What To Wear in Colorado during the Winter

Wondering what to pack for your Colorado trip? Or wanting to refresh your closet as a new Colorado resident? Here is some wardrobe inspiration that I hope will address your Colorado style questions.

Keep it Casual

The standard of attire is very different out here compared to the coasts. It of course all depends on what you’re doing or where you’re at, but I often find that the majority of people in Denver look like they’ve just gotten back from a hike or are about to go on one. The great thing about that is that you never have to worry about being underdressed. 

Dress in Layers

The winter temperature can be all over the place in Denver when the suns out. A day could start out in the 30’s and reach the upper 50’s by the afternoon and then drop again when the sun goes down. The key is to always dress in layers, so you can peel off a layer or two when it starts to warm up.

Outdoor Name Brands Everywhere

I’ve found that more people are into big outdoor name brands out here in CO. It isn’t uncommon to see people running errands wearing Patagonia, Cotopaxi, Arc’teryx, Viouri, or Prana, to name a few. Of course not everyone seeks out that kind of style and no one should ever feel pressured to spend beyond their means just to blend it. I have, however, found that buying thrifted name brand clothing, like Patagonia, are a more affordable way to fit into Colorado fashionably. 

Winter Outfit Must-Haves

There are a few must-have clothing items when living in Colorado. First, is a puffer jacket. It will keep you nice and toasty on the cold days and nights. The material is typically well insulated, so you don’t have to worry about wearing a bunch of layers underneath to stay warm. Another outer layer piece that I love is the sherpa quarter zip. These jackets are unbelievably warm and is my go to when I’m spending a day in either Denver or Golden. They are a bit more fashionable, in my opinion, but still blends well with the crunchy granola Colorado style. Last, but not least, is the shacket. The shacket has become my best friend in Colorado during the winter. It’s the perfect layering piece because it’s thin enough to wear under a bulky winter coat and, when it’s time to shed the coat, it adds just enough protection to keep you warm when the temperature peaks at noon.