Types Of Clothing To Avoid Wearing In Colorado If You Want To Blend In With Locals

Colorado is among Americans' most beloved states to visit, and it's easy to see why. The western state is home to several exciting destinations, from Denver to Aspen to underrated spots such as the lake town of Frisco. It's also consistently ranked as the most active state in the country, a fact that's reflected in the range of sports and adventurous activities available to locals and travelers alike.

Given Coloradans' reputation for being outdoorsy and never sitting still for long, it's no surprise that their wardrobes tend to be casual and easy to move in. If you want to blend in during your trip, you might want to follow in their footsteps. Wearing trendy clothes or dressed-up outfits that look good but aren't exactly practical for hiking, skiing, or canoeing will make you stick out like a sore thumb in the Centennial State. Ironed shirts, dangly jewelry, dresses, and similar items are typically best left at home. The one exception may be if you plan to visit a swanky restaurant or formal event during your trip — and even then, you'll probably notice some locals sporting jeans and jerseys.

Another reason you might stand out in Colorado is if you're dressed head-to-toe in clothes meant for one type of extreme weather, whether that be hot and sunny or cold and snowy. You might wonder: Isn't Colorado known for having four distinct seasons? And isn't the state a snowy wonderland come winter? The answer to those questions isn't always a simple "yes."

In Colorado, the temperature outside can change quickly from one day to the next or even within the same day. Conditions can also vary considerably based on what part of the state you're in and the elevation of the town. If, for example, you're packing for cold weather during a winter trip and only bring your heaviest snow gear, you might look out of place (and feel overheated) on the occasional mild-weather day. Similarly, bringing only sleeveless tops and shorts for a summer vacation might leave you shivering by nightfall.

This doesn't mean you should ditch your warmest coat during your ski trip or comfy sandals during your swimming adventures in Aspen. Keep the local climate and outdoor conditions in mind when packing your travel wardrobe. Just know that those conditions can fluctuate throughout your Colorado getaway.

If dressy garments and overly seasonal clothes are out, what should you bring for your Colorado vacation? For starters, plan your wardrobe around layering pieces. Locals know that layers are the only way to survive the ever-changing weather and stay comfortable when a surprise heat wave or snow flurry rolls into town. Thermal underwear, lightweight fleece garments, and coats are great for colder months, while comfy pants, breathable T-shirts, and windbreaker jackets come in clutch during warmer periods.

You'll also find that athleisure is perfectly acceptable in most settings in Colorado. Sure, yoga pants and sweatshirts might make you look like a tourist in France and other destinations around the world, but gym clothes are practically the dress code in the Centennial State. You'll be thankful you packed your athletic clothes when exploring the area's national parks or hiking its mountains.

On that note, be sure to bring shoes that are comfortable to walk long distances in. You don't want blisters keeping you from seeing Colorado's stunning nature and iconic landmarks, after all. If you're planning a winter trip to a ski resort, don't forget waterproof snow boots in addition to your go-to walking shoes.