If you want to know what mountain chic style is, a quick way is to flip through the pages of a Patagonia, North Face or Filson clothing catalog and check out how these companies dress their models. Take the weathered, hardcore garments mountain women and men might wear on an arduous hike or working for the
Forest Service then class it up a bit (dark cuffed Levi's, t-shirt and a flannel jacket) and voilà, you’re now in the realm of mountain casual clothing.
Seasonal Mountain Chic Clothing
And while the rugged designs of most mountain chic attire can be worn on a long outdoor trek, this style of dress was really made for lounging around the bar at the ski lodge (after you change out of your practical ski gear), mountain brewery pub or at some upscale event in naturally beautiful places like (but not to limited to) Colorado, Montana or Wyoming.
Outdoorsy mountain casual clothing can vary, depending on the season. It could mean a simple but modish dress and Chelsea boots in summer, or dark jeans with a turtleneck and leather lace-up boots in autumn or winter. A Sherpa fleece or down parka can complete the outfit. Give your look a western-style grit with a wool fedora hat, button-up flannel shirt and a denim jacket.
But just because you see the word “casual” in the phrase “casual mountain chic,” that doesn't mean messy or tattered. This style shuns grubby, torn backcountry bushwhacking clothing. Remember, less is more. Slightly broken in is good, just so it fits well. To be approachable and fit in, stay away from the obnoxious fur boots, coats and hats.
These are just some necessary clothing and accessories that can work for both men and women, when trying to pull off the mountain chic vibe:
If you’re still having trouble picturing the mountain casual clothing aesthetic, try imagining an outfit a hipster might put together for a hike in the woods — or maybe the get-up the famed lumberjack Paul Bunyan might wear on his wedding day.
Mountain Chic Formal Attire
Formal attire hardly exists in the mountain setting. Friends and family who love the outdoors may choose to have a mountain casual wedding. Formal attire for a guy might look like snazzy boots with jeans with a handsome button-up pressed shirt finished with a funky bolo tie. For a woman, it might be a simple flowy dress paired with cowboy boots — often a sound choice when unsure of what to wear to a mountain chic soiree.
When it comes to mountain chic attire and marriage ceremonies (and receptions), the level of "informality" can vary. Best check with the groom or bride to confirm if the nuptial dress code leans more toward the mountain “chic” or mountain “casual” side of the equation.
However, you may see the dress code on invitation as formal or cocktail which had different meanings, but formal and cocktail are now synonymous.
What does this imply for guests? If the invitation specifies formal or cocktail attire, men should wear a nice dress shirt and suit pants, with optional ties and jackets. Women should wear a cocktail dress with elegant material, sparkles, and glam accessories like rings and earrings are always appropriate.
Most important of all, remember to have fun with your mountain chic attire. Avoid casual tees or anything that makes you look untidy — but embrace clothing and accessories that demonstrate your passion for the wilderness and the outdoor life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mountain chic fashion vs mountain cocktail attire?
Mountain chic fashion could include a simple but fashionable dress. In the summer, this includes Chelsea boots, but in the autumn and winter, it includes dark jeans with a turtleneck and leather lace-up boots.
However, mountain cocktail attire suggests something less formal than a black tie. This means that while a tuxedo isn't a requirement, the event is formal enough that one is appropriate.
What is the best mountain casual dress code?
Jeans, boots, a rugged button-up shirt, khakis, loafers, a lightweight belt, and a sports coat are all appropriate mountain casual attire. Mountain casual is not casual and does not include T-shirts, flip-flops, short-shorts, or swimwear.
What is outdoor chic attire?
Outdoor chic clothing is dressy but not formal, effortless but not casual.
