Fashion Statement

Get The Glow

Shopping vintage and consignment is equal parts style, sustainability, and the joy of the hunt

words by ruby luhrman | photos by matthew robbins

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Mainers have a style that speaks for itself. But how do they find unique and standout fashion items? In an age defined by the consumption of fast fashion, locals find alternative ways to stay stylish while upholding their commitments to sustainability. Uniting Mainers’ values of style, environmental stewardship, and investment in local businesses, secondhand shopping has become, in many ways, the modern way to make a fashion statement.

Stepping into the world of secondhand shopping may feel daunting at first. Vintage and consignment stores aren’t organized like traditional boutiques and department stores, so shoppers may feel overwhelmed about where to start. Just take a breath and know the distinctive wardrobe you build will be well worth it.

Maine is home to more than a hundred vintage and consignment stores, each with its own personality and charm, and each is a treasure trove of timeless pieces waiting to be discovered. Here’s a list of recommendations and useful tips to inspire you to explore the state’s secondhand scene and help you curate your fall wardrobe.

As you begin your fall shopping, make a stop at our picks for vintage and consignment shops—and let us know your favorite. Because every shop has its own specialties and strengths, we’ve highlighted what each is best for to help guide your search. Unless noted, our choices carry clothing for all genders.

eclectic finds

curated vintage & designer

Curator Consignment:
In the center of Rockland, a town known for its vibrant arts scene, Curator offers one of Midcoast’s best selections of vintage designer finds. The shop spans two floors, featuring a thoughtfully curated selection of quality pieces, all artfully displayed. The owners have an exceptional eye for authenticated vintage and well-crafted pieces with timeless quality and style. Keep your eye out for high-end designer names, which regularly make their way into Curator’s collection.

coveted modern brands

Haberdashery:
With locations in Portland and Freeport, Haberdashery is secondhand heaven. Each shop is thoughtfully arranged to showcase sought-after brands in excellent condition. Their dress selection is especially impressive, with an exceptional variety of styles, colors, and silhouettes. Their sweater collection is ideal for fall shopping, ranging from cozy chunky knits to luxurious cashmere. The store consistently carries consignment from some of today’s most popular higher-end brands, including Reformation, Ganni, ba&sh, FARM Rio, and MOTHER.

everyday style

Find Clothing:
Find truly has a little bit of everything. Located in downtown Portland, the shop makes the most of its space, with racks of seasonal clothing alongside shoes, accessories, and jewelry. Find carries everything from basics to more eclectic pieces, offering an impressive range of styles that make it a versatile store for shoppers of all ages and tastes. Find truly lives up to its name—you’re almost always guaranteed to score a find when passing through.

Little Ghost:
Little Ghost is a vintage staple on Portland’s Forest Ave, especially loved for its curated selection starting in the 1950s, including art, jewelry, and decor. Little Ghost flows with standout garments, from bold colors and funky patterns to distinctive fabrics. Their selection of denim, leather jackets, and playful dresses attracts new shoppers daily. The space is quirky and hip, creating a vibrant shopping environment.

road tripping & shopping

Lost and Found Market:
Lost and Found doesn’t have a traditional storefront—instead, it is Maine’s largest vintage pop-up market, traveling throughout the state. The roving market has appeared at Thompson’s Point, Union Maine Fairgrounds, and the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. It features over a hundred of New England’s top vintage sellers, offering incredible variety. Clothing spans eras from the 1800s to Y2K. The market brings together a community of vintage enthusiasts and collectors.

casual & creative style 

Material Objects:
Material Objects offers a little bit of everything, from new, vintage, and consignment clothing to locally crafted goods. Open since 1979, it’s a true secondhand institution in Portland. The store is best known for its extensive shoe collection, featuring heels, flats, sneakers, and one of the best selections of Western leather boots. The store focuses on accessible fashion with a creative edge, making it a great destination for building an everyday wardrobe. A great introduction to secondhand shopping, Material Objects offers a casual but creative shopping experience.

like-new options in all sizes 

Fresh Start Boutique:
This quaint Kennebunk boutique for women prioritizes modern items that still have the tags or have barely been worn. Their friendly staff curates complete outfits by mixing and matching with accessories, jewelry, hats, and handbags.

CONSIGNMENT PRO TIPS:

VINTAGE VS CONSIGNMENT:Vintage shopping focuses on clothing from a specific historical era, typically pieces that are from 20-to-100 years old. Consignment shopping features gently used or new more contemporary clothing, often including designer brands. Many stores carry both vintage and consignment items.

DON’T GET STUCK ON SIZE:This tip is especially important for vintage shopping as sizing typically runs 2-4 sizes smaller than contemporary sizing. Keep this in mind while shopping, and don’t assume an item will or won’t fit based solely on the size listed on the tag.

WEEKDAYS ARE BEST:Vintage and consignment stores often receive donations over the weekend and stock new inventory on Monday. Shopping early gives you the best chance of finding great pieces and a less crowded experience.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY:You may come across a piece that you wouldn’t normally choose, but you never know how it will look until you try it on. Finding unique pieces often starts with trying on something unexpected.

LET PIECES SPEAK AS YOU SHOP:Since vintage and consignment stores offer such a unique variety of pieces, it’s best to shop with an open mind. Instead of going in with a specific item in mind, be open to whatever catches your eye.