wear this there: a style guide for vail, colorado in the fall
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vail may be best known for its snow-covered peaks during ski season, but one of the best times to visit is actually in the fall. vail in the fall is one of the most beautiful places in the world. with the turn of the seasons, the aspen leaves change color to a golden hue, lighting up the mountain sides as they quake in the late autumn sun. walking through a grove of the majestic golden trees is magical, breathtaking, even spiritual.
another bonus is that the mountain towns are often less crowded than during the high seasons of summer and winter, but still have a lot to offer. the weather is perfect, often sunny and warm during the day, with the evening bringing a crisp chill to the air. this makes it the perfect time of year for hiking, as it isn’t too hot, but still warm enough to not need a canada goose jacket when you step outside. you can also enjoy the many outdoor patios while soaking in the mountain views and sipping on one of the fantastic craft cocktails the local restaurants offer, because what is life without happy hours. ps: check out my insider’s dining guide to vail colorado here!
so now that i’ve sold you on a trip to vail in the fall 😉 , here’s a guide on what to wear on your trip to vail.
a style guide for vail in the fall:
the most important thing you need to know about vail in the fall is that it can still be pretty hot during the day (especially in the sun) but is also pretty cold in the mornings and evenings. so bottom line, you need layers! you should bring a full spectrum from shorts to a wool coat for your trip to vail in the fall.
what to wear during the day in vail:
the sun is very powerful all year round at our high-altitude, so make sure you wear sunscreen. also keep in mind, even as the nights start cooling down, fall days are still pretty warm in colorado, so you’ll need a spectrum of clothing options.
for strolling around town during the day opt for something casual but with a side of mountain chic.
one of my go-to outfits is distressed jean shorts with a cute sweater, wool hat and western style booties. (make sure to layer a tee underneath in case you’re sitting out in the sun for lunch). if you’re going later in the fall and temps are cooler, swap the shorts for jeans.
cream sweater
jean shorts
wool hat
western booties
to kick things up a notch, wear some tall western-style boots with black leather shorts and a cozy sweater to keep it casual enough for the mountains.
leopard sweater
black leather shorts
cutout shoulder sweater
black western boots
western booties
another option for daytime wear in vail is athleisure. it’s very common for people to go from a long bike ride or hike in their workout gear right to lunch or happy hour. trendy athleisure is an easy way to go from being active to sipping on that post-hike beer.
when i’m hiking and then heading into town, i usually wear a pair of leggings or shorts (depending on how warm it is), a tank top that works on the trail and at happy hour, layered with a long sleeve top and, depending on the forecast, a midweight zip up or a fleece. remember, layers are key! you definitely want a full spectrum from tank top to jacket. and don’t forget a good pair of lightweight hiking shoes for stability on the rocky trails. throw on a cute dad hat for extra sun protection (and to hide sweaty hair) and don’t forget a daypack to carry your water, snacks, and layers.
tank
t-shirt
long sleeve
leggings
shorts
zip up and/or fleece
trail runners/hiking boots (if you’re just doing light hiking, you can wear tennis shoes, but make sure they have a thicker sole and decent traction)
dad hat
daypack
what to wear at night in vail
there are many fantastic restaurants and bars in vail (check out my restaurant guide here), so be sure to take advantage of a night on the town. oftentimes people dress up a little more for a night out in vail. not to say stilettos and a bandage dress are the way to go (after all this isn’t 2007), but you can definitely wear something a little dressier than your day outfit.
i’m obsessed with the western style boot trend. you can capitalize on this trend for a cute mountain look. not saying that you should go full on dolly parton here, just a hint of western style is a good way to pull off that “i’m kinda rugged yet also a fashionista” look. pair them with a cute skirt, warm sweater, and leather jacket and you’re set for a night out on the town. if you don’t want to invest in western boots, a cute pair of black booties or over-the-knee boots will work just as well!
black sweater
flirty skirt
western boots
you could also pair over-the-knee boots with a cute sweater dress or corduroy mini skirt and a cozy sweater. or wear an awesome pair of ankle boots with tights and a casual long-sleeve dress.
sweater dress
over the knee boots
if you’re feeling a more casual look for the evening, you can never go wrong with a chunky sweater that is totally grandpa chic, distressed jeans, and a statement felt hat to tie it all together. it’s an easy, no fuss look that will give you that perfect fall feel. if you’re thinking a chunky sweater is a little too blasé then pair it with a statement shoe. one of the best ways to make your outfit stand out is with your shoes. i love a good pair of mules or loafers in the fall. this season, leopard print is trending and adding a leopard shoe to your outfit is a great way to give it that extra pop.
printed cardigan sweater
jeans
leopard shoes
black hat
last but not least, you need a coat or two! as soon as the sun goes down, the temps drop pretty dramatically, so make sure you bring a warm jacket. a cozy wool coat and/or a warm leather jacket with a scarf are both perfect options for vail in the fall.
wool coat
leather jacket
and that’s a wrap on my quick guide on what to wear in vail, colorado in the fall. as always, let me know if you have any questions at all! either leave a comment below or dm me on insta @wear_this_there and don’t forget to check out my post on where to eat, drink, and stay in vail, colorado!