.
Our Picks:
Sporty Comfort
A Little More Stylish
A Day at the Beach
Spending a day at the beach is a must-do summer activity in Maine. The state boasts more coastline than any state in the nation – much of it beautifully rocky. Due to our northern locale, the water tends to be pretty cold and sea breezes can keep on-shore temperatures cool, so be prepared. We’ve spent days at the beach shivering in July!
To make the most of your beach time, you’ll want layers. A bathing suit, coverup, sun hat, shorts or capris, a t-shirt, a pullover or other long-sleeve shirt, and sandals will keep you prepped for most weather conditions.
Our Picks:
Boating and Fishing
Lots of people spend time on the water in Maine. Whether you like to fish, cruise along slowly, water ski, paddleboard, or tube, you need a wardrobe that can withstand getting wet, dries quickly, and protects you from the sun. I have two words: performance fabrics.
Designed to do all the aforementioned things while being lightweight, a quality performance fabric is indispensable for a day on the water. Those designed with SPF give your extra protection from the sun’s harmful rays and some even come with built-in bug repellant to keep those pesky biters at bay.
Our Picks:
Hiking Maine’s Trails and Woods
Every year, hordes of people visit Maine to explore Acadia National Park, the end of the Appalachian Trail, and the unspoiled beauty of the Maine woods. Of all the activities covered in this post, this one requires the most attention when it comes to clothing.
While our natural surroundings are certainly something to behold, they also come with some risks. I’m mainly talking about ticks and Maine has lots of them. The deer tick carries Lyme disease, and the American Dog Tick carries a variety of diseases, like anaplasmosis. Both are common in Maine. Then there are black flies, deer flies, and mosquitoes, among others, ready to put a damper on your day.
Other risks come from slipping or tripping on wet rocks or rough terrain. This can lead to cuts, bruises, sprains, and worse.
The good news is these risks can be reduced greatly with the right wardrobe. Long pants and long sleeve shirts are a must if you’re heading into the woods. Spray on some bug repellant, including the kind made for clothing, tuck pants into your socks and shirts into your pants to keep ticks and other biting bugs from getting to your skin. Also, choose clothes made from tough materials like ripstop nylons to avoid tears. When hiking the trails, opt for quick-dry fabrics and socks that wick moisture away from your feet.
A pair of lightweight, water-resistant hiking shoes with a good tread suit both activities. They help limit slippage and protect feet; a boot-style will stabilize ankles, helping to avoid sprains.
Finally, always bring a first aid kit on your hiking adventure – you never know when you might need it.
Our Picks:
Maine offers something for everyone in the summer. No wonder the state’s nickname is Vacationland! The key to enjoying our warm weather months is being prepared with a stylish wardrobe that lets you “dress to de-stress.” The right clothes will ensure you get maximum enjoyment of your Maine adventure.
Happy summertime!