Beautiful views, challenging hikes and fresh air: the mountains are calling. One of the best things about Colorado is that the mountains are never too far away, and with them come unique little mountain towns.

Whether it’s Breckenridge, Crested Butte or Telluride, we all have our favorites. With the number of summer weekends dwindling, there’s no better way to relax than by white water rafting or horseback riding through colorful Colorado. If you haven’t hit your favorite mountain spot yet this summer, or if you’re planning on going this weekend, here are some tips for packing for some much needed relaxation time in the mountains.

0f845090dba4cddcb8a0c6ae4b771784Layer Up

When taking mountain weather into account, you can always bet the afternoons will be hot and the nights will be cold. Therefore, you’ll need to pack outfits that can easily be added and subtracted from. One of our go-tos is layering a sweater over a flowy skirt. If it gets too hot, you can roll up the sleeves or even take it off and cool down in your tank top. When the sun sets, you can put the sweater back on to keep warm while drinking a beer on the balcony. You should also bring one heavy jacket that goes with all of your outfits just in case.

Topshop Strappy Seam Bralet; $16 // Boohoo Robyn Large Floral Print Full Skater Skirt; $20 // Topshop Space Dye Jumper; $72 // TOMS Grey Light Wool Women’s Classics; $54

 

 

165c428ac9fb413b1e5a5f8a8a408afaDitch the Heels

Life might be your own personal runway, but when it comes to the mountains there’s no need to impress. So if you’re spending a weekend in the mountains, keep your fashion statements to a minimum and focus on the beauty of nature. Still keep your personality, but style your outfits to be more on the casual side. If you know you’ll be going out to a fancy dinner one night, bring a maxi dress and a statement necklace. And ladies, just leave the heels behind. The mountain is no place for stilettos. Cowboy boots, on the other hand, are always accepted.

The Concrete Runway Mint Maxi Dress; $63 // Kenneth Jay Lane Gold-plated, Faux Pearl and Crystal Necklace; $116 // Charles & Keith Mesh Ankle Strap Flats; $83 // Dailylook Large Fold Over Clutch; $30

 

 

96304f588e7152937802e2f87d4b41faBring the Essentials

The worst thing you can do when packing for a mountain trip is forget the essentials: sunscreen, a rain jacket and tennis shoes. Considering being in the mountains also means being closer to the sun’s harmful rays, sunscreen is a necessity to protect your skin’s health. Tennis shoes are also essential for those beautiful mountain hikes you are sure to go on as well as any other mountain activity: rock climbing, horseback riding, zip-lining, etc. Another guarantee in the mountains are daily rain showers. They won’t last long, but they can come equipped with plenty of hail, thunder and lightning during the summer season. It’s always best to be prepared in case you get caught in a storm!

Banana Boat Sport Performance Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50; $8 // REI Isis Aurora Rain Jacket; $86 // Nike Dual Fusion Tennis Shoes; $150 //

Think Local

Our best piece of advice for you mountain-goers: dress like the locals do. All mountain town locals have a cool vibe that can’t be mistaken and they dress as they please. Take a cue from these full-time residents and embrace your inner mountain girl. Have a great, fashionable weekend!