Maine Takeaways -

After moving back home to the Greater Portland area in Maine, I’ve noticed a few trends that scream either “essentially Maine” or “I’ve given up but it’s cold so leave me alone.” This week, the temperature has been under 25 degrees with “single-digit feels-like” vibes, and I’ve been channeling my inner house cat—lounging by the space heater and basking in warm naps. However, the allure of barstool adventures and window-side people-watching has coaxed me out of my cozy cave.

Here’s what I’ve learned while braving the tundra: chatting with bar staff and regulars can lead to some wildly entertaining conversations. Case in point: someone just starting to run decided an Ironman sounded like a casual next step, and someone else explained the subtle nuances between three types of orange bitters. While my brain has been expanding with this delightful nonsense, my eyes have been making mental notes of Maine’s fashion scene… or lack thereof.

Let’s Start with a Shoutout First, a major bravo to Canopy by Hilton on Congress Street in Portland. Their drinks? A+. Their vibe? Impeccable. Their employee uniforms? Chef’s kiss. Fitted shirts with stylish lapels and pants that look tailor-made for each individual. It’s like they said, “We’re serving craft cocktails, and we’ll look fabulous while doing it.”

Now, for the Rest of the Population… Maine is a land of beanies, beanies, and… more beanies. They’re like the unofficial state bird of winter fashion. Unfortunately, the once vibrant rainbow of beanie colors has dwindled to a palette of browns, greys, blacks, navy blues, and creams. It’s giving “moody neutrals,” and honestly, I’m a little sad about it.

Outerwear? Let’s just say function has kicked fashion to the curb. In the city, I’d see women rocking wide-leg pants paired with chic trench coats in felt, knit, or wool—bright accents included for safety and flair. Here, it’s more about puffer coats that double as wearable sleeping bags. (Full disclosure: I’m still haunted by the rain-jacket-esque monstrosities I wore in grade school, but I double dog dare you to find photographic evidence.)

Pants & Shoes: A Maine Uniform Denim is the unchallenged ruler here, usually bootcut or flared just enough to awkwardly skim the back of your shoes. Speaking of shoes, New Balance, Adidas, and Bean Boots dominate the scene. It’s not exciting, but hey, it’s practical.

Accessories: A Bright Spot Sunglasses are having their moment, and honestly, they’ve earned it. Between the low-angle winter sun and the reflective glare from black ice and snow, Maine’s winter wonderland is out to blind us all. Luckily, people are fighting back with wide-rimmed and giant circular frames that say, “I’m chic and also very concerned about my corneas.” Meanwhile, mittens are out, and knitted gloves are in. Progress?

Sea-Inspired Shopping The closer you get to the coast, the more nautical charm creeps into the shopping scene. Think scallop-patterned bags, buoy-inspired Christmas ornaments, and jewelry made by brave vendors who are somehow surviving the cold with nothing but a portable heater and sheer willpower. The Old Port has this timeless, historical vibe that’s hard not to love, from cobblestone streets to fresh catches of the day and squawking seagulls plotting their next seafood heist.

My Winter Wishlist As the weather warms, I’m hoping to see a bit more variety—soft pastel blouses paired with lightweight, flowy pants that say “effortlessly elegant.” Toss in a structured yet flattering skirt and a heavy felt or wool trench coat for those brisk mornings, and we’ve got a winning combination. Is it too much to ask for style that balances comfort and aesthetic appeal? I don’t think so.

In the meantime, I’ll be here, sipping cocktails, avoiding puffer coats, and dreaming of a world where Maine’s fashion game matches its natural beauty.