What to Wear in Denver, Colorado This Winter 

I checked off a new state this week with a trip to Denver, Colorado. I was so excited to head somewhere cold and snowy for a change—the perfect excuse to pull out all of my chunky sweaters and boots! I spent most of my week roaming around the city, eating at new restaurants, shopping, and exploring the mountains. It was so much fun.

Today I’m sharing what to wear in Denver this winter. I’ve got seven outfit ideas, links to shop, and directions to some of the most Instagrammable photo locations in the city.

Per usual, click the pink text (or the icons) for links to shop. Enjoy!

Downtown In Denver 

How sweet was Altard State to send over this Colorado sweatshirt for my trip?! They know I’m a big fan of cozy crewnecks for my travel days and this one certainly did not disappoint. I layered a basic long sleeve underneath and a matching scarf over top to keep warm. On the bottom, I’ve got on a pair of cropped Mango jeans that I swear I bring on every trip, haha. 

They work well with boots but I opted for my go-to travel sneakers: the Dolce Vita Zinas. These are slip-on sneakers that don’t tie, making them incredibly convenient for getting through airport security. They also have tons of arch support so they are always my go-to sneaker for a day of full of walking. I have several pairs but the white is definitely my most worn. I cannot say enough good things + these pair perfectly with ankle jeans! 

sweatshirt || long sleeve || jeans || sneakers || scarf || hat 

photo location ✈ The Ultimate Chicago Dog 

Keeping Cool In Colorado

There’s just something about these huge chunky moon boots that scream Colorado to me! I got this Steve Madden pair specifically for this trip and had so much fun styling them. Plus, I quickly realized that boots like this are a must if you plan on taking a short drive over to the mountains—there’s snow everywhere and these kept my feet both warm and dry!

I often see these styled with leggings and while I was eager to try them that way too, I really wanted to try styling them with a pair of jeans. I opted for a pair of Express straight legs that I cuffed twice. Up top, I’ve got on a chunky sweater and all my winter weather accessories. This scarf + ear muff combo was on repeat all week long! Keeping these the same color as my shoes is a must—a balanced look is always more pleasing to the eye.

For my jacket, I’ve layered on the cutest sherpa puffer from Abercrombie. I wore this almost every time I left the house. It’s got just the right amount of puff and was surprisingly very warm. I sized up to a small to give this extra room with my chunky sweaters.

sweater || jacket || ear muffs || scarf || jeans || boots

photo location ✈ Genessee Moutain Park

City Site Seeing 

Back in high school, I used to wear graphic tees with long sleeves all the time. It’s been forever since I pulled out this layering technique but temperatures were warmer than I expected so rather than going for my typical chunky sweater, I decided to break out my new Rolling Stones tee from American Eagle. Isn’t it adorable? I gave it a bra tuck to give this a cropped feel! 

My bottoms are another recent American Eagle purchase. I just got these and am obsessed with the straight-leg fit. They sit just below the belly button and have such a flattering fit to them. If you’re looking for pants that are easy to layer leggings underneath (a fashion hack I swear by when traveling somewhere super cold) these are definitely them! 

For shoes, I stuck with those same Dolce Vita Zinas! Tossing on a puffer jacket over top and am good to go for a day full of exploring the city. 

 tee || long sleeve || pants || sneakers || purse 

photo location ✈ 16th Street Mall

Bundled Up 

Bundled up in more winter layers. I always stick with a long sleeve bodysuit, a long sleeve shirt, and a chunky sweater. This combination never fails me and is my go-to for a day full of exploring outside. I sized up to a large in this sweater so that it would be super oversized. It hits mid-thigh and pairs perfectly with leggings, covering the tush! I’m obsessed with how effortlessly the Steve Madden moon boots paired with these.

Of course, I’ve also got some winter weather accessories layered on. I have this scarf in several colors and I swear it’s my most worn— so cozy and warm! Of course, the Russian visor had to make another appearance too. 

sweater || leggings || boots || hat || scarf 

photo location ✈ Genessee Moutain Park

Dinner and Drinks

Wearing the basics for dinner and drinks downtown—up top I’ve got on a solid fitted mock neck tee and a scarf to keep warm. As for bottoms, leather pants are always my go-to. These Express ones give every outfit an effortlessly elevated feel!

On my feet, I’m wearing a simple pair of mid-calf boots. I bought these in both nude and black while I was living in Europe and have worn them everywhere. The quality is nothing special and to be honest, the soles of them are a little thin for my liking, however, I find myself reaching for them all the time because of how easy they are to pack. They are fitted in all the right ways, pairing well with straight-leg pants without getting awkwardly bunchy around the calves.

Of course, I had to spice this simple outfit up with a fun jacket. I just got this leather coat with the fur collar and am obsessed! It adds so much to an outfit and was the perfect weight for sunny Colorado.

long sleeve || scarf || jacket || pants || boots

photo location ✈ Ruth’s Chris Downtown 

Pretty In Pink 

Not only do I have the Steve Madden moon boots in white, but also pink! The pink doesn’t have fur, just a nylon top, so they can get wet too. I loved these for a snow day in the mountains. I mean come on… the pink is just so fun! 

This oversized pink sweater is a favorite from Princess Polly. It’s incredibly heavy so admittedly not the easiest to pack in a suitcase but it sure will keep you warm. I’m wearing the same leggings and winter weather accessories to complete this look. And of course, Jules is matching in the same boots too! You can never go wrong with a matchy-matchy moment. 

sweater || leggings || boots || ear muffs || scarf

photo location ✈ Genessee Moutain Park

Keeping It Casual 

I packed lots of fancier outfits only to realize that Denver is a super casual city. So much so that I ditched part of my suitcase to wear this casual long-sleeve tee and jeans combination two nights in a row. I got these split-hem jeans from Abercrombie & Fitch and score dozens of compliments on them every time I pull them out. The seam along the front adds an interesting element to an otherwise basic pair of pants and helps elongate the legs. 

For shoes, I’m wearing the best Dolce Bita heeled boots. These are incredibly comfortable and although they look like they are suede they are actually a waterproof material which is perfect for the slushy winter months. They’ve got a two-inch heel that gives you just a little bit of height while still being manageable for everyday wear.

top || jeans || boots || ear muffs || scarf

photo location ✈Genessee Moutain Park

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I’ve spent so much of my year in swimsuits and sunshine that it was actually kind of nice to head somewhere snowy and pull out all of my winter weather looks. I was just in awe of Colorda’s beauty and hope to be back one day for a proper trip to the mountains. Perhaps an Aspen trip is in the cards for later this year… stay tuned! 

With love, McKenz

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