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By Maurice Merrell
Ah, Portland summer—a time of finally sunny skies, early Friday exits from work to float a river, and the best of everything else the city has to offer. Summer in Portland also means new people visiting and more opportunities to show off the best threads you've had hidden all year.
To tell you how to style those clothes you've kept tucked away until the city's best season, we reached out to stylist Camila Petroske and discussed transitioning from event to event, day to night, city to hike.
"Summers in Portland make me think of downtown terraces, rooftops and streets packed with locals but also tourists," Petroske says. "[Northwest 23rd Avenue] is one of the best areas for people-watching because it's so diverse. It feels like a colorful runway with people dressed up for dates or just dressed down for a casual night out. And, of course, there's the energy and excitement of First Thursday. That's definitely a time when people want to look good to see friends and meet people."
Petroske offered essential looks for a few summer scenarios:
Essential piece for going from cool mornings to hot afternoons?
"Layering is key. Light-washed denim cropped length or shorts combined with sneakers or flats. For tops, I like to go for a basic T-shirt or a silk cami, if you want to dress it up. For cold mornings, a light open sweater that you can throw into your bag or tie around your waist once the sun comes out."
Favorite piece for going from work to happy hour?
"Kimono/silk duster. You can throw that over anything from a basic T-shirt and bottoms to a dress. Plus the Asian-influenced patterns come in great colors, which is a great summer look."
Best footwear for that day party?
"I know I have said this before, but those triple-white Air Force 1s go with anything and are comfortable. I'd also suggest the Nike VaporMax as a lifestyle sneaker, if you want to switch it up. "
A good piece to both hike in and hit the town?
"You can walk in them forever, but you can hit the town with them as well. Plus, you can dress them up with a pleated skirt or summer dress or go for a sportswear look—a simple two-piece matching bottom and top."
A good look for a summer date night?
"Silk cami dress layered with a long, lightweight duster. You can go the comfy route with sneakers or dress it up even more with heels or sandals."