Dressing for Fall in Maine

Fashion Statement

written & styled by kazeem lawal
modeled by blake hayes & kelly towle
photography by stephen davis phillips

Maine’s fall weather can range from hot and sunny in the morning to freezing rain in the afternoon. It can prove a challenge to dress in this transitional time without carrying an extra bag of clothing around. 

In order to navigate dressing for this season, we asked Kazeem Lawal, owner of Portland Trading Co., for his professional tips. For models, we invited Coast 93.1’s The Blake Show hosts Blake Hayes and Kelly Towle to showcase approachable fall styles with a modern flair.

A smiling man wearing dark glasses and a brown patterned short-sleeve shirt stands indoors next to a desk with office supplies in the background.

Kazeem in his happy place.

MyMaine: What is your top tip when dressing for a transitional season like fall in Maine?

kazeem: Super easy answer here: fall is all about layers, layers, layers—including keeping a light jacket in the car, too. You just never know what the weather is going to be so it is best to be prepared for any situation but to also look good. 

Talk to us about the outfit you chose for Kelly.

I used her personality as a muse and decided to go with something different that people will not expect to see her in. This look is fun, versatile, bold, and chic. You can see how well the color brightens her face and the look is perfect for walking around the city from day to night. 

Talk to us about the outfit you chose for Blake. 

Again, I chose something to match his personality. This look is calm, intelligent and minimalist but shows a fun side with the detailing in the shirt. Again, it is fall we layered with a light jacket but the look is sleek, simple, and elegant. 

You are also a designer. Did you create any of the pieces on Kelly or Blake?

The pieces on Kelly are all my design. They are inspired by my global travels but with homage to home here in Maine. On Blake, they are not my designs but super close to my personality (similar to Italians—where the garments are made)—chic without trying too hard. 

A man and woman sitting on a large rock in an urban area, smiling at the camera. The man is wearing a navy jacket, blue jeans, and white sneakers. The woman is wearing a dark sleeveless top, black cargo pants, and high heels.

Blake and Kelly styled for a fashionable fall.

How often do you recommend people come in to refresh their wardrobe?

I say seasonally. It is a good time to refresh the staples in your closet and to shop for upcoming events in your life—but always keeping your choices simple and useable. 

What is the benefit of talking with a stylist rather than shopping online?

This all depends on the person’s comfort levels on trying something new. When the person is ready they can reach out to someone accessible for a consultation. There is a benefit in trying on pieces in person, checking colors, fit and trying something you might never see elsewhere—like Kelly did here. But the individual has to be ready. 

What are some other interesting trends coming up for fall you will have in your shop?

I have tons planned for layers, shirts, dresses and for sure coats—especially for winter when interesting coats become an important statement piece. 

For someone on a budget and just wants a few fall updates, do you have things for them?

Nothing in life that’s really good is cheap but I have worked very hard to ensure my shop is not considered an expensive store. There are staples in the store that are truly affordable but without cheating you on quality. And if it is expensive—it is that for a reason—will virtually last you a lifetime.

Close-up of a man adjusting his denim sleeve with his right hand, wearing a wedding band, outdoors with greenery in the background.
Woman standing outdoors on a brick sidewalk with green plants and bushes behind her. She is wearing a black sleeveless top, black pants, green high heels, hoop earrings, and a white long coat draped over one shoulder.
Woman with dark hair in a bun, wearing a cream-colored coat with a lobster embroidered on the back, standing outdoors with green plants behind her.
Close-up of a woman wearing gold jewelry, including a layered bracelet with a pearl charm and a finger ring, dressed in a dark green outfit with gold accents and a belt with a decorative buckle, outdoors.
A smiling man standing outdoors on a brick-paved sidewalk, wearing a blue denim shirt, dark jeans, white sneakers, and a navy jacket, with green bushes and plants in the background.

Visit Portland Trading Co. in Portland’s Old Port or shop online at portlandtradingco.com.