What To Wear So You Don’t Look Like An Aspen Tourist

"What to Wear So You Don't Look Like an Aspen Tourist" has been updated to reflect current trends and insights to blend in seamlessly with the Aspen Locals. The original blog was posted in October of 2022.

Pila, that's me, the owner and operator of the Aspen Heaven on Earth Spa, answers the first question that pops into your mind when you've decided to vacation in Aspen. "What to pack for a trip to Aspen"? I'll fill you in on what to wear (the supreme “Aspen Casual”) for your summer and winter wardrobe in Aspen, so you won’t stick out like a sore thumb.

Traveling to and having a holiday in Aspen is always exciting. But packing and dressing appropriately for the Aspen mountains can be challenging. You should know what to wear so you don’t look like an Aspen tourist.

How to style your beach or city wardrobe to winter mountain chic can be difficult. I remember my roommates in Hawaii teasing me that just because a top had long sleeves did not make it winter – okay, the sleeves were sheer.

When Figuring Out What to Wear in Aspen, Don’t Try Too Hard

The number 1 rule of dressing in Aspen is: don’t try too hard. Aspen’s dress code is “Aspen Casual.” That means you can dine at the 5-Star Little Nell’s Element 47 in jeans, or dress to the 9’s.

You definitely don’t want to wear all foil ski suits and moon boots. You also don’t need to buy that magnum of champagne to spray everyone. Be forewarned. If you do, you may see yourselves on the Microwaves of Aspen Instagram page.

Don’t Be Matchy

You don’t want to be a walking Gucci billboard, and you don’t want to look like you bought all your clothes at the same time or place. I made this mistake, too, when I first moved to Aspen, and it’s easy to do.

I moved from Hawaii and got to buy an entire winter wardrobe. How fun, right?  Mix it up though. Mix patterns, colors, and brands. Local skiers care more about staying warm and moving comfortably than showing off wearing the latest runway looks in the gondola line – although it can be tempting.

When I first moved here, I saw a lady dressed from head to toe in Dior, and I mean head to toe. From the earrings and hat to her coat, muff, and shoes!  She probably even had Dior underwear. (hehe). Remember, you don’t have to try too hard.

No Fur Please

In Aspen, fox sightings really do occur on trails and in the backcountry, but they shouldn’t make an appearance at your dinner reservation. Leave the fur out to not look like an Aspen tourist.

Save The Aspen Splashing for Home

Wearing your “Aspen” sweatshirt around town is a sure sign you’re a visiting tourist. Save it for when you’re at home, and you can show off. 

What To Wear in Aspen So You Don’t Look Like a Tourist

Okay, now that we have what not to wear out of the way, what should you wear so you don’t look like a tourist while in Aspen?…

Aspen Causal is a term we use because it perfectly balances comfort, style, and glamor.

Loungewear Reign Supreme

All you need is a pair of leggings like you just came from yoga, Uggs, and a puffer coat to get you through your (window) shopping, spa day, and lunch. Non-skiers like me don’t need a hot pink ski suit that will never see the slopes to fit in.

Update: Any athleisure you feel good in is in, so forget the idea that you need a specific look to fit in. While leggings had their moment, the athleisure scene has evolved with more options than ever. The possibilities are limitless, from my new favorite, the sweatpants jean - especially from Rag and Bone to joggers from the recently opened Vuori. Lululemon has some healthy competition with ALO Yoga's arrival. Think beyond basic leggings and embrace the variety of stylish and comfortable options.

Wear The Hat

Here’s where you won’t be able to tell who’s local and who’s not. Locals and tourists alike are hat obsessed. Whether it’s a chic cowboy hat from the uber-cool Kemo Sabe, one from the local hat milliner, Susan Carrolan, or the knit cap with a pom-pom — hats are top of style here.

Update: While those beautiful beaver hats are a year-round staple in this town, a true local knows that straw hats are the way to go for summer. They're cooler and more comfortable in the heat and exude that effortless warm-weather style that beaver hats can't match. Come fall and winter, though, it's time to break out those felt beavers again.

Duct Tape, The Perfect Accessory

You’re reading this correctly. Want to really look like a local? Add a little duct tape to your packing list. I know, I know, the horror of it. When I got my first pair of ski boots, hand-me-downs from a friend, they had duct tape over the bridge. I wanted to rip it off and was told to leave it. It keeps the feet dry, and it gives you a local edge.

Locals use duct tape to patch holes from down feathers poking out of their ski jackets. You can get super cute duct tape: plaids, Hello Kitty, and fun colors from Carl's Pharmacy.

So, Now You Know What to Wear in Aspen So You Won't Look Like an Aspen Tourist

So, there you have it, Pila’s advice on what not to wear and what to wear while vacationing in Aspen. Following these guidelines will have you feeling confident, sporty, or chic whether you’re shopping, dining, up hilling at Aspen Snowmass, or even star-hunting. Be prepared for what happened to my guest and friend Monique; someone might ask where you work. The ultimate sign of blending in and not looking like a tourist.

What to Pack for Your Aspen Vacation - or not

Much to the sadness of many of my guests, who are so excited to dress to the 9s for dinner, are the icy sidewalks and streets. Leave your heels at home in the winter because they never make it out of your room unless you're staying at the Jerome, The Nell, or St. Regis, and you don't have to leave your hotel for dinner. 

The summer is just as tricky because many restaurants are along the cobblestoned pedestrian mall. 

So, my friends, I am sorry to say that your sexy, pretty shoes aren't going to get much visibility here. The good news? You can finally buy the thigh-high or cowboy boots you've been eyeing. I highly recommend taking them to your cobbler and adding rubber studded soles for extra grip and safety.

Beyond The Outfit – Aspen's Secret to Glowing Skin

Lastly, embrace the "Aspen glow" like a true local! While you're out exploring, remember the mountain air can be dry. Treat yourself to an Intraceutials Oxygen Facial at Heaven on Earth Spa to keep your skin feeling healthy and radiant. This luxurious treatment infuses your skin with pure oxygen, leaving it plump, hydrated, and ready to conquer the day (or night) ahead. After all, a healthy, natural glow is the ultimate Aspen accessory. Schedule your facial and experience the Heaven on Earth difference today!

So, there you have it. Now you're on the right track for what to pack for your Aspen vacation and what to wear in Aspen so you don't look like a tourist.

And remember always to be yourself, even if this means dressing like a tourist every now and then. If I’m being honest, I still sometimes do! You really can get away with almost anything in our beautiful mountain town. Unless you want to, because let's be honest, sometimes it is fun to stand out.