Summer Packing Guide: Coastal Maine

2:00 PM, July 20 2012

By Alison Syrett

Most people associate beaches with white sand and and clear as crystal water, but Maine's coast line has neither. Instead, the northeastern tip of the United States is filled with fragrant pine trees and craggy cliffs that overlook the restless Atlantic. Its brand of beauty is more rustic than that of a tropical locale and best enjoyed during the summer, when blueberries are in season and it's warm enough to go boating.

I vacationed in the peninsula state when I was very young, and have wonderful memories of scaling rock piles, whale watching and lighthouse visits. However, most of the pictures taking during those trips feature me in a over-sized pink T-shirt with a lobster on it and clashing spandex bike shorts—a look I'd prefer not to repeat. Next time I visit I plan to come armed with a bag of broken-in preppy basics with subtle nautical touches and leave the crustaceans for dinner alone. Click through the slideshow below to see (and shop!) what I plan to pack on my summer trip to Maine.

A stylish nod to the local fishing culture.

Pretty, but also casual enough to ride bikes in.

Something sea-themed that doesn't feel kitchy.

This classic comes in four sizes but I like the biggest best—it makes the perfect East Coast beach bag.

Penny loafers + boat rope = my new favorite summer shoe.

Tiny details—like skinny lines in three colors and the slouchy pocket—make this more special than your average striped tee.

Rumpled chino shorts are tomboy-cool.

I'd bring two pairs: one for mucking up in the woods and on the beach, the other for dockside strolling.

I don't wear a lot of makeup during vacation so it's really important that my skin looks glowy and fresh. Tata Harper's all-natural formulas never let me down.

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